MSc Financial Economics

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Kent

Program Overview

Kent’s MSc Financial Economics is ideal for students who want to understand how financial markets operate through the lens of economic theory. It’s a great fit if you’re aiming for a career in investment analysis, financial consulting, or policy advising, and want to master both the theoretical and quantitative tools that drive financial decision-making.

Curriculum Structure

Autumn Term (Semester 1)
You’ll start with a rigorous foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods. In Microeconomics, you’ll explore how individuals and firms make decisions under constraints. Macroeconomics introduces you to national income, inflation, and monetary policy. The Research Skills for Economics Dissertation module equips you with econometric techniques like instrumental variables and regression discontinuity, preparing you for applied financial research.

Spring Term (Semester 2)
This semester focuses on deepening your financial expertise. In Financial Economics, you’ll study asset pricing, portfolio theory, and risk management. Money and Credit examines the role of financial institutions and central banks in the economy. You can also choose from optional modules such as International Finance, Sustainable Economic Growth and Environmental Valuation, or Development Economics, depending on your interests.

Summer Term (Semester 3)
You’ll complete a supervised Dissertation on a financial economics topic of your choice, applying your research and analytical skills to real-world financial questions. This is your opportunity to explore a specialised area—such as financial regulation, investment behaviour, or monetary policy—in depth, with guidance from expert faculty.

Focus areas: Financial economics, macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics, monetary policy, international finance, sustainable growth
Learning outcomes: Advanced understanding of financial theory, economic modelling, quantitative analysis, and independent research
Professional alignment (accreditation): Designed to meet the analytical and technical standards expected in financial services, policy institutions, and research roles
Reputation (employability rankings): Kent ranks in the UK’s top 25 for economics research (REF 2021), with 87% of its economics research rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Kent’s MSc Financial Economics is designed to give you more than just theoretical knowledge—it’s built around practical application, real-world data, and hands-on research. You’ll work with econometric software, explore financial modelling, and engage with active research centres that connect you to current industry debates. Whether you're analysing asset pricing or evaluating monetary policy, the program ensures you graduate with the skills and confidence to thrive in financial roles.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded in the program:

Econometric Software Training: In the Research Skills for Economics Dissertation module, you’ll use advanced econometric techniques like regression discontinuity and instrumental variables to analyse financial data.
Dissertation Supervision: You’ll undertake a major independent research project, supported by expert faculty, allowing you to explore topics such as financial regulation, investment behaviour, or monetary policy.
Dedicated MSc Facilities: The School of Economics provides rooms specifically for MSc students, equipped with computers and collaborative spaces for group work and discussion.
Active Research Centres: Students benefit from Kent’s CEAS (Centre for European Agri-Environmental Studies) and MaGHiC (Macroeconomics, Growth and History Centre), which host seminars and workshops with economists and policy experts.
Economics and Kent Invest Societies: These student-led groups offer opportunities to manage virtual investment portfolios, attend employer events, and network with professionals in finance and economics.
Templeman Library Access: You’ll have full access to Kent’s extensive economics and finance collections, including digital databases like JSTOR, EconLit, and Bloomberg terminals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Kent’s MSc Financial Economics are well-prepared for high-level roles in finance, policy, and economic consultancy. Alumni have gone on to work at leading organisations such as PwC, BNP Paribas, AXA, and FactSet, applying their expertise in financial modelling and economic analysis. Typical job roles include: financial analyst, investment consultant, policy advisor, and risk strategist.

Here’s how Kent supports your career journey:

Careers and Employability Service: Offers tailored support including CV reviews, mock interviews, employer networking events, and strategic career planning. Students can book one-on-one appointments and attend workshops throughout the year.
Employment Outcomes: Kent ranks in the UK’s top 25 for economics research (REF 2021), with 87% of its economics research rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. Graduates from the School of Economics are highly sought after in both public and private sectors.
Industry Connections: Students benefit from Kent’s active research centres like MaGHiC and CEAS, which host seminars and workshops with economists, policy experts, and industry leaders. The Kent Invest society also offers hands-on experience with virtual portfolios and employer engagement.
Long-Term Value: The MSc Financial Economics provides rigorous training in econometrics, financial theory, and monetary policy, aligning with the analytical standards expected in financial services and research institutions.
Graduate Outcomes: Students leave with advanced quantitative skills, practical financial experience, and a global perspective—qualities that translate into strong employability and long-term career progression.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates who wish to continue their studies can pursue Kent’s structured four-year PhD in Economics, which offers advanced training in financial research methods and the opportunity to contribute original insights to the field. The MSc also provides excellent preparation for doctoral study at other leading institutions.