Taught course

Economics and Finance

Institution
University of Bath · Department of Economics
Qualifications
MSc

Entry requirements

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 either economics, business, or an appropriate quantitative subject such as engineering, computer science, mathematics or physics.

You are also expected to have obtained good marks in at least five core units comprising macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics (or statistics), and finance. These may be complemented by three other quantitative units such as calculus, probability, data analysis, business, accounting, game theory, operational research, or financial engineering. The units should preferably have been taken in your final two years of study.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Combine core economics knowledge and theory with relevant financial topics to develop your skills for a finance-focused career.

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.

On this specialist master's, you’ll study advanced economic theory alongside relevant finance topics, some of which are taught by our School of Management. You will:

  • explore how economics can be used to help address real financial issues, such as global financial crises
  • gain a deeper understanding of econometrics to interpret and analyse empirical data effectively
  • learn to apply established models and how to alter, test, and adapt your analysis in new market environments

Dissertation or Practice Track

The course culminates with either a traditional dissertation or a practical project in the form of the Practice Track.

Dissertation

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.

Practice Track

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.

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.

Find out more about the Practice Track

Learn from experts in the field

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.

Use specialist facilities

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.

Access to top-tier international databases will allow you to access up-to-the-minute data on real-world trends to enhance your learning experience.

Gain important career skills

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • understand and apply microeconomic and macroeconomic financial theories and concepts, including asset pricing, risk management, and corporate finance
  • analyse, visualise and conceptualise economic and financial data using established methodologies and statistical tools
  • critically evaluate existing research and write at an academic level when formulating original research questions

We limit student numbers on this course to ensure a collegiate atmosphere and a high degree of interaction between students and lecturers.

Graduate prospects

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.

Recent graduates have gone on to work in a number of different roles within economics across the world. These include:

  • 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 chosen to continue their careers in academia.

Fees and funding

See website for funding information

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Taught Postgraduate Admissions
Email
pgtadmissions@bath.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)1225 385 115