By Peerada Channarong, MSc Finance with Banking
What is MSc Finance with Banking?
When I first applied, I assumed MSc Finance with Banking would simply be a finance degree with a few banking modules added on. I was not completely sure what the “with Banking” part meant at the time, but I soon discovered that it offered much more than I initially expected.
The course runs for one year, with two teaching semesters followed by either a dissertation or a summer internship. Alongside core finance subjects, there are banking-focused modules such as Principles of Banking and Risk Management for Banking, which allow students to understand not only how financial markets work but also how banks operate, manage risk, and respond to regulatory challenges.
One thing that genuinely surprised me was how small the cohort was. There were only around 20 students, which completely changed the learning experience. During the first few weeks, everyone was still adapting to a new country, a different academic style, and a new way of learning. Because the class was small, it was much easier to get to know people and build connections. Conversations often continued after lectures rather than ending as soon as the class finished.
The small cohort also made classes feel much more interactive than I expected. Before exams, our lecturers would often give us exam-style questions, ask us to write answers in class, and then discuss different approaches together. The feedback was immediate, and it never felt intimidating to ask questions or stay behind after class. I found that this environment encouraged me to be more confident in sharing my ideas.
Another thing I appreciated was how the course connected academic learning with real-world finance. Through workshops, employer events, and industry-focused activities, we had opportunities to explore different areas of finance beyond the classroom.
Overall, what I enjoyed most about MSc Finance with Banking was the combination of technical learning and a supportive learning environment. It was not just about understanding finance concepts, but also about developing the confidence to discuss ideas, ask questions, and approach problems from different perspectives.
Was it worth studying MSc Finance with Banking?
For me, absolutely. But probably not only for the reasons people expect.
Academically, I learned a huge amount. One thing I really enjoyed about studying in the UK was how interactive the teaching style was. Instead of simply listening to lectures, we were encouraged to ask questions, discuss ideas, and challenge different viewpoints. It made learning feel much more engaging because I was actively thinking rather than just memorising information.
One of the biggest differences compared with my previous studies was the level of independence expected from students. I was used to having a clearer structure, but studying in the UK required me to take much more ownership of my learning. We had to read beyond lecture materials, develop our own arguments, and justify our opinions. It was challenging at first, but it completely changed the way I approach studying.
Working on my dissertation this year has probably been one of the most challenging parts of the course. Sitting with real data, questioning my own methodology, and explaining why I made certain choices was very different from simply understanding a concept in a lecture. However, it was also where I felt myself grow the most. It taught me how to think more critically, defend my own reasoning, and become more comfortable with uncertainty.
But honestly, studying abroad is so much more than getting a degree.
When you move overseas, suddenly everything becomes your responsibility. Before coming to Bath, I couldn’t really cook. I didn’t even have basic ingredients like salt or pepper in my kitchen during my first month because I genuinely had no idea where to start. Looking back, I think my first challenge in Bath was not finance, but figuring out what to buy in a supermarket. Luckily, I had wonderful friends who patiently taught me how to cook simple meals. It sounds like such a small thing, but it became a life skill that I will probably use forever.
There were also many small moments that international students will probably relate to, such as learning how buses work, carrying heavy groceries back to accommodation, managing a budget, and solving problems independently. None of these things feel significant individually, but together they make you much more confident and adaptable.
Living with flatmates from different countries was another important part of the experience. It taught me how to communicate with people from different backgrounds, understand different perspectives, and adapt to new environments. These are skills that are valuable not only personally but also professionally.
Another personal challenge was my English. I came from a Thai school rather than an international school, so speaking English every day felt intimidating at first. There were definitely moments when I prepared a sentence in my head, only for the conversation to move in a completely different direction before I had the chance to say it. Over time, I realised improvement was not only about grammar. It was about confidence. The more I asked questions, gave presentations, and accepted that making mistakes was part of learning, the more naturally my English improved.
Looking back, I don’t think the biggest thing I gained was simply knowledge. It was confidence, independence, adaptability, and the ability to keep learning even when everything around me was unfamiliar.
What jobs can you get with an MSc in Finance with a focus in banking?
One thing I like about this course is that it does not lock you into one specific career path.
Because it still provides a strong finance foundation, graduates can pursue a wide range of roles, including corporate finance, transaction services, M&A, investment banking, consulting, treasury, risk management, and commercial banking.
I’m currently going through the recruitment process myself, applying for advisory and banking roles, and one thing I have noticed is how relevant the course content is during the job search. Whether it is discussing financial markets, analysing business cases, or explaining how financial events affect institutions, the knowledge from the programme has helped me feel more confident during the recruitment process.
Where the course becomes more specialised is if you are interested in working within the banking industry. Modules such as Principles of Banking and Risk Management for Banking provide exposure to areas including capital regulation, liquidity management, and banking risk. These topics are directly relevant for roles such as credit analysis, treasury, risk, compliance, and regulatory functions.
Beyond the academic side, I also found the career support very valuable. Throughout the year, there were employer spotlight sessions featuring professionals from finance, banking, and consulting, which helped us understand what different roles are actually like. The university careers team also provided support with CV reviews, cover letters, and interview preparation. Looking back, I realised that choosing a course that matches your interests is important, but having strong support throughout the job search can make a significant difference.
Do you need a finance or business background?
Not necessarily, although having some quantitative ability is important.
One thing I really liked about the course was how diverse everyone’s backgrounds were. Even among Thai students, we came from accounting, finance, business, and other academic fields. There were also fresh graduates studying alongside people who already had several years of work experience.
Of course, having some finance knowledge helps. If you have studied finance before or worked in a related field, you may recognise some concepts more quickly. However, the programme does not require everyone to come from exactly the same background. According to the course requirements, students can come from different disciplines, but a quantitative background or aptitude is important because the programme involves financial analysis, modelling, statistics, and data-based problem solving.
Personally, I studied accounting, so I had some finance exposure during university, but moving into a dedicated finance master’s was still a learning curve. The content goes much deeper than what I had previously studied.
What helped me the most was the Fundamentals of Finance module at the beginning of the course. It acts as a bridge, helping students build the core concepts before moving into more advanced topics. At the same time, students with previous knowledge can strengthen their foundations before applying them in more technical modules.
I also think the interactive teaching style makes a big difference. Because we constantly discuss problems, ask questions, and apply concepts rather than simply memorise them, understanding naturally develops throughout the programme.
So while having a finance background can make the transition smoother, I don’t think it is the only factor that determines success. From my own experience, being willing to ask questions and accepting that you will not understand everything immediately are probably the things that helped me the most.
MSc Finance with Banking vs MSc Finance: what’s the difference?
At their core, both degrees are still finance programmes. Students from both courses have access to the same school resources, careers support, and networking opportunities. Reading Week is a good example of this. Regardless of which course you're on, there is a genuinely fun range of activities to get involved in beyond the classroom. I took part in the AmplifyME trading simulation, joined a Bloomberg office tour, and, completely unrelated to finance, even went on a Wimbledon tour. Looking back, those are some of my favourite memories from the whole year. It reminded me that studying abroad is not just about lectures and deadlines. It is also about exploring new experiences and broadening your perspective. So, if you're deciding between the two, I don't think choosing one over the other means missing out on these opportunities.
Bloomberg Tour – 1st Reading Week (November 2025)
The biggest difference is how you spend your credits.
The general MSc Finance programme offers more flexibility through optional modules, allowing students to tailor the degree towards areas such as investment management, valuation, or corporate finance depending on their interests.
MSc Finance with Banking, on the other hand, replaces some of that flexibility with compulsory banking modules such as Principles of Banking and Risk Management for Banking. Rather than only learning banking concepts at a general level, students spend more time understanding how banks manage capital, liquidity, regulation, and financial risk.
I don't think one course is objectively "better" than the other. They are simply designed for different goals. If you are still exploring different areas of finance and want more flexibility, MSc Finance may give you more room to customise your degree. However, if you already know that you are interested in banking or financial institutions, Finance with Banking allows you to develop specialist knowledge as part of the curriculum rather than having to build it independently later.
Beyond the course itself, one of the things I will always remember is the city of Bath. It is such a beautiful place to live, with its historic architecture, charming streets, and peaceful atmosphere. As an international student living abroad for the first time, feeling safe and comfortable in my surroundings made a huge difference. I never felt worried walking home after a late evening, and the kindness of people in the city made Bath feel welcoming from the very beginning.
Looking back, I think what made my experience special was not only what I learned inside the classroom, but also the place and the people that became part of my journey 🙂
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