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About This Course

The Illicit Finance MBA (IFMBA) is a dual qualification that awards both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the professional designation of Financial Intelligence Specialist (FIS).

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Delivered by Bangor University via distance learning for working professionals, the programme is offered in partnership with ManchesterCF, a globally recognised provider of financial intelligence training for industry practitioners.

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The IFMBA combines specialisms in national security and financial intelligence with a management toolkit necessary to navigate and operate effectively within the evolving landscapes of defence and national security, at both national and global levels.

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This specialised programme delves into the legal, regulatory, and due diligence aspects of detecting and mitigating threats to national security, while taking a global perspective on stakeholders with criminal intent.

 

The IFMBA is one of only two qualifications globally to combine an MBA alongside the FIS designation - the other being the Financial Crime & Compliance MBA (FCCMBA). Financial Crime & Compliance MBA

Why study the Illicit Finance MBA

  • The IFMBA is designed to enhance career prospects for specialists in national security and defence, as well as those interested in entering this field. The programme is tailored for military, security and defence personnel, civil servants, government officials, and policymakers.

  • The programme provides a comprehensive exploration of illicit finance, focusing on key areas such as money laundering, terrorism financing, fraud, and sanctions evasion.

  • This advanced learning experience provides specialist subjects, including Introduction to Financial Crime, National Security Aspects of Financial Crime, Human Aspects of Financial Crime, and Institutional Perspectives of Financial Crime.

  • Management competencies are developed through study of People & Organisational Behaviour, Managing Resources, Managing Change, and Corporate Strategy. Combined, the modules equip participants for senior positions within the sectors.

  • The highly accessible programme has a flexible study approach that suits different work and time zones globally and allows students to strike a balance between self-study and practical learning.

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​Admission & Fees

There are two intakes a year, in April and October.

The fee for the IFMBA in the 2025/26 Academic year ranges from GBP £13,100 to £20,500 depending on your entry pathway, with scholarships available.

Instalments, and equivalent payments paid in BSD and USD are accepted.

 

Application

The IFMBA programme recognises prior learning, where previous qualifications can lead to module exemptions where the syllabus has earlier been covered. As well as the Full programme, it can be studied as an Accelerated, Short Accelerated and on a standalone module basis.

For further information, to request a pre-application eligibility assessment or to apply, please send your CV to info@bifs-edu.com.

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