DEGREE GUIDE

Banking

What do Banking degrees involve?

Banking degrees teach you how financial institutions operate, how money moves through the economy, and how to manage financial risk. You will explore key areas such as financial markets, investment banking, risk management, corporate finance, and banking regulations. These courses help you develop strong analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills while understanding how banks support businesses, individuals, and global economies. You will also learn about financial technology (FinTech), ethical banking, and economic policy. With opportunities for industry placements, real-world financial projects, and professional accreditation, you’ll gain practical experience that prepares you for careers in commercial and investment banking, financial consultancy, and risk analysis.

Example
Modules

Financial Accounting: Learn how financial statements are prepared, analysed and interpreted to assess company performance and support financial decision-making.

Principles of Finance: Explore key financial concepts including interest rates, risk and return, and how future cash flows are used to make investment decisions.

Corporate Finance: Study how firms raise capital, make investment choices and manage profits to maximise value and support long-term growth.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement years are widely available.
🌍 Study abroad is offered at some universities.

BSc (Hons) Banking and Finance
BSc (Hons) Banking
BA (Hons) Financial Services
BSc (Hons) Economics and Banking
BSc (Hons) Investment and Banking

Banking degrees are usually offered as BSc, but some BA routes are available with more emphasis on financial services or economics.

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Banking degrees prepare you to understand how financial institutions work – from lending to risk management. Universities look for students comfortable with numbers, though specific subject requirements are usually flexible.

Subjects that could strengthen your application:

Maths – highly recommended and often required
Economics or Business Studies – useful for markets and finance
Further Maths or Statistics – valuable for quantitative courses
Accounting or Computer Science – helpful supporting subjects

✨ Maths is the key subject and keeps the widest range of Banking courses open for you.

Many universities also welcome equivalent qualifications, such as:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Business or Finance (some courses may also ask for A-level Maths)
T-levels in Accounting, Finance, or Management & Administration
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) with a business/finance pathway

✨ Entry requirements can vary depending on how mathematical the course is—always check the specific subjects and entry criteria on each university’s website.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

Most courses ask for:

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalents such as National 5s or MYP

📘 Many programmes prefer a stronger grade in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths (5/B or above), as Banking involves data, risk, and numerical analysis.

💬 Interviews
Not usually required. Some programmes may invite you to an applicant day or informal discussion, especially if a placement year is included.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no standard national tests. A few competitive courses may set a short maths or reasoning task during selection—check the course page.

🔍 Work Experience
Not essential, but experience in retail banking, customer service, accounting, or finance clubs/competitions can strengthen your application.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Banking, Finance or Business
A good option if you’re missing required subjects or want extra preparation.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Business, Finance, or Social Sciences)
Widely accepted—choose units with quantitative elements (e.g., statistics, accounting, economics) and aim for strong results.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
Relevant apprenticeships include Financial Services, Assistant Accountant, Investment Operations, or Compliance/Risk. These provide practical experience and can support later degree entry when combined with further study.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Banking degree

Numeracy & Financial Literacy: Gain confidence with numbers, financial data, and managing money.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Learn to assess risks, analyse financial information, and make smart decisions.
Business & Commercial Awareness: Understand how banks and financial markets operate.
Problem-Solving: Tackle challenges in lending, investments, and customer services.
Decision-Making: Make informed choices that balance risk and opportunity.
Digital Literacy & IT Skills: Use specialist banking software, data tools, and online systems.
Communication (Written, Verbal, Digital): Share financial information and advice in clear and simple ways.
Attention to Detail: Develop accuracy when dealing with financial records, transactions, and reports.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work effectively with colleagues on banking projects and services.
Ethical Awareness & Sustainability: Learn the importance of ethical banking and its impact on people and the planet.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make a Banking degree a good match for you

Careers a Banking degree could lead you to