Economics and Finance MSc

**Combine core economics knowledge and theory with relevant financial topics to develop your skills for a finance-focused career.**<br/><br/>Our MSc Economics and Finance course is designed to give you the skills to start your career in a financial institution, consultancy, ministry of finance or economics, or a central bank.<br/><br/>On this specialist masters, you’ll study advanced economic theory alongside relevant finance topics, some of which are taught by our School of Management. You will:<br/><br/><br/>- explore how economics can be used to help address real financial issues, such as global financial crises<br/><br/><br/>- gain a deeper understanding of econometrics to interpret and analyse empirical data effectively<br/><br/><br/>- learn to apply established models and how to alter, test, and adapt your analysis in new market environments<br/><br/><br/>**Dissertation or Practice Track**<br/><br/>The course culminates with either a traditional dissertation or a practical project in the form of the Practice Track.<br/><br/>You can choose to do a dissertation on an economic area that interests you or that is most useful in your career. This will allow you to apply your newly acquired knowledge to a specific problem or debate.<br/><br/>The Practice Track is an alternative to the dissertation. You’ll work on a consultancy or research-based project with an external organisation, helping them to address a real-world business challenge. You’ll conduct appropriate research and data analysis (if necessary), before presenting your findings as a written report and presentation.<br/><br/>Practice Track project numbers are limited each year. You will need to apply for a suitable project with one of our external partners. If you can’t secure a suitable project, you will complete a dissertation instead.<br/><br/>**Learn from experts in the field**<br/><br/>You’ll learn from experts in core finance, as well as economics and a diverse range of specialist sub-areas. Their passion, knowledge and industry expertise shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.<br/><br/>**Use specialist facilities**<br/><br/>You’ll have access to some of the latest industry-standard statistical, mathematical and econometric software in our computer labs, including EViews, Stata, Matlab and Python.<br/><br/>**Gain important career skills**<br/><br/>On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:<br/><br/><br/>- understand and apply microeconomic and macroeconomic financial theories and concepts, including asset pricing, risk management, and corporate finance<br/><br/><br/>- analyse, visualise and conceptualise economic and financial data using established methodologies and statistical tools<br/><br/><br/>- critically evaluate existing research and write at an academic level when formulating original research questions<br/><br/><br/>We limit student numbers on this course to ensure a collegiate atmosphere and a high degree of interaction between students and lecturers.<br/><br/>**Graduate prospects**<br/><br/>This course is designed to give you the knowledge and level of skills required to secure work within financial institutions, consultancies, ministries of finance or economics, or central banks. You’ll be better prepared to become a financial analyst, trader or banker; or an economist in government, research units, or commercial enterprises. It also provides suitable preparation for doctoral study and future careers in academia.<br/><br/>Recent graduates have gone on to work in a number of different roles within economics across the world. These include:<br/><br/><br/>- Senior Credit Analyst (Deutsche Leasing China)<br/><br/><br/>- Analyst Developer (Schroders)<br/><br/><br/>- Private Banking Executive (Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, London)<br/><br/><br/>- Relationship Manager (JP Morgan Chase, China)<br/><br/><br/>- Research Analyst (Farringdon Capital Management, Denmark)<br/><br/><br/>- Assistant Vice President (HSBC Commercial Banking, Hong Kong)<br/><br/><br/>- Head of Market Intelligence (Cisco Systems)<br/><br/><br/>- Investment Specialist (TKB Investment Partners, Russia)<br/><br/><br/>Others have chosen to continue their careers in academia.