Overview
The banking and finance industry offers multiple opportunities in managing money. As digital-first banking services become the norm, demand increases for suitably skilled graduates. (source: Prospects 2024).
The MSc Digital Banking and Finance course will equip you with knowledge and analytical skills. It has everything you need for a successful career in the digital banking and finance sector.
This course is designed for individuals at any stage of their career, whether they have prior experience or are looking to switch fields.
- Understand banking practices, regulation and current industry challenges.
- Focus on digital banking, FinTech, and data analysis.
- Recognise the importance of ethics and sustainability in financial decision making.
- Gain crucial technical skills in financial modelling and risk management.
- Understand global banking systems, including those in emerging and transitioning economies.
Industry-relevant curriculum and future-proof skills
This is a rapidly changing field. Our links with industry ensures this course stays relevant and flexible. You will be well-prepared for the disruptive changes in banking and finance.
Practical experience and forward thinking
This MSc Digital Banking and Finance degree is not just about theory. We offer a combination of technical, analytical, and soft skills. A particular strength is our focus on the practical application of key banking and finance concepts.
The AmplifyMe Boot Camp and Student Managed Investment Fund will give you experience of trading in financial markets.
Networking and guest lectures
Banking and finance experts will be in your classroom, offering you the most contemporary industry thinking. Guest lecturers are drawn from leading financial institutions, think tanks and professional bodies. Previous speakers include:
- Nick Bartlett - Director of Education at CFA Society of the UK
- Paul Hughes - Global Head of Investment Risk, Aberdeen Standard Investments
- Russell Napier - Co-founder and Chairman of ERIC (Electronic Research Interchange)
- John Goodwin - Executive Vice-President and CFO, Lego
- Lorna Blyth - Head of Investment Solutions, Royal London
We are AACSB accredited
The University of Stirling is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is the world's largest global standard-setting body for business education. Only 6% of the world’s leading business schools achieve this accreditation. This recognises our excellence in business education and societal impact.
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
The overall objective of this course is to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in banking and finance, or a related field. A particular strength of our course is the focus on the practical application of key banking and finance concepts, financial reporting, risk management tools, and professional ethics in the banking industry. The structure of our course has at its core a collection of modules that examine various aspects and challenges of banking operations and management in the context of the new technologies (digital banking, online currencies, FinTech, data analytics, etc.) that are re-shaping the banking and finance landscape.
You’ll develop a sound understanding of the different types of banking and financial systems that exist globally, including those in emerging countries and countries in transition. The course also covers theory, methodology and research techniques within the dissertation module.
Throughout this Masters course, you’ll develop:
- a systematic understanding of key concepts and methods in banking and finance, such as operations and strategy, risk management tools and the regulatory framework for risk management, financial reporting and data analysis;
- critical awareness of current problems and new insights in banking and finance;
- practical understanding of the techniques of enquiry and research used in banking and finance, and how they are used to create and interpret knowledge;
- conceptual understanding for evaluating current research and scholarship in banking and finance.
Professional accreditation
The University of Stirling is accredited by AACSB International in recognition of our excellence in business education.
Research overview
In REF 2021, 80% of our research impact in Business and Management Studies was classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
The Economics Division at Stirling Management School is committed to the pursuit of excellence in both research and teaching. The Division is ranked in the top 25 of institutions in the UK and Europe by RePEc (Research Papers in Economics).
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class Honours degree or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Our Masters in Digital Banking and Finance is a full-time one-year course taught across three semesters that gives you the knowledge and analytical skills you’ll need for a successful career in the world of banking and finance.
Develop your careers skills with our Flying Start Leadership Programme module
We go beyond textbooks and lecture rooms to focus on your personal and professional development. Our Flying Start module will help you develop practical career skills such as effective public or conflict management.
Modules
Teaching
Teaching is carried out through lectures and small group teaching, seminars, workshops and computer labs.
Our lecturers have global reputations for advancing knowledge in the fields of banking and finance, and the course incorporates current developments. We encourage our students to explore contemporary challenges in seminars and workshops. Students will have access to and engage with labs, practical workshops, live markets via the Student Managed Investment Fund and the AmplifyME Trading Boot Camp, and learn from contemporary banking and finance analysts.
Assessment
Assessment includes coursework, presentations and exams. You’ll undertake a dissertation project in the third semester. Your dissertation will be based on an original research question agreed by yourself and your supervisor. The dissertation project should reflect your own understanding and knowledge of selected topics covered in the taught modules.
Classroom hours
Students can expect to have around 40 contact hours per module each semester and a timetable will be available shortly before the course begins.
Course director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
With a Masters in Digital Banking and Finance, you can pursue a variety of roles in the financial sector, including:
- digital banking specialist
- financial analyst
- risk manager
- investment analyst
- compliance officer
- financial advisor
- blockchain specialist
- data scientist
- corporate finance manager
The estimated total pay for a digital banking specialist is £74,695 per year, with an average salary of £53,514 per year (source: Glassdoor).
The UK’s banking and finance sector has long been a global leader, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. In 2025, the median salary for professionals in the sector stands at £43,500 (source: Banking and Finance Insights and Trends 2025).
Our MSc Digital Banking and Finance graduates enjoy worldwide success within different organisations. This ranges from multinational banks to asset management companies.
Our graduates work for many different financial organisations, including:
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- Bank of China
- Citibank
- Ernst and Young
- HSBC
- JP Morgan Chase
- Ministry of Finance (Greece)
- Morgan Stanley
- Santander
- Vodafone
Study and careers support
You'll have a mentor who will guide you through your studies.
The Careers Service provides support for CV design, interview skills and other career skills.
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