Program Overview

This two-year Higher National Diploma (HND) in Banking and Finance is designed to equip students with the professional knowledge, technical competencies, and ethical values required for careers in banking, financial services, and public or private financial management. The program aligns with the educational standards of The Gambia and the sub-regional West African context.

Program Purpose

The purpose of the HND in Banking and Finance program is to develop competent financial professionals capable of working in banking institutions, microfinance entities, insurance companies, investment firms, and regulatory bodies. The program aims to support national development by providing skilled human capital for The Gambia’s growing financial sector.

Program Objectives

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of core principles in banking, finance, and economics.
  • Analyze financial statements and assess institutional performance.
  • Apply financial laws and regulatory standards relevant to The Gambia and the West African sub-region.
  • Utilize digital banking technologies and systems.
  • Develop strategic thinking and leadership skills in financial management.
  • Apply ethical principles and good governance in financial decision-making.

Core Concepts to be Learned

  • Principles of Banking and Finance
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Investment and Risk Management
  • Monetary Economics
  • Financial Markets and Institutions
  • Ethics, Law, and Corporate Governance
  • Digital Banking and Financial Technologies

Curriculum Structure

Semester 1

  1. BF101 – Introduction to Banking and Financial Services
  2. BF102 – Principles of Microeconomics
  3. BF103 – Business Communication Skills
  4. BF104 – Financial Accounting I
  5. BF105 – Business Mathematics
  6. BF106 – ICT for Business I

Semester 2

  1. BF107 – Principles of Macroeconomics
  2. BF108 – Financial Accounting II
  3. BF109 – Principles of Management
  4. BF110 – Legal Aspects of Banking
  5. BF111 – ICT for Business II
  6. BF112 – Communication Skills II

Semester 3

  1. BF201 – Monetary Theory and Policy
  2. BF202 – Corporate Finance
  3. BF203 – Risk and Insurance
  4. BF204 – Financial Reporting
  5. BF205 – Marketing of Financial Services
  6. BF206 – Entrepreneurship Development

Semester 4

  1. BF207 – Financial Institutions and Markets
  2. BF208 – Investment and Portfolio Management
  3. BF209 – Public Finance
  4. BF210 – Research Methods in Finance
  5. BF211 – Strategic Financial Management
  6. BF212 – Project Work / Internship