International Banking Systems module (BU51011)

​​Banks are central to how economies function, and understanding them critically is essential for finance and business professionals. This module develops that understanding at a postgraduate level. 

​You'll study the theory of banking: why banks exist, what they do, and how they perform. Topics include different types of banking (retail, investment, and universal), the role of financial innovation and securitisation, and how technology has changed the industry. 

​Central banking and regulation form a major part of the module. You'll examine the functions of central banks, how monetary policy is transmitted through the financial system, and the drivers of regulatory reform. 

​The module then turns to banking risk in depth: credit, liquidity, interest rate, foreign exchange, market, sovereign, systemic, and operational risk. You'll study how banks measure and manage each type, and examine how they affect the real economy. 

​Finally, you'll compare banking systems across the UK, US, EU, Japan, and emerging and transition economies, building a global perspective on banking practice. 

​What you will learn 

​In this module, you will: 

• ​Understand the role of banks and financial intermediaries within the economy 
• ​Explore different types of banking, including retail, investment, and universal banking 
• ​Examine the functions of central banks and how monetary policy is transmitted 
• ​Recognise and evaluate the range of risks banks face and the strategies used to manage them 
• ​Critically compare banking systems across major international markets 

​By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• ​Evaluate the role of banks and the central bank within national and global economies 
• ​Critically understand the activities of banks and how to measure their performance 
• ​Recognise the risks faced by banks and evaluate approaches to managing them 
• ​Critique differences between banking systems across international markets 
• ​Apply professional standards of time management and ethics appropriate to postgraduate-level study​

Assignments / assessments

• ​​Coursework (50%) 
• ​Final exam (50%)​

Teaching methods / timetable

• ​​Lectures 
• ​Discussion sessions