MSc in Economics and Finance

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Brighton

Program Overview

The MSc in Economics and Finance at University of Brighton is a career-focused one-year master’s designed for students who want a strong understanding of how economic theory and financial decision-making shape real-world markets. It’s a great fit if you’re aiming for roles in finance, economics, policy, or business analysis and want a course that balances theory with practical, applied learning.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
Throughout the year, you’ll build a solid foundation in core areas such as Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and Financial Markets, helping you understand how economies function and how financial systems respond to global change. These modules sharpen your ability to analyse economic behaviour, market trends, and financial performance.

As the course progresses, you’ll move into more advanced study through units like Econometrics, Corporate Finance, and Applied Economic Analysis, where data, modelling, and financial decision-making come together. The programme concludes with a dissertation or applied project, giving you the chance to explore an economics or finance topic in depth using real data and research methods valued by employers.

Focus areas

Economic analysis, financial markets, corporate finance, econometrics, global economic policy, applied research

Learning outcomes

Strong economic and financial analysis skills, confidence working with data and models, ability to interpret global market trends, professional reporting and research capability, practical problem-solving skills

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The course is designed to align with industry and professional expectations in economics and finance, supporting progression toward professional practice and further specialist qualifications.

Reputation (employability & standing)

The University of Brighton is recognised for its applied teaching and strong employability focus, with graduates valued for their practical skills, analytical confidence, and readiness to work in professional economic and financial environments.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc in Economics and Finance at University of Brighton is strongly grounded in practical, applied learning that reflects how economists and finance professionals work in real organisations. From the start, you’ll engage with real economic data, financial scenarios, and policy-driven questions, developing hands-on analytical skills in a supportive, professional learning environment. Teaching takes place within the Business School, where modern learning spaces, digital resources, and specialist facilities help you turn theory into practical insight.

As your studies progress, this applied approach becomes central to your experience:

Economics & finance software: You’ll work with econometric and financial analysis software used within core modules such as Econometrics and Applied Economic Analysis, building confidence in data handling, modelling, and interpretation.
Data-driven projects: Several units involve applied coursework where you analyse real-world economic and financial data, helping you develop practical research and analytical skills valued by employers.
Group-based learning: You’ll take part in group assignments and discussions focused on financial markets, economic policy, and business decision-making, mirroring collaborative workplace environments.
Applied assessments: Assessments include research reports, data analysis tasks, and professional-style presentations rather than purely exam-based evaluation.
Research-focused dissertation: Your final dissertation or applied project allows you to investigate an economics or finance topic in depth, using real data and supervised research methods.
Specialist learning spaces: Dedicated computer labs support quantitative analysis and financial modelling throughout the course.
Library & academic resources: You’ll have access to extensive economics and finance books, journals, market reports, and data sources through the university’s library services.
Career-connected learning: Teaching is informed by real economic and financial practice, helping you understand how theory translates into professional roles across finance, policy, and business.

Overall, the experiential learning on this course ensures you graduate with practical analytical experience, strong research skills, and the confidence to apply economics and finance knowledge in real-world professional settings.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Economics and Finance at University of Brighton leave with strong analytical, financial, and data skills that open doors across business, finance, and policy-driven sectors. The course prepares you for roles where economic insight and financial decision-making matter most, with many graduates progressing into positions such as Financial Analyst, Economic Analyst, Business Analyst, and Finance Officer in the UK and internationally.

That progression is actively supported through a range of career-focused opportunities:

Careers & employability support: You’ll be supported by the university’s dedicated Careers and Employability team, offering one-to-one guidance, CV and interview coaching, employer talks, and access to graduate vacancies aligned with economics and finance roles.
Graduate outcomes & salaries: Business School graduates typically progress into professional or managerial roles or further study, with economics and finance graduates achieving competitive graduate-level salaries in line with UK market expectations.
Industry engagement: Teaching and assessment are informed by real-world practice, with input from industry professionals and employer-facing activities that reflect current economic and financial challenges.
Professional value: The analytical and quantitative focus of the degree provides long-term value for careers in finance, consulting, banking, policy analysis, and data-driven business roles.
Global employability: The international outlook of the course prepares you for opportunities across global markets, multinational organisations, and public or private sector institutions.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this master’s, you can progress to doctoral-level research in economics, finance, or related business disciplines, or specialise further through advanced postgraduate study in areas such as financial economics, econometrics, or public policy. Many graduates also use this degree as a strong academic platform before moving into professional qualifications or research-focused careers.