Financial Economics MA (Honours)

At the BSc Economics (Honours) programme at University of St Andrews, you’ll develop practical skills by combining lectures with small-group tutorials and hands-on laboratories — teaching is designed to engage you in individual and group projects, data analysis and independent research from early on. As you progress, you’ll take advanced modules in econometrics and computational economics, generating real-world insights and building the kind of skills that employers value. The programme’s structure ensures that you not only explore theory, but also apply it using dedicated support services and resources, so you are prepared for both professional roles and further study.

The practical opportunities and facilities include:

• Small-group tutorials and labs deliver the opportunity to work on group projects and live econometric data sets (Year 1-2: tutorials in groups of 15–20; Honours level: labs and tutorials of 10–20 students). 

• Access to advanced modules such as Computational Economics, Practical Financial Modelling, and Econometrics of Impact Evaluation in Years 3–4, where you deal hands-on with statistical software and apply economic modelling techniques. 

• Extensive library and IT resources: 90 % of students felt the resources supported their learning well. 

• Research-led teaching team: You’ll be guided by staff research-active in economics, giving you access to current work, data, and scholarship. 

• Flexible modular system: In Honours years you may select specialist modules and substitute credits from another subject under advisement — fostering independence and tailored study.

Graduates of the University of St Andrews MA (Hons) Financial Economics achieve outstanding employability with 95% in work or further study 15 months post-graduation, frequently entering high-value finance roles due to rigorous quantitative training in financial markets, econometrics, and decision analysis. The program's focus on model-based methods and analytical skills leads to rapid advancement, with median earnings of £33,500 initially rising to £40,000 after three years. Alumni dominate professional finance positions in London, Edinburgh, and global markets.​

Typical job roles: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Risk Manager, Economic Consultant.​

• Careers service: dedicated finance employability workshops, alumni mentoring networks, CV/interview coaching for City firms​

• Employment stats: 95% employed/studying at 15 months; £33.5k median rising to £40k at 3 years​

• Partnerships: finance sector internships, London recruitment fairs, study abroad with investment banks​

• Accreditation value: St Andrews' elite economics reputation (top NSS scores) for lifelong City credentials​

• Outcomes: 75% highly skilled finance/business roles, strong graduate progression​

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue MSc/PhD programs in financial economics or quantitative finance at St Andrews or leading institutions like LSE/Oxford, extending honours thesis research into advanced asset pricing or risk modelling.​