MBS in Finance and Business Analytics

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

South East Technological University

Program Overview

The MBS in Finance and Business Analytics at South East Technological University gives you an exciting blend of advanced economic theory and practical finance skills tailored to today’s financial services landscape. Designed for graduates who want to step into specialist roles in economics or finance, you’ll explore everything from econometrics and derivatives to financial analysis and data tools that employers value.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 (1-Year Taught Programme)

In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in both business and specialised economics and finance subjects. Early on you’ll study modules like Innovation Management & Design, Business Simulation 1, and Research Methods to sharpen your analytical and decision-making skills in real business contexts.

As you progress into later semesters, you’ll tackle core stream modules such as Financial Risk and Compliance Management, Trading the Financial Markets, Corporate Financial Analysis, and Monetary Economics, bringing theoretical knowledge into practice with hands-on tools like financial simulations and real-world data.

In the final stage of the programme you’ll complete either a Dissertation, Applied Business Project, or series of Research Papers — giving you the opportunity to conduct independent research or applied analysis on topics relevant to economics and finance.

Focus areas (in a string):

Econometrics, financial derivatives, trading & markets, financial risk and compliance, corporate financial analysis, monetary economics, research methods, business simulation, applied consultancy.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop advanced quantitative and analytical skills, apply econometric and financial models to complex problems, interpret financial market dynamics, conduct independent research, and communicate strategic insights for business and policy decisions.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

SETU’s programme was developed in collaboration with financial sector companies to reflect industry needs and includes practical training with professional tools and financial software, preparing you for specialist economics and finance roles.

Reputation (employability rankings):

South East Technological University is a recognised public university in Ireland with strong employer links, and this Master’s programme has a growing reputation for producing graduates with the quantitative, analytical and applied skills sought by financial services employers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the MBS in Finance and Business Analytics at South East Technological University (SETU), you’ll gain practical expertise that goes way beyond textbooks, learning to apply financial models, economic analysis and market tools in real situations. The programme blends interactive lectures, workshops by industry experts, business simulations, financial software training, and field experiences so you build confidence in the skills top employers value most. You’ll also explore real-world financial environments through collaborative projects, simulated trading, and an international study experience that brings global markets to life:

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Workshops and expert seminars: Practice-based sessions led by leading finance and economics professionals are built into the curriculum so you connect theory with real industry practice.
State-of-the-art Finance Lab: Access specialist facilities including the Finance Lab sponsored by AIB Plc, where you engage with tools like Thomson One Banker, StockTrak and Financial Times, and even develop a REFINITIV Eikon certification — a strong asset on your CV.
Business Simulation & Portfolio Building: Through modules like Business Simulation 1 & 2, you’ll construct securities portfolios and test strategies in simulated financial markets.
Study visit: The programme includes a week-long international study trip to Brussels to broaden your economic and policy perspectives and connect with European financial institutions.
Applied research or consultancy project: In your final semester, you’ll complete either a Dissertation, Applied Business Project, or Research Paper series, applying your skills to real problems and producing professional-level analysis.
Contemporary Issues in Business: Study modules offer hands-on engagement with current global business challenges, linking learning directly to real financial environments.
Collaborative learning and guest input: You’ll work alongside peers from diverse backgrounds and benefit from insights by visiting leaders and industry contributors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MBS in Finance and Business Analytics at South East Technological University progress into analytically focused and well-paid roles across financial services, consulting, and policy-driven organisations. Typical career outcomes include Financial Analyst, Risk & Compliance Analyst, Investment Analyst, Economic Researcher, and roles in banking, treasury, and financial markets — supported by the programme’s strong applied and quantitative focus:

Career progression opportunities include:

University employability support: SETU’s Careers & Employability Service provides one-to-one career coaching, CV and interview preparation, employer engagement events, and access to graduate recruitment opportunities aligned with finance and economics roles.
Industry-ready skills & tools: Graduates leave with hands-on experience using industry-standard financial platforms through the AIB-sponsored Finance Lab (e.g., market data, portfolio simulation tools), strengthening job readiness from day one.
Employer engagement & partnerships: The programme is developed in collaboration with financial-sector organisations, with guest lectures, workshops, and applied projects ensuring close alignment with employer needs.
Strong labour-market relevance: Skills in financial risk, compliance, trading, econometrics, and corporate financial analysis are in sustained demand across Ireland’s financial services and multinational sectors.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni typically progress into roles in banking, asset management, consulting, corporate finance, and public-sector economics, reflecting the programme’s balance of theory and applied practice.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue to advanced study through a PhD in Economics, Finance, or Business, or pursue specialised postgraduate qualifications in areas such as Financial Analytics, Risk Management, or Applied Economics at SETU or other universities. The programme’s strong research and quantitative base also supports progression into academic or policy-focused careers.