Behavioural Finance MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

The MSc Behavioural Finance at Queen Mary University of London is designed for students who want to understand how human psychology shapes financial decisions and market behaviour. It’s ideal for those with a strong interest in finance and economics who are eager to explore the cognitive biases and decision-making processes behind real-world financial choices.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1 / Core Study:
You’ll start by grounding yourself in the essentials of finance and economics, with modules like Advanced Behavioural Finance and Behavioural Economics, where you’ll explore how psychology affects investing, risk-taking, and market dynamics. Quantitative skills are strengthened through modules such as Empirical Methods in Finance, giving you the tools to analyse data and test behavioural theories.

Year 2 / Applied & Specialist Modules:
The second part of the programme lets you apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios. You might study Financial Decision Making, where behavioural insights are applied to portfolio management, or Behavioural Corporate Finance, which examines how cognitive biases influence company strategies. Optional modules allow you to tailor your learning, and the Dissertation gives you the chance to conduct your own research on a topic that fascinates you, demonstrating your ability to bridge theory and practice.

Focus areas: Behavioural economics, cognitive biases, financial decision-making, market psychology, empirical finance, corporate behaviour, investment strategy

Learning outcomes: Develop a deep understanding of how psychological factors impact financial decisions, apply quantitative methods to test financial theories, analyse and interpret market behaviour, conduct independent research in behavioural finance

Professional alignment (accreditation): CFA pathway option available, prepares students for careers in finance, investment, consulting, and behavioural research

Reputation (employability rankings): QMUL Economics & Finance is highly ranked for research and graduate employability; graduates are sought after by leading financial institutions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Mary, we believe learning finance isn’t just about theory – it’s about doing. As a Behavioural Finance student, you’ll gain hands-on experience using real-world financial tools like Bloomberg terminals and supported data software, giving you the kind of practical skills that employers value. You’ll take part in interactive simulations that replicate live trading and investment scenarios, so you can test your decision-making under realistic conditions. Plus, the programme offers professional skills modules, career-focused events, and dedicated support to help you connect with employers and explore opportunities in the finance sector. All of this is complemented by excellent facilities, libraries, and spaces designed for collaboration and independent research.

Here’s what your experiential learning journey could look like:

Industry-standard trading labs: Use Bloomberg terminals and other financial software in the School’s dedicated labs, giving you practical exposure to market tools.
Interactive market simulations: Participate in live trading exercises that mirror real-world financial scenarios and sharpen your decision-making.
Professional skills modules: Learn programming and analytical tools such as Python, Matlab, and VBA to strengthen your technical expertise.
Career events & networking: Attend finance-focused talks, workshops, and employer events to expand your industry connections.
Internship support: While internships aren’t built into the degree, the School provides guidance, resources, and opportunities to help you pursue them.
Graduate Centre & library access: Study and collaborate in modern facilities with access to the Mile End Library and the wider University of London library network.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing the MSc Behavioural Finance at Queen Mary gives you a unique edge in the finance world. You’ll be ready for exciting roles such as Behavioural Finance Analyst, Financial Analyst, Portfolio Manager, or Risk Consultant, combining deep insight into human decision-making with practical financial skills:

• Personalised career support: The School’s Careers team offers one-on-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, psychometric test preparation, networking events, and employer sessions — all during your studies and for up to three years after graduation.
• Strong employment outcomes: Around 90% of graduates move into skilled jobs or further study within 15 months, with typical UK salaries averaging £34,000, reflecting the strong demand for these skills.
• Industry connections: Through events like “Focus on Finance,” you’ll meet employers, alumni, and recruiters, building networks that can help kickstart your career.
• Accreditation and professional value: The CFA pathway option and the School’s ties to professional bodies give your qualifications extra credibility for long-term career growth.
• Graduation opportunities: Alumni go into investment banking, asset management, consulting, central banks, hedge funds, and research roles — all benefiting from the unique blend of psychology and finance that this MSc provides.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this MSc sets a strong foundation for PhD programmes in Finance, Economics, or Behavioural Science, preparing you for research, teaching, or highly analytical careers. Many graduates also pursue professional qualifications like the CFA, or advanced Master’s and MPhil/PhD research pathways in related fields.