Applied Economics (Banking and Financial Markets)

Entry requirements

• A first- or second-class bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent

• An undergraduate degree in a social science or business-related discipline such as business administration, finance, accounting, international trade, banking, financial management, public finance or politics

• We welcome applications from those with a 2:2 honours degree (or its international equivalent) in subjects with a high level of economics content

Register for our upcoming webinar: Applied Economics (online) MSc: Course Overview and Careers

Join Dr Simona Montagnana and Dr Xinran Zhao for an introduction to the Online MSc Applied Economics (Banking and Financial Markets) and how it equips you to influence real-world economic decisions.

Webinar date & time: 1st July 2026 at 12pm BST. Learn more >

Months of entry

January, May, September

Course content

From political uncertainty to finance and recruitment demands, economics is integral to everyday decision-making. The online MSc Applied Economics with Banking and Financial Markets takes you beyond the research papers and into the real world, giving you insights you can put into action from day one. The University of Bath provides time-pressed professionals with the opportunity to further their career prospects in economics, banking, and finance.

Put economic insights into action

Businesses, research institutions and government agencies rely on professionals who can extract insights from financial data and make strategic decisions in a global economy. By studying the online MSc Applied Economics with the University of Bath, you will engage in comprehensive study of economic theory and gain practical skills to support efforts to sustain economic growth and improve lives.

The University of Bath’s Applied Economics course cuts through abstract to focus on how economics works in the real world. You’ll learn from big names in the field and receive cutting-edge software training that enables you to mine and analyse complex data. Through interactive exercises and case studies, you will learn how organisations address economic issues, financial crisis and other pressing challenges.

• Top 5 for career after 15 months in Economics by the Guardian University Guide 2025*
• Ranked 7th in Accounting and Finance The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025*
• Ranked 2nd for Accounting and Finance The Complete University Guide 2026*

Gain an edge in the global job market

At the University of Bath, your employability is the biggest focus. The course is bursting with contemporary ideas, you will practise with cutting-edge software as you explore real cases with economics issues facing today’s global banking and financial markets. You will gain all the theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and confidence for a long & successful career in banking and finance.

“I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to get their feet wet again in applying economic concepts to real-world problems. The program is well structured and challenging, combining technology and pedagogy to provide the best student experience. Reflecting on my academic experience, I would say that there’s been a tremendous paradigm shift in my thought process, and the connections forged in and outside the classroom have proved lucrative”

Emmanuel Nkrumah, Applied Economics online MSc student

Interactive online learning

You will learn via engaging video material and real-life case studies, as well as benefit from direct and regular communication with other students and lecturers. The online MSc Applied Economics (Banking and Financial Markets) is a passage to cutting-edge research and sought-after careers, for those with work and lifestyle commitments.

Curriculum details

• Principles of Economics, Maths and Statistics (10 credits)
• Applied microeconomics A (10 credits)
• Applied microeconomics B (10 credits)
• Applied macroeconomics A (10 credits)
• Applied macroeconomics B (10 credits)
• Applied econometrics A (10 credits)
• Applied econometrics B (10 credits)
• Strategic decision making and games A (10 credits)
• Strategic decision making and games B (10 credits)
• Economics of financial institutions (10 credits)
• International monetary policy and institutions (10 credits)
• Financial markets (10 credits)
• Applied financial economics (10 credits)
• Applied research methods (10 credits)
• Master’s project (40 credits)

Information for international students

International students:

Applicants must have an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall and no less than 6.0 for any of the four parts (listening, reading, writing, speaking)

Fees and funding

Cost per 10 credits £722** (10% alumni discount). Fees are paid per unit. The MSc totals 180 credits.

**Valid up to and including September 2026 intake. Tuition fees are liable to increase each January. You should budget for an increase of up to a maximum of 8% each year.