MSc in Financial Economics

9 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Oxford

Program Overview

Oxford’s MSc in Financial Economics is a highly selective one-year program offered jointly by Saïd Business School and the Department of Economics. It’s designed for students aiming to launch careers in finance, consulting, or policymaking, combining rigorous academic training with real-world financial applications.

Curriculum Structure

Michaelmas Term (Autumn)
You’ll begin with core modules in Asset Pricing, Corporate Finance, Economics, and Financial Econometrics. These courses build a strong foundation in financial theory, statistical modeling, and economic principles, with hands-on exposure to data analysis and valuation techniques.

Hilary Term (Winter)
This term deepens your expertise with electives such as Private Equity, Behavioural Finance, Financial Crises, and International Finance. You’ll also continue with Asset Pricing II and Corporate Finance II, applying advanced models to real-world financial problems and market dynamics.

Trinity Term (Spring–Summer)
You’ll complete a Finance or Economics Research Project, working independently or in small teams under faculty supervision. This is your opportunity to explore a topic of interest—often aligned with industry trends or academic research—and demonstrate your analytical and communication skills.

Focus areas: Asset Pricing, Corporate Finance, Financial Econometrics, Economics, Private Equity, Behavioural Finance

Learning outcomes: Mastery of financial theory, quantitative analysis, and economic reasoning; readiness for high-level roles in finance, consulting, or policy

Professional alignment (accreditation): Designed for careers in investment banking, asset management, consulting, and central banking; ideal preparation for CFA, PhD, or policy roles

Reputation (employability rankings): Oxford Saïd ranks among the top 10 globally for business and management (QS 2025); the MSc is consistently one of the most competitive finance programs in Europe

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Oxford’s MSc in Financial Economics gain hands-on experience through intensive training in financial modeling, econometric analysis, and real-world case studies. Delivered jointly by Saïd Business School and the Department of Economics, the program blends academic depth with practical exposure, supported by cutting-edge facilities and direct engagement with industry professionals.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the program:

Software & Tools: Students work extensively with Stata, Matlab, and Bloomberg terminals for data analysis, financial modeling, and market research.
Group Projects: Collaborative assignments in modules like Corporate Finance and Asset Pricing simulate real-world investment decisions and valuation strategies.
Research Project: The final Finance or Economics Research Project allows students to explore a topic of interest, often aligned with current industry challenges or academic research.
Oxford Business Networks: Students can join finance-focused networks such as the Oxford Private Equity Network and Oxford Women in Business, offering peer collaboration and alumni mentorship.
Library Access: Full access to the Sainsbury Library at Saïd Business School and the Bodleian Social Science Library, both equipped with financial databases and research collections.
Facilities: Teaching takes place in the Saïd Business School’s Park End Street campus, featuring modern lecture theatres, breakout rooms, and digital labs.
Industry Exposure: Guest lectures and workshops from firms like Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and BlackRock provide direct insight into global finance careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Oxford’s MSc in Financial Economics are consistently recruited by top-tier employers across finance, consulting, and policy sectors. Many go on to roles such as investment analyst, financial strategist, economic consultant, and risk manager. The program’s blend of rigorous academics and real-world relevance makes it a launchpad for high-impact careers.

Here’s how Oxford supports your future success:

Career Services: Saïd Business School’s Careers Centre offers dedicated support for MSc students, including CV workshops, mock interviews, and access to exclusive employer events and global job boards.
Employment Stats: Over 90% of graduates secure employment within three months, with median starting salaries exceeding £50,000. Alumni join firms like Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, McKinsey, and BlackRock.
Industry Partnerships: The program benefits from strong ties to leading financial institutions, with regular guest lectures, networking sessions, and recruitment pipelines.
Accreditation Value: The MSc is recognised globally as a premier qualification in financial economics, often used as a stepping stone to CFA certification or PhD study.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni have progressed to leadership roles in investment banking, asset management, central banking, and economic policy, with many continuing into doctoral research.

Further Academic Progression:
While most graduates enter the workforce immediately, the MSc also provides a strong foundation for further study. Students may pursue Oxford’s DPhil in Economics or DPhil in Finance, or apply to top PhD programs worldwide in financial economics, econometrics, or public policy.