International Finance and Economics MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The International Finance and Economics MSc at Sussex Business School gives you the skills to understand how global financial markets and economic policies shape the world we live in. You’ll combine economic theory with practical finance tools to tackle real-world challenges, making this degree perfect if you want a career in finance, consulting, policy, or economic research.

Curriculum Structure

First semester
You’ll start by building a strong foundation in economics and finance. Modules like Analytical Methods for Finance & Business Economics and Quantitative Methods for Finance & Business help you think critically with data, while Money, Macro and Banking and Trading show how financial systems really work. These courses get you ready to analyze markets and understand economic policy in practice.

Second semester
Next, you’ll develop applied skills with Data Processing, Coding & Visualisation, where you work with real datasets, and Finance for Development, which explores finance in emerging economies. Financial and Time Series Econometrics and Financial Markets and Institutions teach you advanced techniques to understand markets and institutions more deeply.

Summer project
Finally, you’ll put everything together in the Applied International Finance Project. This hands-on project lets you apply your knowledge to real-world problems, giving you a taste of professional finance or economic research work before you graduate.

Focus areas

Global financial markets, macroeconomic policy, econometrics, quantitative analysis, financial institutions, development finance

Learning outcomes

Analyze financial trends using economic theory and data, apply coding and quantitative skills to solve complex problems, conduct research and present findings clearly to a professional audience

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Study within the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited Sussex Business School, internationally recognised for high-quality management and finance education

Reputation (employability rankings)

Top 20 in the UK for Business and Economics (Times Higher Education 2025), Top 100 worldwide for Economics and Business (U.S. News & World Report 2025), Top 20 in the UK for Finance (Shanghai Rankings 2025)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the International Finance and Economics MSc, you won’t just study theory — you’ll get hands-on experience using the same tools and environments that finance professionals use every day. Sussex Business School offers facilities and opportunities that let you practise real-world skills, work with data, collaborate with peers, and apply what you learn in practical projects:

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:

Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab: Access Bloomberg terminals to analyse real-time market data, simulate trading, monitor global securities, bonds, and foreign exchange, and build skills directly relevant to banking, trading, and financial analysis careers.
Real-world data and analytics tools: Work with specialised databases and financial datasets to interpret market, corporate, and regulatory information for your assignments and research.
Applied project work: The Applied International Finance Project lets you tackle an independent research or consultancy-style project, giving you practical evidence of your ability to solve real economic and financial problems.
Group work and collaboration: Many modules include group exercises, presentations, and data projects, helping you develop teamwork and communication skills just like in a professional setting.
Masterclasses and industry insights: You’ll have access to talks and workshops with finance experts, offering insights into how theory meets real-world markets.
Careers support and networking: Workshops, one-to-one coaching, and employer events help you turn your academic skills into job-ready capabilities.
Collaborative campus learning spaces: The Jubilee Building provides seminar rooms, computer clusters, and study pods that support group work, data analysis, and peer learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the International Finance and Economics MSc at Sussex often go on to exciting roles such as financial analyst, economist, trader, or consultant, applying the skills they’ve developed to real-world financial and economic challenges. You’ll leave equipped to interpret data, understand market trends, and make informed decisions that can influence businesses and economies:

Career support services: Sussex’s Career Lab and Faculty Careers Consultants provide one-to-one guidance, workshops, and employer events to help you perfect your CV, practice interviews, and prepare for job applications, including opportunities to explore internships and consultancy projects.
Work experience integration: Around 91% of Sussex postgraduates gain work experience while studying, helping you develop practical skills and confidence before stepping into your first role.
Industry exposure and networking: You’ll meet industry professionals through talks, masterclasses, and alumni events, giving you insights into employer expectations and sector trends.
Accreditation value: Being part of the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited Sussex Business School ensures your degree is recognised worldwide, highlighting the high standards and credibility of your qualification.
Graduate outcomes: Sussex graduates consistently move into employment or further study quickly, benefiting from a combination of academic excellence and practical experience gained during the MSc.

Further Academic Progression:

After finishing this MSc, many students choose to continue their studies with research-focused PhDs in economics, finance, or related fields at Sussex or other top universities. Others pursue professional qualifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or specialised economist certifications, building on the strong analytical and quantitative foundation gained during the programme.