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The MA (Hons) Economics with Finance is an interdisciplinary degree combining core economic theory with essential financial principles. Students gain a strong foundation in economic theory while also developing financial expertise in areas such as investments, securities, and corporate finance.
A key advantage of the degree’s structure is the flexibility in Years 1 and 2, allowing students to take courses outside their main discipline. This broadens academic exposure and enables students to tailor their honours years based on their evolving interests and career goals.
Year 1: Students begin with Economics 1 and Introduction to Financial Markets, alongside three additional elective courses, offering academic flexibility.
Year 2: Core subjects include Economics 2, Statistical Methods for Economics, Introduction to Corporate Finance, and Applications of Finance, plus one elective.
Year 3: Advanced modules cover Topics in Microeconomics, Topics in Macroeconomics, Essentials of Econometrics, Applications of Econometrics, and two finance or economics honours options.
Year 4: Students complete an Economics Honours Dissertation and select four advanced honours-level courses in finance or economics to deepen specialization.
Teaching and Assessment Learning methods include lectures, tutorials/seminars, practical workshops, and online resources. Assessments combine formal examinations, coursework, problem sets, quantitative exercises, essays, project reports, and presentations. The honours dissertation in the final year serves as a capstone project.
Rankings and Reputation The University of Edinburgh consistently ranks among the world’s top universities (27th globally in QS World University Rankings 2025). The Economics program is highly esteemed, ranking within the UK's top 10 according to QS rankings. The Economics department is renowned for teaching excellence and strong research expertise, especially in economic theory.
The program emphasizes experiential learning through:
Undergraduate Research: All students undertake an honours dissertation. The Sponsored Dissertations scheme pairs top-performing students with external organizations to research live economic challenges, developing professional analytical skills.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Many students spend a semester or year abroad in Year 3 at partner institutions in Europe, the USA, or globally, enhancing their international perspectives and cultural understanding.
Internships and Work Experience: Students receive robust support in securing internships and part-time professional roles through the University’s Careers Service. Internship placements often include finance, consulting, government, or research roles, significantly enhancing employability.
Student Societies and Co-curricular Activities Students engage with active societies such as:
Economics Society (EconSoc): Offers academic events, panel discussions, networking, career workshops, and special interest groups like EconWomen, sports activities, and publications.
Edinburgh University Trading and Investment Club (EUTIC): Provides practical experience in trading, investment strategies, and managing a student-run fund.
180 Degrees Consulting: Allows students to undertake pro-bono consulting for non-profits and social enterprises, gaining valuable real-world experience.
Additional skills workshops provided by the Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) offer training in communication, leadership, teamwork, and presentations.
Career Outcomes: Graduates of Edinburgh’s Economics and Finance program enjoy strong career outcomes, with 96% employed or pursuing further studies shortly after graduation. Alumni pursue diverse careers in finance, economic consulting, government, policy institutions, international organizations, accountancy, business management, and non-profit sectors. Financial institutions frequently recruit from Edinburgh due to its rigorous quantitative training.
Career Support and Resources: The University offers comprehensive career services, including personalized support from a dedicated Economics Careers Consultant, workshops, career fairs, and ongoing alumni support for up to two years post-graduation.
Graduate Employers and Further Prospects Edinburgh Economics graduates secure positions at prominent global firms, including Ernst & Young, Deloitte, PwC, Accenture, Goldman Sachs, and KPMG, typically in roles such as analysts and consultants. Graduates also find opportunities in central banks, government agencies, and think tanks.
Further Study Opportunities
After completing the MA (Hons) Economics with Management Science, graduates may progress to:
Mathematics is required. A Levels: B in Mathematics or A in AS Mathematics. IB: HL Mathematics at 5, or SL Mathematics at 6.IB: 39 points with 666 at HLCBSE All India Senior School Certificate Examination (SSC), CISCE Indian School Certificate (ISC) Standard XII: overall 80% with three subjects at 75%.IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. The University does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.Qualifications from IELTS, TOEFL must be no more than two years old from the start date of this programme.Investment Banking Analyst – Assist in deals by conducting financial modeling and economic analysisFinancial Analyst – Evaluate company performance and market trends to support investmentsEconomic Consultant – Offer financial insights backed by economic theoryAsset Manager – Manage portfolios using macroeconomic indicators and financial theoryCorporate Finance Associate – Support decisions on valuation mergers or corporate growthRisk Analyst – Analyze and mitigate financial risks in business environmentsPolicy Advisor – Examine the impact of economic policies on financial systemsQuantitative Analyst – Build mathematical models for financial instruments and marketsCentral Bank Economist – Develop monetary policy using economic and financial analysisAcademic – Conduct research in finance and macroeconomics or teach at universitiesWealth Manager – Provide personalized financial planning informed by economic insightsRegulatory Analyst – Ensure financial institutions comply with economic regulationsFintech Specialist – Develop technology platforms based on finance and economic strategyFinancial Planner – Help individuals or firms build long term economic securityTreasury Analyst – Manage cash flow liquidity and risk for large institutions
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University of Edinburgh
