Economics and Finance MSc

Combining core economics with relevant finance topics, this course is ideal preparation for a finance-focused career.

If you are considering work in a financial institution, consultancy, ministry of finance or economics, or central bank, our MSc Economics and Finance is for you.

This specialist master’s brings together a compelling combination of training in advanced economic theory with relevant finance units.

Starting with a comprehensive refresher course in essential maths and economics skills, we will go on to explore how economics can be used to help address real financial issues such as the global financial crisis.

You will use a deeper understanding of economic theory to gain additional insights into these events, and we will support your investigations with rigorous training in econometrics to allow you to interpret and analyse empirical data effectively. The dissertation will give you the chance to work with one of our experienced lecturers on a topic of your interest and apply your knowledge to a specific problem.

Our students have explored topics as wide-ranging as the potential impact of Brexit on the UK financial services sector to the effects of microfinance on poverty reduction in rural China. We offer a series of dissertation workshops in semester two to help you develop your research skills.

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• analyse economic and financial data and critically evaluate existing research
• understand the key issues surrounding major economic and financial debates and contribute to these
• apply economic concepts to specific economic and finance questions
• formulate an original research question and write at an academic level

Learning and teaching

Our teaching staff are active researchers and regularly publish in top economic journals. You'll benefit from their economic expertise.

Graduate prospects

This course is designed to give you the in-depth knowledge and skills needed to secure work in a financial institution, consultancy, ministry of finance or economics, or central bank. It is also suitable if you're considering doctoral study. Our graduates have excellent employment prospects. Recent students have progressed onto prestigious jobs around the world, including:

• Senior Credit Analyst (Deutsche Leasing China)
• Analyst Developer (Schroders)
• Private Banking Executive (Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, London)
• Relationship Manager (JP Morgan Chase, China)
• Research Analyst (Farringdon Capital Management, Denmark)
• Assistant Vice President (HSBC Commercial Banking, Hong Kong)
• Head of Market Intelligence (Cisco Systems)
• Investment Specialist (TKB Investment Partners, Russia)

Others have opted to continue their academic studies and complete a PhD.

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above; To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in economics or an appropriate quantitative subject such as engineering, computer science, mathematics or physics.