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).
In addition, our partnership agreement with the esteemed Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) means that graduates of this programme will be eligible to take CISI’s Level 3 Certificate in Islamic Finance, without the need for additional tuition.
Future employers confirm that a professional qualification on your CV makes it stand out in a competitive job market.
The professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), are developed by practitioners to equip you with the practical knowledge you need to do your job when you leave university.
Demonstrate to future employers that you can make a difference from day one with a CISI qualification.
Your degree is accredited by the CISI (www.cisi.org) as the syllabus covers a large proportion of the content for the following professional qualifications: Introduction to Investment. For your study resources visit CISI University Hub.
Over the past two or three decades or so, Islamic banking and finance has emerged as another viable way of financial intermediation. It has gained credibility and has spread worldwide and is the preferred way of banking for one fifth of the world’s population.
This taught MSc programme offers an opportunity to study the structure of the Islamic Banking and Finance industry, including its theoretical foundations, products, performance, Islamic Financial Instruments and Risk Management issues. These and other topics will be studied within the wider context of the Banking and Finance industry worldwide. The MSc is suitable for candidates with some previous background in mathematics, statistics or econometrics.
For applicants with different prior academic backgrounds, please refer to the MBA Islamic Banking and Finance.
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?
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.
Compulsory modules:
Research Methods: This module equips students with knowledge of intermediate and advanced research methods, which they will encounter in other modules and in their dissertation.
International Financial Markets: This module provides an overview of financial instruments in a multi-currency world, taking account of insights from portfolio theory concerning the relationship between risk and return, the diversification of risk, and the pricing of assets.
Islamic Finance: This module provides an insight into topical issues relating to Islamic financial instruments and related risk management issues. The first part of the course examines issues relating to financial contracting, instruments and various intermediation issues. The second part of the course focuses on the role of the capital market in providing Islamic financing and highlights financial engineering issues as well as risk management features of this type of business.
Islamic Banking: This module provides an insight into the key features of Islamic banking business. The first part of the course outlines the theoretical foundations and development of Islamic banking practices. In particular, the main characteristics of various types of Islamic banking products are discussed. The second part of the course examines the operational features of Islamic banks focusing on their performance and how they compete with conventional interest-based banks. The final part of the course outlines contemporary challenges to Islamic banking business.
International Banking: This module examines the origins of international banking, the activities of international banks, the markets in which they participate, and the sources of risk.
Financial Econometrics: This module provides advanced coverage of econometric methods and practices that are used to model financial and business data.
Optional modules (choose 2):
Islamic Accounting and Financial Reporting: This module develops a critical awareness of theoretical and practical approaches to Islamic accounting and financial reporting. Islamic accounting standards are compared with IFRS, and the content and impact of academic research in this area is examined.
Corporate Risk Management: This module provides an analysis of pure risk and its management. You will develop a critical awareness of the issues that arise in identifying, controlling and financing loss exposures. The module demonstrates the application of risk management concepts and techniques to practical problems.
Investment Strategy and Portfolio Management: This module evaluates the development of investment strategies for bonds, equities and derivatives that are designed to achieve optimal risk-return outcomes, and examines the measurement and evaluation of the performance of a portfolio of investments.
Islamic Insurance: This module analyses the nature and principles of Islamic insurance, and examines the operational modes and practice of Islamic insurance. The structure of Islamic insurance markets is described, and constraints and opportunities are highlighted.
Financial Stability: This module offers an introduction to financial stability, referring to theories of financial crises and empirical evidence. It aims to establish the role played by central banks in achieving and maintaining financial stability, and it also considers the effect of industrial organisation of banking systems on financial stability.
Merger and Acquisition: This module provides an analysis of incentives and outcomes associated with merger and acquisition deals. It covers the development and execution of an acquisition strategy, the valuation of the target, the conduct of the negotiation, and the implementation of the post-merger integration plan.
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 Islamic Banking and Finance Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Entry Requirements
Entry to the MSc in Islamic Banking and Finance programme requires a 2(ii) undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, e.g. economics, finance, accounting or management from a university, or a similar qualification from any other institution. Alternatively, possession of a suitable professional qualification and relevant practical experience may also be accepted. In general, however, applicants are judged on their individual merits and age, work experience and other factors are also considered. Bangor University also offers International Incorporated Masters Degrees for International students whose academic credentials are different from those outlined above. The first year is studied at the Bangor International College , an embedded College on our University campus and delivered by Oxford International Education Group.
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)
It may be necessary for applicants falling short of this minimum standard to attend an intensive English Language course before registering for the academic programme. Such a course is available at Bangor, and full details and an application form may be obtained here.
