Keele University

What you'll study

The programme develops a solid grounding in finance, banking and financial markets, balanced with supporting study in economics, accounting and quantitative methods. Early modules introduce core concepts such as financial accounting, micro- and macroeconomics, and statistics for business, while later stages move into specialised topics including corporate finance, banking and financial institutions, investments and portfolio management, risk management and financial regulation.

Typical modules and topics you can expect include:

• Principles of Economics and Financial Systems
• Financial Accounting and Reporting
• Quantitative Methods and Econometrics for Finance
• Corporate Finance and Valuation
• Banking Operations, Institutions and Regulation
• Financial Markets, Securities and Derivatives
• Risk Management and Credit Analysis
• Financial Modelling and Data Analysis using industry-standard software
• Dissertation or independent research project focused on a banking/finance topic

Students are encouraged to take option modules that reflect their interests — for example, fintech, international finance, behavioural finance, or sustainability and finance — and to develop practical skills through case studies, simulations, guest lectures from practitioners and assessment by project work.

There is often an option to undertake a year-long placement in the financial services sector or a year abroad, which provides extended practical experience and can significantly enhance employability.

Entry requirements

Keele welcomes applicants with a range of qualifications. Typical applicants will hold post-16 qualifications such as A-levels, BTEC diplomas, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma. Because of the quantitative nature of the programme, a strong background in mathematics (or a closely related quantitative subject) is usually expected or highly desirable.

Other entry routes include relevant foundation programmes, mature student admissions based on work experience, and recognised international qualifications. All applicants are assessed on the overall quality of their qualifications, personal statement and references. English language proficiency is required where prior study has not been in English, and Keele provides pre-sessional English support if needed.

Career prospects

Graduates from Banking and Finance typically move into roles within retail and commercial banking, investment banking, asset management, treasury and corporate finance, risk and compliance, and financial consultancy. Common job titles include analyst (credit, investment or risk), treasury officer, relationship manager, compliance officer and financial planner.

The programme also provides a strong foundation for professional routes and postgraduate study: many students progress to specialised master's degrees (for example in finance, banking or financial engineering) or pursue professional qualifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams, accounting certifications (ACA/ACCA) or specialist risk and compliance credentials.

Keele’s careers service and the option to complete a placement year help students build employer contacts, develop interview-ready skills and secure graduate roles or internships in the highly competitive financial sector.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers a campus-based student experience with small-group teaching, personal tutors and close contact with academic staff. The Business School places emphasis on applied learning, combining theoretical rigour with practical activities such as financial modelling, industry speakers and employer-led projects.

Students benefit from multidisciplinary study options and support services including a dedicated careers and employability team, enterprise initiatives and opportunities for work placements or study abroad. Keele’s location provides good transport links to regional finance hubs, and the university’s library, data services and computing facilities support the analytical demands of a Banking and Finance degree.

Overall, Keele’s Banking and Finance programme aims to equip numerate, career-focused graduates with the technical knowledge, analytical skills and professional awareness needed to enter the financial services sector or continue to advanced study.