Program Overview

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Why are banking and finance so important for our economy? How do banks work? How do their activities affect business cycle fluctuations or even economic crises? And how can economic policy, particularly monetary policy, steer the banking sector and the overall economy towards desirable outcomes? If you wish to pursue a career in the financial industry, central banks, civil service or academia, MSc Money and Banking is for you. Our course provides you with specialised training in money and banking, and also equips you with state-of-the-art tools and methods in economics and finance. You explore topics including:

• Financial intermediation and money creation
• Commercial and investment banks
• The monetary transmission mechanism
• The implementation of monetary policy and its interaction with financial markets

We are 4th in UK for research power in economics and econometrics (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021). Much of this world-class research is related to policy, and we have particular strengths in the areas of:

• Game theory and strategic interactions
• Theoretical and applied econometrics
• Economic policy

The quality of our work is reflected in our stream of publications in high-profile academic journals, including American Economic Review, Econometrica, and Review of Economic Studies. With this course you also have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner institutions and achieve a dual award, which means you’ll receive two Masters degrees in two years. Find out more on our dual award webpage. Why we're great.

• Set yourself up for a successful career in the financial industry, central banks and much more
• Tailor your experience – choose from over 20 module options, taught by research stars within economics
• Be ready for the workplace by studying theoretical models and learning how to critically assess work

Our expert staff

Study and work alongside some of the most prominent economists of our time. Our researchers are at the forefront of their field and have even received MBEs, with students coming from across the globe to study, research or work with us. Many of our researchers also provide consultancy services to businesses in London and other major financial centres, helping us to develop research for today's society as well as informing our teaching for the future. For a full list of research interests, see our Department’s staff pages .

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Specialist facilities

Take advantage of our wide range of learning resources to assist you in your studies:

• Extensive software for quantitative analysis is available in all computer labs across the university
• Access a variety of economics databases and multiple copies of textbooks and e-books in the Albert Sloman Library

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Your future

After completing your masters, you may wish to extend your knowledge with a research degree – many Essex graduates decide to stay here for further study. Alternatively, our course also prepares you for employment; recent surveys have shown that higher degree graduates are more likely to obtain jobs at professional or managerial level. Our graduates find employment in roles such as business and financial analysts, management consultants, government officials, and economists for banks and other financial organisations. We also work with the university’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

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One Masters not enough for you?

We offer a number of postgraduate taught double degrees with our international partners. You work for two Masters degrees, one at Essex and another at a prestigious university across the globe, gaining them both in a shorter time than studying them separately. This unique opportunity gives you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or prepares you for PhD study.