Financial Economics MSc

1 Years On Campus Postgraduate Program

University of Birmingham

Program Overview

The MSc Financial Economics offers a strong blend of financial theory, economic modelling, and advanced quantitative skills — perfect for students who want to understand how financial markets truly function. It suits individuals with an economics, finance, or related background who want to build analytical depth and prepare for roles in financial institutions, research, or policy.

Curriculum Structure

Year of Study (Full-time MSc)

In the early part of the programme, you study core modules such as Economics of Financial Intermediation, Financial Econometrics, and Microfoundations of Finance. These modules help you understand how banks, markets, and financial institutions operate, while also training you in the econometric techniques used to analyse real-world financial data.
As you move into the later teaching period, you explore Advanced Asset Pricing, where you learn how assets are valued, how risk is measured, and how modern financial models are built and applied in practice.

You also customise your learning through two optional modules, choosing from options like Advanced Quantitative Methods, Behavioural Economics and Finance, and Economics of Corporate Finance. These allow you to deepen your interest in areas such as statistical modelling, investor behaviour, or corporate financial decision-making.
The programme ends with a substantial 60-credit dissertation, where you independently research a topic in financial economics and apply the quantitative and analytical tools gained throughout the year.

Focus Areas

Financial markets, financial institutions, econometric analysis, asset pricing, corporate finance, behavioural finance.

Learning Outcomes

Strong quantitative and analytical ability; understanding of economic theory in financial markets; capability to price assets and evaluate financial strategies; readiness to conduct independent research and industry-relevant analysis.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Offered by Birmingham Business School, which holds prestigious triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), reflecting international standards of teaching quality and industry relevance.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Birmingham is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities and is recognised as one of the most targeted UK universities by leading graduate employers, according to the High Fliers Report.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you choose the MSc Financial Economics at the University of Birmingham, you’ll learn in an environment built to strengthen both your analytical thinking and your practical financial skills. The programme is very hands-on: you’ll work extensively with real financial data, apply econometric techniques, and use dedicated Business School facilities designed for postgraduate students. You also complete a major research dissertation, giving you a chance to showcase real analytical depth to employers.

Here’s how your experiential learning becomes real and career-ready:

You’ll experience all of this during the programme:

Practical econometric training using financial datasets through modules such as Financial Econometrics, Advanced Asset Pricing, and Economics of Financial Intermediation — helping you analyse markets, estimate models, and draw meaningful insights.
A major 60-credit dissertation project, where you independently investigate a research topic in financial economics, applying advanced tools, quantitative methods, and structured academic writing.
Group and individual coursework, including case studies, presentations, applied projects, and digital assessments — giving you exposure to the kind of analytical output required in finance roles.
Access to specialist facilities at Birmingham Business School, including postgraduate study areas, computer clusters equipped for quantitative analysis, Bloomberg-style digital resources, collaborative rooms, and research spaces at University House and the Alan Walters Building.
Use of the University’s Main Library, offering nearly 2,000 study spaces, digital resources, academic journals, financial databases, and extended study hours for postgraduate students.
Support from Birmingham’s careers network, which engages with global banks, consultancies, and financial institutions — helping students secure internships and graduate roles.

🎓 Why This MSc is a Strong Fit for You

The programme combines rigorous economic theory with advanced financial skills, giving you a deeper foundation than a traditional finance-only degree.
You’re taught by leading researchers in finance and economics who use modern global case examples and the latest research in their teaching.
You join a vibrant postgraduate community within a top business school that offers personalised career coaching, employer events, and networking opportunities.
Birmingham itself is one of the UK’s major financial centres — giving you access to local and national companies, recruiters, and internship possibilities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Financial Economics at the University of Birmingham step into strong career paths within global finance. Many move into roles such as Financial Analyst, Risk Analyst, Investment Banking Associate, or Economist, backed by the programme’s rigorous quantitative and analytical training. The university’s reputation, industry relevance, and personalised support make your transition into the job market much smoother.

Career Prospects & Why This Programme Is a Smart Investment:

University support that helps you get hired
- Birmingham Business School’s dedicated Careers Network provides personalised career guidance, one-to-one coaching, employer networking sessions, and access to graduate recruiters who actively engage with the university.
- The programme is built with strong real-world focus — offering training in financial markets, institutions, econometrics, and data analysis — giving you the practical skills employers consistently seek.
Solid employment and salary outcomes
- Around 15 months after graduation, typical earnings for economics-related graduates from the university fall around £31,500, reflecting solid early-career prospects.
- The blend of economics, finance, and advanced quantitative modules equips you for competitive roles in banks, consulting firms, investment companies, and policy institutions.
Strong academic brand & accreditation
- Birmingham Business School is triple-crown accredited (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), a mark held by fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide — ensuring long-term global recognition of your degree.
- This accreditation boosts your credibility with employers internationally, adding durable value to your professional profile.
Graduation outcomes & employability advantage
- Graduates are prepared for specialist roles in financial economics within major financial institutions and private-sector organisations.
- With expertise in empirical analysis, asset pricing, and financial data modelling, you gain a competitive quantitative edge in the job market.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Financial Economics, you can continue your academic journey through:

A PhD in Economics or Finance, ideal for research, policy, or academic careers.
Professional pathways such as the CFA or other advanced finance certifications to deepen your industry expertise.
Further specialisation in areas like risk management, financial consulting, or investment research based on your career interests.