MSc International Finance and Development

Who is this programme for?:

This progamme replaces the MSc Finance and Development Programme. This programme combines political economy of international finance with development economics. It is unique in Britain and draws on the specific strengths of SOAS, namely in development economics, political economy and area specialisation. It also draws on the international reputations of SOAS specifically in the political economy of finance.

Teaching & Learning

The MSc includes five core modules in Macroeconomics, Statistical Research Techniques, Financial Systems and Economic Development, International Finance, Theory of Financial Institutions and Policy. Students are given the choice of three options and they are required to write an 10,000 word dissertation on an approved topic relating to finance and development

The modules are taught in seminar groups and lectures. The degrees are awarded on the basis of assessed coursework, examinations and the dissertation. The MSc degrees are taught over a period of twelve months of full-time study within a structured programme. In the case of part-time study, the degrees will be taught over two years. Four modules are studied each year, with the dissertation normally being completed in the second year.

Employment

A postgraduate degree in Finance and Development from SOAS equips students with a range of important skills to continue in the field of research as well as a portfolio of widely transferable employability skills valued by a wide range of employers.

These include numeracy, analytical thinking and general skills such as organisation and effective communication skills. Graduates will develop their regional expertise and understanding of issues of development and the international financial market. In addition the study of Economics gives students particular problem solving skills including: abstraction, analysis, quantification, strategic thinking and adaptability.

Graduates are expected to follow successful careers in the private sector, in national policy making in developing countries, in international development agencies and in a range of non-governmental organisations. Continuing a SOAS tradition, they are also expected to be successful in gaining highly competitive Overseas Development Institute (ODI) fellowships.

We will consider all applications with 2: ii (or international equivalent) or higher in Economics or a joint degree containing Economics PLUS work experience in financial markets and development. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application including supporting statement and references. All students must complete the Preliminary Mathematics and Statistics module which is taught over three weeks in August/September.