Master of Business Economics and Finance Stream

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

South East Technological University

Program Overview

The Master of Business (Economics and Finance Stream) at SETU is a one‑year, full‑time (or part‑time) program designed for graduates who want to build advanced expertise in finance, economics, and quantitative analysis. It suits students with backgrounds in economics, finance, or business who aspire to careers in investment banking, corporate finance, trading, risk management, or economic consultancy.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Semester 1 (Autumn):
Students begin with advanced modules in Econometrics, Financial Derivatives, and Data Analytics, gaining strong quantitative and analytical skills. Workshops led by financial experts and seminars on contemporary issues in finance and economics provide applied industry insights.

Year 1 – Semester 2 (Spring):
The second semester emphasizes applied practice. Students engage in Monetary Economics, Advanced Financial Analysis and Interpretation, and participate in a week‑long international study programme in Brussels, which includes lectures at the Irish Institute in Leuven and case exercises with other postgraduate students.

Year 1 – Semester 3 (Summer/Capstone):
Students complete either a Dissertation, Applied Business Project, or a Research Paper Series (Applied Research Methods, International Business & Politics, Governance & Ethics). This stage develops high‑level research and professional skills, preparing graduates for specialist roles in economics and finance.

Focus Areas

Econometrics, financial derivatives, data analytics, monetary economics, corporate financial interpretation, international business, governance and ethics.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to apply advanced quantitative methods to financial and economic problems, evaluate complex institutional frameworks, conduct applied research, and deliver strategic insights for financial services and economic policy.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is a Level 9 NFQ Master of Business degree, internationally recognized, and closely aligned with the AIB Centre for Finance and Business Research, ensuring strong industry relevance and credibility.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

SETU graduates are in demand across Ireland and internationally, with alumni working at Barclays Capital (London), Accenture (London), UBS (London), and leading Irish banks. Employers highlight the program’s practical orientation, industry collaboration, and applied learning as key strengths.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most exciting aspects of the Master of Business (Economics and Finance Stream) at SETU is how strongly it emphasizes applied, real‑world learning. Students don’t just study finance and economics in theory — they actively engage with industry‑driven projects, advanced software, and international study experiences that mirror the professional demands of global finance. The program was developed in collaboration with financial service companies, ensuring that every module is designed to build practical skills employers are looking for.

To make this experiential learning concrete, here’s what you can expect:

Specialist Software & Digital Tools: Students gain advanced skills in econometrics, financial derivatives, and data analytics, working with industry‑standard quantitative tools to solve complex financial problems.
Applied Financial Analysis: Modules such as Advanced Financial Analysis and Interpretation train students to evaluate real corporate data, preparing them for careers in investment banking, trading, and consultancy.
International Study Programme: A highlight of the course is the week‑long international study programme in Brussels, which includes lectures at the Irish Institute in Leuven and case exercises with other postgraduate students — giving students international exposure and networking opportunities.
Industry Collaboration: The program was designed in response to demand from financial service companies, meaning students benefit from guest lectures, workshops, and case studies directly linked to industry practice.
Research & Dissertation Options: Students complete either a Dissertation, Applied Business Project, or Research Paper Series, allowing them to tailor their capstone experience to academic research or applied industry projects.
Library & Research Facilities: Full access to SETU’s library and electronic databases supports coursework and dissertation research, with specialized resources in economics, finance, and quantitative analysis.
AIB Centre for Finance and Business Research: The program is closely aligned with this centre, giving students access to research expertise and industry connections in finance and economics.

This blend of specialist software training, international study, industry collaboration, and applied research projects ensures that graduates of SETU’s Master of Business (Economics and Finance Stream) are not only academically accomplished but also practically prepared to thrive in global finance and economic consultancy.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Business (Economics and Finance Stream) at SETU are prepared to step directly into high‑impact roles such as financial analyst, investment banker, economic consultant, and risk management specialist. The program was designed in collaboration with leading financial service companies, ensuring that students graduate with the advanced quantitative and analytical skills employers demand.

Here’s how SETU supports your career journey and why this program stands out:

University Career Services: SETU’s Careers Development Centre provides tailored employability support, including employer networking, CV workshops, and career mentoring, helping graduates secure roles in finance and economics both in Ireland and abroad.
Employment Stats: SETU highlights strong graduate outcomes, with alumni working at Barclays Capital (London), Accenture (London), UBS (London), and leading Irish banks — clear evidence of the program’s international employability.
Industry Partnerships: The program was developed in response to demand from financial service companies, ensuring modules in econometrics, financial derivatives, and advanced financial analysis are directly aligned with industry needs.
Accreditation Value: Awarded as a Level 9 NFQ Master of Business degree, the qualification is internationally recognized and provides long‑term professional credibility in economics and finance.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni are prepared for careers in investment banking, corporate finance, trading, consultancy, and economic policy, with skills directly aligned to roles requiring advanced data analytics and financial interpretation.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Master of Business (Economics and Finance Stream), students may continue into PhD research at SETU or other universities, focusing on advanced areas such as econometrics, financial markets, or international economics. This pathway allows graduates to deepen their expertise, contribute to cutting‑edge research, and position themselves for academic careers or leadership roles in global finance and economic consultancy.