Banking & Finance degree programme

Banks play a fundamental role in the economy.

They provide a wide range of services that enable individuals and businesses to launch their projects. The security they provide helps to build trust between parties in all transactions. This is a very attractive sector for students, as there are many opportunities and a wide variety of jobs. With a degree in banking and finance, you will have all the skills that recruiters are looking for and you can start an exciting career.

MSc in Corporate finance & banking

The importance of banking

The economy relies heavily on banks. They act as trusted intermediaries in many contexts. They provide a safe environment for individuals and businesses to deposit their money. They alsomanage transactions, ensuring a high level of security and trust between different parties. They enable fast international money transfers and provide payment systems.

Banks, especially central banks, also play an important role in regulating and stabilising the economy.

They work with governments to implement policies aimed at reducing inflation, adjusting interest rates, etc. They also help individuals and businesses achieve their goals. Because they have a large reserve of money, they can lend some of it to fund personal projects, such as buying a house, or business projects, such as buying a new warehouse, a larger office or investing in research and development. Businesses also benefit from insurance to manage risk.

Banks can also provide advice to their customers

For example, they can help businesses make the best investment decisions. They also help individuals with services such as wealth management or retirement planning. Starting your studies in banking and finance is a great way to prepare for a promising career. The sector offers a wide range of opportunities and there are many ways to get promoted. As banking is a global sector, there is also the possibility of an international career. Banking also offers high salaries and bonuses.

In addition, banking is a modern sector that embraces new technologies to provide a better service.

The future of banking

Digital technologies are changing the face of banking. FinTech is one of the most important aspects of this development. Also known as financial technology, FinTech is an umbrella term that refers to new technologies in the sector.

For example, payment apps or banks that operate entirely online are some of the best-known innovations that have come about thanks to FinTech. New technologies also make it possible to reduce costs, using AI and machine learning to automate basic tasks and be more efficient in their more value-added tasks. More innovations will emerge in the coming years, promising an exciting future for professionals in the sector.

Recent years have also seen the rise of banking as a service (BaaS), which has the potential to disrupt the sector. If a company wants to offer banking services to its customers, it has to build an entire branch, comply with all the regulations and adapt. This is costly and time-consuming. This is where BaaS comes in: banks can now allow third parties to access their system and offer their services through their app, website, etc. The user interacts with the company throughout the process, but everything is managed by the bank. It opens the door to a lot of innovation and banks will have access to new markets, will have new ways to compete and will generate more revenue by offering these services.

A degree in banking and finance is fundamental to develop your innovative mind and be ready for an ever-changing sector.

MSc in Corporate finance & Banking

Career prospects after obtaining a degree in banking & finance

With a degree in finance and banking, you can work in many companies, not just banks. You will have acquired skills in corporate finance that many companies are looking for, such as risk management or making investment decisions. This is why you can join the finance department of an international corporation or even a consulting firm. If you work for a bank, you can specialise in a particular field, such as private equity.

If you work for a bank, your day-to-day job will involve dealing with customers, whether individuals or companies. You will listen to their needs and offer advice and financial products. You can work in a physical branch or for an online bank. There are also opportunities for international careers in the largest banks.

After graduation, you can work as a:

Financial analyst
Private Equity Analyst
Investment Banking Analyst
Impact Investing Analyst
Wealth Manager

There are many possibilities for career advancement, depending on where you work. In corporate finance, you will probably start in a junior position. It usually takes a few years to gain the experience to move into a more senior role, and then into a managerial role. In banking, the career path will be slightly different as client relationships are an important part of the job. You may start out as a personal banker. Over time, as you learn more about the products and services your bank offers, you may also move into a managerial role, overseeing a team or the branch where you work.

Key recruiters in Banking & Finance

What skills will you gain from studying banking & finance?

Studying to obtain a banking and finance degree will give you all the skills you need to work in the sector.

Whether you work for a bank or a company, you will have acquired the skills that you need in corporate finance: valuation, capital structure or payout policies… You will also develop your critical thinking to value companies and design efficient financial policies. You will also develop a business-oriented mind, with courses on corporate strategy and the fundamentals of corporate law.

During the programme, you will also acquire horizontal skills such as leadership, management and cultural awareness, as well as soft skills such as problem solving, communication and relationship building, adaptability...

Why should you pursue a degree in banking & finance at EDHEC Business School?

Transcript

EDHEC MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking

[Hamid Boustanifar - Programme in Finance]

The MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking is where the students are provided with skills required to do financial analysis of companies.

The structure of the programme is in a way that at the beginning of the programme, especially the first semester, basically takes all the fundamentals core courses.

Then going towards the second semester, they are offered a variety of electives where they could choose to specialise
in a particular path. For example: Private Equity, Decentralised finance, or more towards Financial Analysis & Accounting etc.

Through the electives, basically, we offer many emerging topics, emerging fields. We start to teach on textual analysis machine learning as an elective for a student.

A lot of variety of these courses that the students, they can choose and these evolve to be consistent with what reality and the business is demanding from us.

We have a long-lasting partnership with Société Générale which is one of the major investment banks in the world and that provides huge opportunities for our students and resources for them, because, basically through this partnership and sponsorship of the programme.
We get to meet their experts, they frequently come to the campus... teaching our students and sharing their knowledge as well as, all sorts of networking opportunities that the students get through them.

Obviously Société Générale, is one of the main recruiters of our students.

This a great resource for these students. These types of courses and skills provides students with future paths and careers to go towards, for example: Investment Banking, within different departments such as being an Equity Research Analyst, or M&A department within an investment bank, or an ECM and DCM departments... or they could go also towards Private Equity Firm working as a Private Equity Analyst... or working for Consulting companies such as McKinsey, Deloitte, PwC...

Or ultimately going for non-financial corporations to work within the Treasury departments or maybe the CFO of the company.

[Music] Make an Impact. EDHEC logo

EDHEC Business School offers anMSc in Corporate Finance & Banking that will help you achieve your goal.

The expertise of our school in finance is internationally recognised. In 2024, the Financial Times ranked our Master in Finance as the 6th best in the world. Join our programme and prepare for an exciting career in a dynamic and evolving sector.

MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking

FAQs about Banking and Finance Degree

What is an MSc in banking and finance degree?

A banking and finance degree focuses on the principles of banking, economics, and financial management. It teaches you how banks operate, how to analyse investments, and how to manage corporate finances. EDHEC's MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking programme combines theoretical concepts with practical skills, preparing students to meet the challenges of the banking industry. With this degree, you'll gain a good understanding of financial systems, empowering you to excel in various roles in the field of banking and beyond.

Is a banking and finance degree worth it?

Yes! A banking and finance degree opens doors to a wide range of opportunities in a thriving sector. This degree equips you with essential skills, such as risk management and financial analysis, making you highly sought after by employers. It also builds self-awareness and promotes professional development through collaborative learning activities and interaction with expert lecturers. Additionally, it prepares you for a dynamic career with high earning potential, global mobility, and significant growth opportunities.

What levels are needed for banking?

To pursue a career in banking, having strong qualifications in key subjects is essential. At A-Level, subjects such as Mathematics, Economics, and Business Studies are often recommended. These subjects develop analytical and problem-solving skills, which are critical for roles in the field of banking. A solid foundation in these areas helps you achieve your career goals and succeed in your studies at university. Additionally, demonstrating proficiency in communication and critical thinking through complementary subjects can further strengthen your application.

Which degree is best for banking and finance?

While several degrees are suitable, an MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking from EDHEC Business School is highly valued.EDHEC is ranked the #7 business school in Europe (FT 2024)and its Master in Management is ranked #4 worldwide (FT 2024). Additionally, EDHEC’s Master’s in Finance holds the #6 spot globally (FT 2024). This degree combines core finance skills with specialised banking knowledge, preparing you for leadership roles in the industry. With the #1 career services and alumni network (FT 2024), EDHEC provides exceptional support for achieving your career goals.

What does a banking and finance course include?

EDHEC's banking and finance course is designed to provide a balance of theoretical concepts and practical skills, essential for success in the banking industry. The curriculum often includes core modules such as corporate finance, risk management, and management accounting, helping students develop a good understanding of financial systems.

During the academic year, students engage in a mix of lecturer-led classes, collaborative learning sessions, and hands-on activities. Some programmes, like the MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking at EDHEC Business School, integrate case studies to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the real world. Assessments include projects, exams, and practical assignments that test analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Many courses also focus on professional growth by offering work placements, providing valuable industry exposure. Key topics like the impact of government policies on finance, the evolving regulatory framework, and innovative financial tools are often explored. Additionally, some institutions, like EDHEC, include professional development opportunities, self-awareness workshops, and career goals planning within their curriculum.

What jobs can you get with a banking and finance degree?

A banking and finance degree prepares you for a variety of career paths. Popular roles include financial analyst, investment banking analyst, and wealth manager. You can also work in corporate finance, private equity, or impact investing. These roles often involve applying theoretical concepts to solve complex challenges and build success in the real world. Programmes often include opportunities for a work placement, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and align their studies with career goals. The skills acquired make you a strong candidate for jobs in banks, international corporations, and consultancy firms. Read Lorenzo Perlini's success story.

What are the entry requirements for a banking and finance degree?

At EDHEC Business School, candidates for the MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking must meet specific criteria. Applicants need a minimum of a three-year bachelor’s degree in any discipline, though a background in business, finance, or engineering is preferred. English language requirements include proficiency demonstrated through tests such as TOEFL (≥ 92), TOEIC (≥ 850), IELTS (≥ 6.5), or Cambridge Test of English (> 175).

While an aptitude test (GMAT, GRE, TAGE MAGE, or CAT for Indian students) is optional, submitting a score can strengthen your application. Additional requirements include a CV, a motivation letter, academic transcripts, two recommendation letters, and an online video interview.

English-native speakers or those who have completed a degree taught in English (minimum of three years) may be eligible for a test waiver. EDHEC values diverse backgrounds, academic excellence, and professional development. Its structured modules and innovative teaching methods ensure students are prepared for the evolving demands of the banking industry.

Further information about tuition fees and costs can be found on EDHEC’s official website.