The BSBF program consists of 134 credits (45 courses) in which university requirements account for 24 credits, college requirements 24 credits and major courses 78 (of which six credits are elective with the major and the rest, 72 credits, are prescribed) in addition to 6 free electives. To complete the BSBF degree, the students registered for a research preparatory course (BFRM 498) and a final project (BANK/FINC 499) involving undertaking a major research project. The BSBF programme prepares students for careers in commercial and investment banking in particular and, in general, to become financial professionals in finance/treasury departments in corporations and governmental organisations. In the academic year 2009-2010 based on the market requirements and the feedback of the academic staff and students, the programme had been revised adding more quantitative coursework both college-wide (STAT 202) and adding niche required banking courses, like Islamic banking, programme-wide (BANK 330). Some new electives were introduced to cover “hot-topic” areas regionally (FINC 328 Real Estate Finance) and globally (FINC 427 Derivative Securities). In 2012-2013, the research component of all programmes including BSBF, was strengthened by the inclusion of a research methods course designed specifically for business research (BFRM 498) which became a prerequisite for all 499 undergraduate projects in business. In addition, a course on business ethics (ETHC 391) and Human Rights Principles (HUMR 101) were included in the curriculum of all undergraduate business programmes from term 2 of 2013-2014.

The programme of banking and Finance received confidence in its evaluation by the Quality Assurance Authority (Bahrain) in 2013-2014, and was successfully listed and approved by the National Qualification Framework (Bahrain) 2014-2015.

AIMS

The overall aim of the programme is to foster students’ knowledge and understanding in the field of Banking and Finance in a way that enhances their skills and competences when analysing and participating in interdisciplinary courses at a high academic level, within an international context that augment graduates with an extensive range of conceptual and practical skills in a professional and globalised contexts.

OBJECTIVES

In order to achieve this overall aim, the BSBF programme is designed to achieve the following specific aims:

• To develop students’ knowledge and critical understanding of theories, concepts and research findings relating to the multidisciplinary fields of banking and Finance
• To develop students’ professional competence in analysing, understanding and managing interdisciplinary issues and in communicating effectively.
• To augment students with a range of skills, values and creative abilities that is suitable for performing managerial roles effectively within the banking and financial services sectors.
• To develop students’ research skills through instruction in research methods, opportunities to undertake individual and group research projects in the fields of banking and finance.
• To prepare highly qualified and motivated students in our BSBF degree programme to become effective managers and leaders of financial institutions.
• To develop students into responsible and socially aware business professionals or managers.
• To prepare students to enter postgraduate study in banking and finance or related disciplines.
• To develop students’ with specialised professional skills in selected areas of banking and finance according to their interests and career aspirations.

This program achieved full confidence by QQA

Career Opportunities

• Financial Analysts
• Financial Examiners
• Personal Financial Advisors/Planner/Consultant
• Financial Managers
• Financial Services Sales Agent
• Credit Authorisers
• Auditors
• Credit Analysts
• Treasurer/Controllers
• Bookkeepers
• Tax Examiners
• Tax Collectors
• Actuaries
• Economists
• Loan Officers
• Cost Estimators
• Bankers
• Budget Analyst
• Underwriter
• Personal Financial Advisors
• Purchasing Agents/Buyers
• Administrative Service Managers Real Estate Brokers and Agents
• Insurance Sales Agents
• Investment Broker

• Qualification: Bachelors in Banking & Finance
• Type: Undergraduate
• Duration: 4 years
• Qualification name: Banking & Finance
• College: College of Business & Finance
• Language of offering: English

TEACHING:

The department faculty diversifies their teaching styles to minimize the lecture-based approach and to push students to take initiative in and responsibility for their own learning.
The following teaching methods are widely practiced: Lectures, class discussions, in class problem sets, internship and guest speakers.

ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Students are assessed through a combination of examinations and assessed course work. Assessments, which are both formative and summative, may take the form of essays, project reports, portfolios, presentations,  group work, Problem sets, graded homework, , in lab exercises, Case studies, and exams (closed or open books).

Bachelor’s Degree fees

The estimated duration for completion of a Bachelors Degree at Ahlia University is 4 years. This is structured around 134 credit-hours covering 45 courses.

The duration of study for each course is fifteen weeks, covering approximately 45 study hours.

Please note that the fees listed above do not include the cost of text books required to complete the program.