About This Course
This degree programme provides the opportunity to follow the prestigious CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) specialist pathway and acquire the skills to complete the CFA Level 1 examination (for both September-intake and January-intake students).
Successful completion of all examinations on this course will see you receive 11 exemptions from the CIMA. For further information on the CIMA exemptions visit our Professional Recognition and Accreditations page.
The course will enable students to develop an advanced knowledge of accounting and banking, which will be of particular interest to students who wish to pursue a career in the financial industry.
The overall aim of the course is to develop an integrated understanding of the role of banking and accounting for decision-making both inside and outside organisations. Students will undertake an advanced study of organisations, including financial institutions, their management, the role of accounting for internal and external users, and the changing external context in which they operate. Students will develop the ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of accounting and banking to complex issues.
Course Structure
January intake: Taught modules are undertaken in the period of January to June and September to January and will involve the study of 120 credits. The dissertation (or equivalent) is valued at 60 credits and is undertaken during the period of June to September.
September intake: Taught modules are undertaken in the period of September to June and will involve the study of 120 credits. The dissertation (or equivalent) is valued at 60 credits and is undertaken during the period of June to September.
Chartered Financial Analyst Pathway
Many of our degree programmes provide the opportunity to follow the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) specialist pathway and acquire the skills to complete the CFA Level 1 examination (for both September-intake and January-intake students). The CFA has become the most respected and recognised professional qualification in finance in the world.
Students undertaking this pathway will take a new module titled Financial Research & CFA Series during the summer period. Students will attend research seminars in June to be followed by specialist training for the Level 1 CFA exam provided by Fitch Learning, who are a well-recognised and accredited provider of CFA education. The teaching will include two days of Research Seminars in June and five two-day blocks of training, plus an additional two-block of revision provided across July and August. Assessments will follow the seminars and the CFA training.
No additional fees are charged for students undertaking this pathway.
However, students will be required to enrol with the CFA Institute and register for the exam. Payment of enrolment and examination fees is to the CFA Institute.
You will be able to register on this CFA pathway after arrival in Bangor. If you wish to make any enquiries in advance, please contact owain.apgwilym@bangor.ac.uk.
Course Content
What will you study on this course?
Compulsory modules:
- Accounting Theory
- International Banking
- Research Methods
- Financial Analysis
- Advanced Financial Reporting
- Bank Financial Management
Optional modules (choose 2):
- Corporate Risk Management
- Management Accounting
- International Financial Management
- Financial Intermediation
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Accounting and Banking Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Entry Requirements
Candidates should have a good first degree of 2(ii) or higher or equivalent from a university or another approved degree-awarding body. Non-graduate qualifications deemed to be of a satisfactory standard for the purpose of postgraduate admission may also be considered. Work experience is desirable.
Prior study of accounting (as part of the first degree, for example) or experience of working within the field of accounting is essential.
If your native language is not English, you must provide satisfactory evidence that you have an adequate knowledge and understanding of written and spoken English:
- IELTS: 6.0 (with no element below 5.5)
- Pearson PTE: a score of 56 (with no element lower than 51)
- Cambridge English Test – Advanced: 169 (with no element lower than 162)
Careers
The programme provides preparation for a career in accounting or in financial institutions by developing skills at a professional level. Whilst graduates of a Masters programme in accounting and banking may obtain employment in a variety of related careers they will also appeal to a wide range of employers in management related areas. Some students would progress into further postgraduate research study in accounting or banking.
