MMU Business School Bachelor of Banking and Development Finance Course
This course is intended to meet the demands of the Ugandan changing Banking and financial sector by producing graduate professionals with specific skills in modern banking and financial institutions management.
The financial sector in Uganda in recent years has grown rapidly as indicated by the many commercial banks, microfinance institutions, insurance companies and financial cooperatives. There is increased government interest in microfinance considered to be central in government policy drive of “Prosperity for All-Boona Baggagawale” introduced in February 2006. This perspective of growth is projected to require a large number of skilled and professional manpower in the financial sector as the policy aims at establishing of at least one SACCO per Sub County.
According to AMFIU (2008) the bulk of the financial service providers in Uganda are unregulated and do lack skilled manpower and appropriate tools to develop financial products which meet the rural client’s needs. Also in spite of a relatively well developed formal financial sector of banks and a well advanced regulatory system, structural weaknesses and sector outreach depth still pins the Ugandan Banking sector behind the Banking sectors of other East African countries, DED (2009).
Mountains of the Moon University in line with its policy of establishing demand driven courses has established a need-based professional academic program tailored for the financial sector. This three year six-semester Bachelor of Science in Banking and Development Finance (BBDF) course is shaped in an interdisciplinary framework incorporating concepts and skills vital for the effective and efficient management of Banks and other financial institutions.
On completion of this course, graduates are competent enough to be absorbed in financial sector as skilled, efficient and professional manpower.
Course Mode
This course is executed under the semester system which is more cost effective in terms of time needed to complete this course, flexibility among students in the course of pursuing the course, and meeting the market demand of the rapid changing Banking and Finance Sector.
Course Objective
The main objective of this course is to provide students with high-level skills, knowledge, and understanding of banking and development finance especially how finance interfaces with other aspects of economics to impact on economic development of a country like Uganda.
Specific objectives:
To produce MMU graduates fit for dynamic national and international banking industry.
To give Students an insight into the pivotal role of the Banking and finance system in the Ugandan economy
To prepare Students for a career in areas of Banking and finance management
Course Expectations
In line with MMU’s mission; the course provides students with expertise in areas of economics, banking and finance making them the best trained professionals to be absorbed in banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions, stock broking firms, large corporations and government regulatory bodies.
Course Duration
This course runs for three years full time; divided in six (6) semester duration
Admission process
MMU is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate against qualified persons on the basis of sex, religion, color, nationality or ethnic origin in its admission policies. Nevertheless, admission at MMU is a privilege and not a right.
Prospective applicants for this course can apply through three avenues i.e.
1. Direct entry
2. Diploma entry
3. Mature age entry
Entry requirements
The Admission to this course is governed by the University regulations, statutes, regulations and Policies of the school of Business and Management Studies.
Direct entry
Candidates who wish to obtain admission directly after advanced level secondary education must have obtained;
The Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) or its equivalent with a minimum of a credit in mathematics
The Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with a minimum of two principal passes in mathematics or Economics, or its equivalent
In computing the weighted points, advanced level subjects are evaluated as follows;
| Group | Weight | Subject |
| Essential | 3 | Mathematics, or Economics |
| Relevant | 2 | Statistics, Accounting and Commerce |
| Desirable | 1 | Other Business Subjects, General Paper |
| Others | 0.5 | All other subjects examined at advanced level |
Points used in weighting follow the Uganda National Examination Board system i.e.
1. Principal Level A = 6 points
2. Principal Level B = 5 Points
3. Principal Level C = 4 points
4. Principal Level D = 3 points
5. Principal Level E = 2 Points
Diploma entry
A 1st or 2nd class diploma or its equivalent in microfinance and business studies or its equivalent from recognized tertiary institutions can apply.
Mature age entry
Individuals with extensive industrial experience may be granted admission under the mature age entry scheme after passing the mature age entry examination.
Application procedure
Application forms are obtainable from the Registrar Academic’s office at the University premises in Fort Portal or regional offices (to be specified later) at a non refundable application fee of 10,000 Uganda shillings. Forms should be completed by intending applicants and returned to the Academic Registrar or respective regional office. The completed application form should be accompanied with;
1. Photocopies of all academic certificates held by the applicant
2. Completed health form (to be provided by the university)
3. Four passport size photographs
4. Signed code of conduct (to be provided by the university)
5. Certified/confidential report from the last institution attended (for mature candidates only)
Existing and Proposed Infrastructure for the Program
The classroom space is in place at the department. A big collection of relevant text books and other resources are available in the University Library.
The program has developed a provisional Banking Lab with over 10 computers installed with Banking applications and an Electronic library with online text books, journals and other relevant publications specifically for this program and are frequently updated.
In addition the Department is closely working on a proposed plan of constructing a high tech. modern Banking Laboratory, the first of its kind in Uganda and the region at large where students will be trained and assimilated in the practical banking environment. This is aimed at imparting students with practical skills, knowledge and understanding of the real banking operations.
Teaching Methodology
Basic methodology adopted for teaching and learning is:
Lecture method with adequate use of audio visual aids such as OHP, LCD etc.
Classroom discussions, Simulation activities, term papers, assignments and case presentations in different study areas
Both Field Placement and project works included in the course structure
Seminars and talk program for expanding the horizon of knowledge
Training and research works relating to banking, finance and development
Course structure
The course is conducted on the credit basis. Each course unit is evaluated using the Credit Unit (CU) as the weighting unit. A Credit Unit is equivalent to 1 Contact Hour (CH) in each week of a semester for a particular course. A contact hour is related to Lecture Hours (LH), Tutorial Hours (TH) and Practical Hours (PH) as follows;
1 Contact hour is equivalent to 1 lecture hour
1 Contact hour is equivalent to 1 tutorial hour
1 Contact hour is equivalent to 2 practical hours
A given intake for the degree program runs for 3 years with each year consisting of two semesters (17 weeks) and a 10 week recess term. The minimum and maximum course load per student per semester is 15 and 25 credit units respectively.
Graduation requirement
To be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Development Finance (BBDF) Degree, candidates must;
Attend classes regularly and meet the minimum 75% of the scheduled class periods for each course unit and have completed all course requirements
Complete all course units required by the Bachelor of Science in Banking and Development Finance (BBDF).
Earn a minimum grade of “C” in all courses in the Bachelor of Science in Banking and Development Finance (BBDF) program.
Demonstrate competence in the required field placement. Conduct research and write a research paper which is accepted by the examining committee.
Assessment and grading system
Assessment
Each Course Unit is assessed out of 100% distributed as follows;
Course work/progressive/continuous assessment: 40%
End of semester examination: 60%
For purposes of quality assurance, the University has an arrangement of visiting external examiners to assess candidates at the end of each academic year.
Grading
| Marks % | Letter grade | GPA |
| 80-100 | A | 5.0 |
| 75-79.9 | B+ | 4.5 |
| 70-74.9 | B | 4.0 |
| 65-69.9 | B- | 3.5 |
| 60-64.9 | C+ | 3.0 |
| 55-59.9 | C | 2.5 |
| 45-49.9 | D+ | 1.5 |
| 40-44.9 | D | 1.0 |
| 35-39.9 | D- | 0.5 |
| Below 35 | E | 0 |
The pass mark for each course unit is 50%
Degree classification
| Class | Cumulative GPA |
| First Class | 4.40 – 5.00 |
| Second class-Upper Division | 3.60 – 4.39 |
| Second class-Lower Division | 2.80 – 3.59 |
| Pass | 2.00 – 2.79 |
Course Progression
Progression of a student is classified as normal or probationary.
Normal Progress
Normal progress occurs when the student has passed all required subjects. This happens when the student has passed each course unit with a minimum grade point of 2.0.
Probationary Progress
This is a warning stage, and this is in case;
- A student fails a course
- A student obtains a Cumulative Grade Points Average (CGPA) of less than two 2 at the end of any semester.
Re-taking a course
There are no supplementary examinations in the semester system. When a student has to re-sit a course unit, he/she has to wait and re-sit that course, without penalty, when it is offered again. However, the student will have to pay the examination fee i.e. 10,000 Uganda shillings for Ugandans or USD 15 for non Ugandans. This fee may be revised from time to time. A candidate can retake a course in order to;
- Pass it if he/she had failed it
- Improve the grade obtained when it was previously done
When retaking the course;
- The student will redo the continuous assessment and end of semester examination
- The academic transcript shall indicate that the given course was retaken
Discontinuation
A student is discontinued from the program if one of the following conditions occurs; –
Receiving two probationary warnings on the same course
Receiving two consecutive probations based on Cumulative Grade Point average
Gross misbehavior not conducive to the well being of Mountains of the Moon University
Collaborations and Links of the Program
This program is conducted by the department of Banking and Microfinance of the School of Business and management studies of MMU in collaboration with a number of institutions and individual professionals.
The Institutions linked to this program include the German Development Service (DED); Deutsche Bank AG, (Germany), Uganda Capital Markets Authority, HOFOKAM and many other Financial Institutions in Uganda.
Individual Professionals greatly attached to the program include Dr Oliver Schmidt; Academic Advisor Microfinance seconded by DED, Dr. Birgit Galemann, International Consultant for Financial Systems Development, formerly Director in Risk Management at Deutsche Bank AG, Dr. Birgit Wolf, Professor for Financial Services at University of Applied Science, Giessen (Germany), Dr. Astrid Hirsch, Econometrics Specialist at the European Central Bank, Mr.Timo Prekop, Senior Corporate Relationship Manager, Head of Acquisition, Deutsche Bank AG (Germany), Mr. Japheth Katto, Head of Capital Markets Authority, Uganda, Mr Januario Ntungwa, Former General Manager HOFOKAM, and Currently Microfinance Coordinator TRIAS Uganda.
Course Structure
| Code | Course | CU | LH | TH | PH | CH |
| YEAR I SEMESTER1 | ||||||
| BBDF 111 | Financial Arithmetic | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 112 | Mathematical Economics | 3 | 40 | 10 | 0 | 45 |
| BBDF 113 | Critical Thinking and Study Skills | 4 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 111 | Principles of Accounting I | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 112 | Principles of Management | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 116 | Business Ethics | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| ICTN 100 | Computer Applications 1 | 3 | 30 | 30 | 45 | |
| Semester Credits | 21 | 270 | 60 | 30 | 315 | |
| YEAR I SEMESTER2 | ||||||
| BBDF 121 | Macroeconomics and Finance | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 122 | Statistical Methods in Economics and Business | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 123 | Principles of Banking and Finance | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 121 | Principles of Accounting II | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 123 | Business Law and the Legal Environment | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 124 | Business Communications and Processes | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| ICTN 101 | Computer Applications 2 | 3 | 40 | 10 | 30 | 45 |
| Recess Semester: | Business Placement 1 | 2 | 60 | 30 | ||
| Semester Credits | 23 | 270 | 60 | 90 | 345 | |
| Total First Year Credit Units | 44 | 540 | 120 | 120 | 660 | |
| YEAR II SEMESTER1 | ||||||
| BBDF 211 | Fundamentals & Methodologies of Microfinance | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 212 | Bank Treasury Management | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 213 | Development Economics and Policy | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 214 | Banking and Finance Law | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 215 | Corporate Financial Management | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 212 | Organizational Behaviour | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 215 | Entrepreneurship Skills and Development | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| Semester Credits | 21 | 280 | 70 | 0 | 315 | |
| YEAR II SEMESTER2 | ||||||
| BBDF 221 | Microfinance Marketing | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 222 | Risk Management and Regulation | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 223 | Banking Information Systems Management | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 225 | Public and Customer Relations | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 224 | Strategic Management | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 313 | Cost and Management Accounting | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 226 | Research Methods | 3 | 0 | 10 | 45 | |
| Recess Semester: | Business Placement 2 | 3 | 90 | 45 | ||
| Semester Credits | 24 | 280 | 70 | 90 | 360 | |
| Second Year Credit Units | 45 | 560 | 140 | 90 | 675 | |
| YEAR III SEMESTERI | ||||||
| BBMT 321 | Taxation principles and policy | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 311 | Financial Management for Microfinance | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 312 | E-Banking | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 311 | Human Resource Management | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 312 | Project Planning and Management | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 313 | Process Optimization | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 314 | Proposal for Research Project | 3 | 90 | 45 | ||
| Semester Credits | 21 | 240 | 60 | 90 | 315 | |
| YEAR III SEMESTERII | ||||||
| BBDF 321 | Financial Markets and Institutions | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBMT 323 | Auditing Principles and Practice | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 322 | External Development Finance | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 323 | Marketing of Financial Services | 3 | 40 | 10 | 45 | |
| BBDF 324 | Research Project Work | 5 | 6 | 138 | 75 | |
| BBDF 325 | Bachelor Thesis | 5 | 6 | 138 | 75 | |
| Semester Credit | 22 | 172 | 40 | 276 | 330 | |
| Total Course Credits | 43 | 412 | 100 | 366 | 645 | |
| Total Credit for BBDF | 132 | 1512 | 360 | 576 | 1980 | |