MSc Finance (Economics and Finance)

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Durham University

Program Overview

The MSc Finance (Economics and Finance) at Durham University is a one‑year full‑time master’s program that strengthens your understanding of financial systems through rigorous training in economics, financial theory, and quantitative analysis. It is ideal for graduates who want to build strong analytical and technical skills for careers in finance, economic research, or global financial institutions.

Curriculum Structure

Year of Study (12-month programme)
Although this is a one‑year master’s course, your learning journey is designed to build from core foundations to specialised expertise.

Term 1 & 2 — Core Competencies and Technical Skills
You begin by mastering the key pillars of modern finance and economics, such as Advanced Financial Theory, which explores contemporary financial models and their practical applications, and Advanced Macroeconomics and Advanced Microeconomics, which strengthen your understanding of economic systems. You also study Corporate Finance, learning decision-making tools for financial strategy and value creation. Alongside these, modules like Econometric Analysis or Econometric Methods help you develop analytical skills to apply statistical techniques to real-world economic and financial data.

Term 3 — Optional Depth and Research Focus
In the final term, you select optional modules that suit your interests and career goals, such as Financial Risk Management, Derivative Markets, Climate Finance, or Portfolio Management, gaining depth in specialised areas of finance. The program concludes with a dissertation or practice-based project where you apply your learning to a real-world finance problem of your choice.

Focus Areas

Finance theory and practice, advanced economics, econometric techniques, corporate finance, financial markets and instruments, and specialised elective topics aligned with current global trends.

Learning Outcomes

You will become fluent in financial modelling and economic analysis, develop advanced decision-making skills under uncertainty, and conduct independent research that demonstrates professional-level insight and analytical rigour.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Durham University Business School holds EQUIS and AACSB accreditation, which recognises international standards of excellence in business and finance education.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings)

The programme is highly regarded globally, ranked 11th in the UK, 34th in Europe, and 60th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings: Masters in Finance 2025, reflecting strong employability outcomes and academic quality.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the MSc Finance (Economics and Finance) programme at Durham University, you don’t just study theory — you gain real-world, practical skills that prepare you for a career in finance. You’ll work with professional tools, engage in hands-on projects, and connect with industry experts, giving you the confidence to apply what you learn in real financial settings. The programme combines interactive workshops, access to advanced technology, and opportunities to network with employers, making sure you leave with both knowledge and experience.

Some of the ways you’ll gain practical experience include:

Working with Bloomberg terminals and other financial databases like Thomson Reuters and Orbis to analyse real-time data and practice financial modelling.
Joining the Durham University Student Investment Group (DUSIG) to manage real or simulated investment portfolios and develop practical insights into markets.
Attending industry talks, networking events, and finance seminars to meet professionals and gain career-relevant insights.
Taking part in an optional International Study Tour, visiting businesses and financial markets in major cities to see how global finance works in practice.
Learning technical skills through workshops in Python for Finance, SQL, and Bloomberg certifications to enhance your data analysis and programming capabilities.
Receiving personalised support from Durham’s Careers and Enterprise Centre, including CV guidance, interview preparation, and targeted recruitment activities in the finance sector.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc Finance (Economics and Finance) leave Durham equipped with strong analytical, financial, and economic skills that open doors to a wide range of career paths. Many go on to roles such as Financial Analyst, Investment Banking Associate, Risk Consultant, or Economic Researcher, contributing to global finance, consulting, and policy-making sectors. With Durham’s reputation and dedicated support, you’ll be well prepared to succeed in competitive job markets:

Career support services: You’ll have access to the Business School’s International, Engagement & Careers team and the University’s Careers and Enterprise Centre. They provide one-on-one coaching, workshops, networking events, and online tools to help you prepare for recruitment and build professional connections.
Employment outcomes and salary prospects: Durham graduates have strong career trajectories, with an average salary of around $52,742 three years after graduation, reflecting the long-term value of the skills gained.
University–industry partnerships: The programme offers links to leading financial institutions and consulting firms through guest lectures, employer events, and student projects, giving you exposure to real-world practices.
Accreditation and recognition: The Business School’s EQUIS and AACSB accreditations add long-term value to your degree and are respected worldwide.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni have gone on to influential roles in finance, economics, and consulting, both in the UK and internationally, demonstrating the programme’s effectiveness in launching rewarding careers.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this master’s, students can choose to pursue further research or professional qualifications, such as a PhD in Finance or Economics, or specialist certifications like CFA, FRM, or other advanced finance qualifications, further strengthening career prospects in research, investment, and policy roles.