MSc Financial Economics

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Glasgow

Program Overview

The MSc Financial Economics at the University of Glasgow combines rigorous economic theory with practical financial analysis to help students understand how financial markets operate within the wider economy. This programme is ideal for students aiming for careers in banking, investment analysis, economic consulting, public policy, or further research in economics and finance.

Curriculum Structure

Pre-Sessional (Before Term Starts)

Before the academic year begins, students are supported in strengthening their quantitative and analytical foundations in mathematics, statistics, and economics. This preparation ensures they are fully ready for advanced postgraduate study in financial economics.

Year 1 — Core Foundations in Economics and Finance

Students begin with core modules such as Financial Economics, which explores the economic principles underlying financial markets, asset pricing, and investment decisions. Microeconomic Analysis develops analytical skills to understand individual and firm behaviour, forming a strong theoretical base for financial decision-making.

Year 1 — Applied Financial Analysis and Markets

As the programme progresses, students study Macroeconomic Analysis, examining economic fluctuations, monetary policy, and financial stability in global economies. Modules like Econometrics equip students with statistical tools to analyse financial and economic data, supporting evidence-based market analysis.

Year 1 — Research and Integration

In the final stage, students undertake a dissertation or applied research project, allowing them to apply economic theory and quantitative methods to a real financial or economic issue. This phase strengthens research, critical thinking, and professional analysis skills valued by employers.

Focus Areas

Financial economics, asset pricing, microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, financial markets, applied economic analysis

Learning Outcomes

Graduates gain the ability to analyse financial markets using economic theory, interpret economic and financial data, assess policy and market developments, and apply quantitative methods to real-world financial challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Delivered by the University of Glasgow’s School of Social and Political Sciences, the programme offers strong academic rigour with practical relevance, preparing students for roles across finance, economics, policy, and research-oriented careers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Glasgow is a leading Russell Group university with a strong global reputation for economics and business-related disciplines. Graduates are well regarded by employers in banking, investment firms, consultancies, public sector organisations, and international institutions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Financial Economics at the University of Glasgow is designed to help you apply economic theory and financial analysis to real-world markets. From the outset, students develop strong analytical and quantitative skills used in financial decision-making, market analysis, and economic research. The programme blends economics and finance in a practical way, ensuring you understand not just how markets work, but how economic forces drive financial outcomes.

Teaching combines lectures with applied classes, data-driven assignments, and collaborative learning, allowing you to work directly with financial and economic data. Housed within the Adam Smith Business School, the programme benefits from a research-led environment and access to professional tools that support applied learning:

Applied financial economics coursework – Core modules cover financial markets, asset pricing, macro-financial linkages, and applied econometrics, using real economic and financial scenarios.
Practical econometric and data analysis training – Students use Stata, R, and Excel to analyse financial markets, test economic models, and interpret empirical results.
Group projects and applied assignments – Collaborative coursework develops problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and communication skills aligned with professional finance and economics roles.
Research-led teaching environment – Courses are informed by faculty research in financial economics, macroeconomics, and applied finance, ensuring exposure to current academic and policy debates.
Access to financial and economic data resources – Students work with real-world datasets to evaluate market behaviour, economic trends, and financial performance.
University of Glasgow Library – Extensive collections in economics, finance, statistics, and business support coursework, independent study, and dissertation research.
Dedicated computing and study facilities – Access to specialist computing labs and quiet study spaces designed for quantitative and analytical work.
Careers and professional development support – The Adam Smith Business School provides careers guidance, skills workshops, and employer engagement to support roles in finance, economics, consulting, and policy.

Why this experiential learning matters

The MSc Financial Economics equips you with strong analytical, quantitative, and applied economic skills valued by employers in finance, economic consulting, banking, policy institutions, and research organisations. Combined with the University of Glasgow’s academic reputation and research strength, the programme prepares you to translate economic insight into real financial impact.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Financial Economics develop strong analytical, economic, and financial skills that prepare them for careers in global finance and economics. Typical job roles include Financial Analyst, Economist, Investment Analyst, and Economic Consultant, with alumni working across banking, investment management, consulting, and policy-focused organisations.
These strong outcomes are driven by the programme’s academic depth and employability focus:

University Services Supporting Employment: The University of Glasgow’s Careers, Employability & Opportunity service supports students through personalised career guidance, CV and application reviews, interview preparation, employer-led workshops, and access to internships and graduate roles in finance and economics.
Employment Outcomes & Salary Potential: Graduates from economics and finance master’s programmes at Glasgow consistently progress into professional roles shortly after graduation, with competitive early-career salaries across financial services, consulting, and economic research sectors.
University–Industry Engagement: Students benefit from exposure to real-world financial and economic issues through applied coursework, data analysis, and interaction with practitioners and researchers connected to financial institutions, consultancies, and public sector bodies.
Long-Term Degree Value: As a Russell Group university, the University of Glasgow offers a degree with strong international recognition, valued by employers for its rigorous training in economic theory, quantitative methods, and financial analysis.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni work in a wide range of sectors including banking and financial services, investment and asset management, economic consultancy, public policy, and international organisations, demonstrating the programme’s versatility and global relevance.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MSc Financial Economics, students may progress to PhD or MRes programmes in economics, finance, or related quantitative disciplines, particularly if they wish to pursue academic or research-led careers. Others strengthen their professional profile through qualifications such as CFA or further postgraduate study, supporting long-term progression into senior analytical, advisory, and leadership roles within finance and economics.