Finance (Economics and Finance)

Entry requirements

The Masters in Finance programme is designed for new or recent graduates. Certain routes within the Masters in Finance programme may also be of interest to those who already have practical experience in the field of finance. Prospective candidates must hold qualifications equivalent to a UK first or upper second-class honours degree in any discipline.

Applicants are also expected to have strong quantitative skills for the programme, which includes fundamental concepts of calculus and statistics. Therefore, having studied a relevant mathematics/quantitative module at university level or a minimum of A level Mathematics (or its equivalent) is a prerequisite for prospective candidates.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MSc in Finance (Economics and Finance) is designed to the highest academic standards. It will extend your existing interest in this complex subject and develop your skills and knowledge so that you can transform your interests into a successful career in finance or financial research.

We deliver cutting-edge analytical and technical skills and research techniques in an environment that embraces our core values of fairness in how we experience the financial world and equality of access to financial services. This knowledge is valued by leading global financial institutions and businesses, and by prestigious PhD research programmes.

The exciting 12-month full-time course combines core and optional modules, and culminates in a practice-based business project or a research-based dissertation depending on the learning direction you choose.

Relevant and stimulating topics covered include econometrics, micro- and macroeconomics, advanced financial theory and corporate finance.

You will be taught mainly through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical work, with content developed in partnership with the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA), the leading global association for investment professionals and the accepted benchmark around the world for technical excellence in financial markets.

We pride ourselves on our team of committed academics who are passionate about the study of finance and how it presents itself in the lives of people and businesses around the world. On completion of this course, you will be ready to meet the challenges and earn the rewards of a career in finance, economics, or a related area.

World-class Business Education

• 11th (UK) 34th (Europe) 60th (Global) - QS World University Rankings: Masters in Finance 2025
• 58th (Global) 48th (Europe) 12th (UK) - Financial Times Masters in Finance Ranking 2025

The Certificate in Engagement with Practice in Finance

The Certificate in Engagement with Practice in Finance aligns with our strategic objective to cultivate future leaders in finance who are highly sought after by global institutions and research programmes. This distinctive and comprehensive offering within the MSc Finance programme enables students to build both technical expertise and the essential soft skills required for success in a competitive industry. Through a series of extra-curricular engagements, students deepen their knowledge and develop in-demand skills, such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. By completing at least ten targeted activities or a combination of engagements and Bloomberg certifications, participants demonstrate a well-rounded skillset that reflects the high standards of the finance profession. Successful completion results in a certificate of recognition, formally included on the academic transcript, signalling professional readiness to employers.

The programme’s events include "Zero to Hero" bootcamps in areas like Python programming, SQL, Entrepreneurship Finance and CFA exam training, equipping students with valuable, career-focused technical skills. Networking opportunities and workshops, delivered by leaders from industry, provide additional insights and exposure to real-world finance scenarios. Additionally, the student-led Investment Club offers an immersive experience in managing a live investment fund, building practical skills in teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Together, these diverse experiences empower students to apply their academic learning, gain industry insights, and establish connections, ensuring they graduate with the skills, confidence, and network needed to thrive in their postgraduate careers​.

Course structure

Year 1 modules

Core modules:

Advanced Financial Theory

offers stimulating and rigorous training in modern financial theory and in the most important current research with an emphasis on application of finance principles. You will also develop an advanced understanding of normative and positive research in financial theory together with the related descriptive and empirical evidence.

Advanced Macroeconomics

develops your knowledge and skills in analysis in the wide and varied area of advanced macroeconomics. Topics are drawn from growth theory, business cycle theory, monetary theory and their respective applications.

Advanced Microeconomics

enhances your knowledge and skills in analysis in the wide and varied area of advanced microeconomics theory and how it can be applied. Topics may include consumer theory, producer theory, decision making under risk and uncertainty, incentives and strategic behaviour, market and general equilibrium, and welfare economics.

Corporate Finance

covers the theory and practice of corporate finance and the latest research. Again, you will examine both normative and positive aspects of the theory, together with supporting descriptive and empirical evidence.

Dissertation

on a finance topic of your choice, develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning. It provides an opportunity to conduct an in-depth investigation at an advanced level and present your findings and conclusions. To add a further international dimension to the course you can apply for the international route where you undertake research abroad at a partner university. There is also the option to develop a more applied project in conjunction with an appropriate organisation.

Plus one from:

Econometric Analysis

covers some of the econometric skills needed to undertake empirical research in economics and/or finance and advanced econometric techniques. You will explore areas including hypothesis testing and confidence intervals, linear regression, and misspecification and dummy variables.

Econometric Methods

introduces modern econometric techniques and provides hands-on experience in applying those techniques to solve different problems in economics and finance. It aims to provide the econometric skills needed to undertake empirical research in economics and/or finance and advanced econometric techniques.

Optional modules:

In recent years, optional modules have included:

• Bank Management
• Banking and Financial Intermediation
• EITHER Behavioural Economics
• OR Behavioural and Neurofinance
• Financial Modelling and Business Forecasting
• Time Series Analysis
• Capital Market Development
• Climate Finance
• Derivative Markets
• Environmental and Climate Economics
• Experimental Economics and Finance
• Financial Risk Management
• Financial Technologies I
• Financial Technologies II
• Fintech Regulations
• International Trade and Finance
• International Financial Economics
• International Study Tour
• Islamic Banking and Finance
• Islamic Capital Markets
• Islamic Law and Financial Transactions
• Market Microstructure
• Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Restructuring
• Monetary Economics
• Portfolio Management
• Private Equity and Wealth Management
• Python for Finance
• Advanced Topics in Public Economics
• Security Analysis
• A language module

Information for international students

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Fees and funding

For further information see the course listing.