Bachelor in Banking and Finance (Hons) with a specialism in Investment Analytics

Course Overview

This programme is specifically designed to provide students with:

• Knowledge and skills in handling financial products, product development and working within the rapidly changing Global Banking and Finance Industry.
• Opportunities to develop into highly competent managers, who are well qualified not only in Banking and Finance but also other professional areas required for successful business administration and management.
• Knowledge and understanding of the core elements of investment, financial analysis, and risk management that underpin sound decision-making.
• FinTech knowledge and technical skill relevant to Banking and Finance.

MORE THAN JUST A BANKING & FINANCE DEGREE

APU's Bachelor in Banking and Finance (Hons) with a specialism in Investment Analytics degree is designed to provide you an edge with the latest technologies that are in line with the Industrial Revolution 4.0.

Digital Transformation for IR4.0

Powered by FinTech - All Banking & Finance Programme comprise modules in Financial Technology (FinTech).

CMT Association Partner Academic

APU’s selection as the CMT Association’s Academic Partner Program signifies APU’s strong commitment to students’ career readiness and applied learning. Institutions in the CMT’s Academic Partner Program demonstrate academic rigor in financial courses ranging from quantitative methodologies to behavioral finance, as well as portfolio management and other key aspects of technical analysis.

With this partnership, the two institutions illustrate an innovative solution to the growing demand for student education and career preparedness, while advocating for the advancement of technical analysis.

Achievement

APU has been leading the way for its graduates in Professional recognition and exemptions in the areas of Accounting, Banking, Finance and Actuarial Studies. These are valuable not only for moving your career as a full-time professional forward but also for expanding your skills and expertise to become a more well-rounded employee. These recognitions help you become a more desirable job candidate or employee, one who can command a higher salary.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Program

APU is a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Program. This indicates that at least 70% of CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) is embedded in our curriculum, and students who have completed our Bachelor in Banking and Finance (Hons) programmes are prepared to undertake the exams leading to the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation, which is the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world. In addition, APU is also eligible to receive a limited number of student scholarships for the CFA Program every year.

DID YOU KNOW?

Finance is always at the heart of commerce that no one could get rid of. However, the advent of financial technology has disrupted the delivery of financial services. In order to remain competitive in digital banking sphere, banks have started to employ more staffing resources in the digitisation initiatives. Thus, our Bachelor in Banking and Finance (Hons) with a specialism in Investment Analytics (one of the first industry-driven FinTech curriculum in Malaysia) will prepare the graduates to meet the needs of a rapidly disrupted Financial Services industry in Malaysia and internationally with the ability to develop innovative ideas and to employ state-of-the art technologies.

Professional Body Partner

All Banking & Finance Programmes are accredited by Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers

AICB collaborates with APU in sharing of leading practices, knowledge and expertise in banking trends and developments through industry surveys, publications and thought leadership initiatives.

All the graduates of Banking and Finance are eligible to be affiliate members of CISI at a discounted price. Affiliate members of CISI will enjoy a suite of benefits, encompassing networking opportunities, continuous professional development, access to resources, and a commitment to ethical standards and professional excellence.

LSEG Financial Database

LSEG was previously known as Refinitiv and Thompson Reuters. Students can get access to real-time financial data via LSEG for analytics and research on par with the financial practitioners.

All Banking & Finance Programmes are empowered by Industry Collaborationrofessional Body Partner
 

FAOM

APU is the first University in Malaysia to sign MOA with FAOM to jointly develop future talents to embrace FinTech. FAOM also advises APU in the FinTech curriculum development to align with the industry requirement.

Curriculum

LEVEL 1

Students will learn fundamental skills required by every banking and finance professional, and the basic understanding of business management and finance. We will also expose them towards business & communication skills, accounting skills and management skills.

Common Modules

• Quantitative Skills
• Introduction to Management
• Business and Communication Skills
• Financial Accounting 1
• Business Economics
• Financial System
• Financial Accounting 2
• Essential of Banking & Finance
• Business Law
• Marketing

LEVEL 2

A broader range of skills will be learned, in which the students will gain a better understanding of investment analysis and management of investment risks. In addition, they will be introduced to the tool and test for various financial markets through Econometric software and trading platform. Besides, students will also be introduced to the hands-on training on the underlying technologies enabling FinTech solutions such as Python programming and R-programming.

Common Modules

• Financial Management
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Banking Instruments & Procedures
• Financial Technology
• Enabling FinTech
• Financial Planning
• Financial Econometrics
• Business Research Methods
• Applications of AI in Finance
• Law of Banking & Finance

Specialised Modules

• Economics of Finance
• Fixed Income Analysis

INTERNSHIP (16 WEEKS)

Students will undertake an Internship/ Industrial Training for a minimum period of 16 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.

LEVEL 3

Students will make use of their previous studies and industrial experience to learn about the practical aspect of risk management practices and theories as well as the globalisation of banking and finance in Global Banking and Finance. Concept and empirical applications of Technical Analysis & Trading will also be a target to groom them as a leader in investment and risk management. A final-year project requires them to explore a topic individually – they will demonstrate their academic and practical aspects of their ability in the chosen area of study.

Common Modules

• Risk Management in Banking and Finance
• Financial Derivatives
• Corporate Finance
• Global Banking and Finance
• Investigation Report
• Ethics in Finance

Specialised Modules

• Technical Analysis and Trading
• Equity Investment
• Robo Advisor
• Portfolio Management

Note: The specialism will only appear in the academic transcript.

MQA Compulsory Subjects*

• Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisation (M’sian Students)
• Malay Communication Language (Int’l Students)
• Philosophy and Current Issues
• Workplace Professional Skills
• Integrity and Anti-corruption
• Co-Curriculum

(*All students are required to successfully complete these modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency)

29 Nov 2018 - Fintech modules offered as part of bachelor’s degree - Read more HERE

Entry Requirements

Any qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

International Students

Please note that under Ministry of Higher Education regulations, only students who have achieved the minimum requirement in the English Language proficiency assessment as indicated above will be allowed to continue their studies in the main study programme. 

Students who do not have the required English Language achievement may apply for a student visa on conditional basis and are allowed to enrol in an English Language Certification programme at APU upon arrival in Malaysia and, subsequently, appear for the IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/MUET assessment.

Students who are unable to obtain the required level of English Competency during the maximum 12 months’ period, will not be allowed to pursue their studies in the main programme and will have to return to their home country.

Students from English speaking countries and those with qualifications taught in English (IGCSE, A-Levels, IB, American High School Diploma etc) are exempted from English requirements. Applications for exemption must be accompanied by supporting documents.

Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

The qualification and entry requirements for the programmes will be determined based on the "Comparison List of Equivalency of International Qualifications with SPM (O-Levels equivalent) and STPM (A-Levels equivalent)" published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Career Prospects

• Planning and Budgeting Consultant
• Portfolio Manager
• Investment Executive
• Risk Manager
• Investment and Wealth Manager
• Insurance Manager
• Risk Analyst
• Compliance Manager
• Portfolio Risk Advisor