MSc Financial Economics

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MSc Financial Economics at the University of Exeter is designed for anyone looking to understand how financial markets work and make smarter economic decisions. You’ll combine cutting-edge economic theory with practical financial skills, gaining the confidence to tackle real-world challenges in banks, government, or global businesses.

Curriculum Structure

Full-Time 1-Year Programme:
From the very start, you’ll dive into core modules like Topics in Financial Economics, Fundamentals of Financial Management, and Applied Econometrics 1 & 2. These will help you see how economic theory connects to financial markets and sharpen your ability to interpret data for real-world decisions.

As the programme progresses, you’ll take your skills further with Optimisation Techniques for Economists and options such as Portfolio Management or Banking and Financial Services. You’ll learn to analyse complex financial systems, assess investment strategies, and make well-informed decisions that matter.

The final stage is your Dissertation, where you’ll carry out independent research on a topic you’re passionate about. This is your chance to showcase all the knowledge and skills you’ve built over the year, giving you a strong platform for your future career.

Focus areas:
Financial markets, corporate finance, econometrics and quantitative methods, investment and portfolio management.

Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate ready to model financial and economic problems, interpret data with confidence, think critically about financial systems, and carry out independent research that demonstrates your expertise.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Exeter’s programme benefits from the triple-accredited Business School (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS), giving you a qualification that’s highly regarded by employers around the world.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The Department of Economics at Exeter is consistently ranked among the Top 15 in the UK by sources like The Complete University Guide and The Times & The Sunday Times, reflecting strong teaching, research, and career outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Exeter, the MSc Financial Economics isn’t just about lectures and reading—it’s about getting your hands on real tools, tackling practical challenges, and seeing how theory works in the real world. You’ll use cutting-edge facilities like the Finance and Economics Experimental Laboratory (FEELE) to run experiments, test ideas, and really understand market and behavioural dynamics. Beyond the labs, you’ll hear from leading economists in seminars and guest lectures, explore real-world datasets, and collaborate on projects that mirror professional finance and economic work:

FEELE Lab (Finance and Economics Experimental Laboratory): Participate in experiments that bring economic theory to life and give you practical insight into decision-making and market behaviour.
Economics Seminar Series & Guest Talks: Connect with top economists and industry experts, gaining insights into current research and real-world financial practices.
Research Centres & Facilities: Access hubs like the Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre and the Research Methods Centre, offering hands-on experience with real research projects.
Library & Digital Resources: Benefit from the Business School’s comprehensive library and financial databases to support data analysis, econometrics, and your dissertation research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc Financial Economics often move straight into exciting roles where they can make an impact, such as Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst, Economist, or Risk Consultant. Thanks to the practical training you’ll gain on the programme and the support from Exeter’s careers team, you’ll have the confidence and skills to hit the ground running in competitive finance, consulting, and policy roles:

Career support services: The Career Zone helps you every step of the way — from polishing your CV and applications to preparing for interviews, exploring internships, and connecting with potential employers.
Employer links: Exeter has strong connections with organisations like Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, HSBC, and KPMG, offering networking opportunities, events, and insight into what employers are looking for.
Employment outcomes: Many economics graduates from Exeter move quickly into high-skill roles in finance, research, or consultancy, giving you a strong start to your career.
Long-term accreditation value: The MSc is part of Exeter’s triple-accredited Business School (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS), meaning your qualification is respected globally and carries real weight with employers.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re thinking about taking your studies further, this MSc is a strong springboard for PhD or MRes programmes in economics, finance, or related fields. Your dissertation will give you hands-on research experience, perfect for higher-level study, while also laying the groundwork for professional qualifications like the CFA if you want to deepen your expertise in finance.