Program Overview

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Overview of the Graduate Diploma in Finance and Economics

The Graduate Diploma in Finance and Economics is a highly intensive diploma that offers international and EU students a route to postgraduate study at Queen Mary and other leading UK institutions. This program is designed for students who are changing disciplines, need to improve their level of English, or do not otherwise meet the academic requirements for direct entry to a master's degree.

Structure of the Program

The Graduate Diploma in Finance and Economics can be started in either September or January. The program incorporates English language and study skills with economics and finance modules, all of which are taught by expert academic staff.

Academic Subject Modules

• Economics
• Finance
• Introduction to Econometrics
• Topics in Econometrics

Academic English and Research Skills Modules

• English language and study skills
• Research Methods
• Independent Research Project

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Teaching and Learning

Academic subjects are taught in lectures and seminars. Lectures can contain up to 50 students, but seminars will be divided into smaller groups of up to 18 students. English language and study skills modules are taught in groups averaging 16 students.

You will attend classes for up to 20 hours per week: 12 hours of English Language and Study Skills and up to eight hours of academic subjects. You will also be expected to undertake independent study.

Assessment

Assessment typically includes a combination of coursework (portfolios, individual and group presentations, written assignments, in-class tests, research projects, and seminars) and/or examinations in May or June.

To progress onto Masters programs at Queen Mary, you will need to achieve minimum grades in individual modules.

Resources and Facilities

The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:

• Multimedia digital labs for language learning
• The Queen Mary library
• Online resources to help you develop your academic English, specially developed for Queen Mary students.

Entry Requirements

Graduate Diploma in Finance and Economics - GradDip

• Degree: At least a pass in a full first degree that is equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree and in a relevant subject.
• Higher Education Diploma: A UK Higher Education Diploma, or the equivalent.

Graduate Diploma in Finance and Economics January Start - GradDip

• Degree: At least a pass in a full first degree that is equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree and in a relevant subject.
• Higher Education Diploma: A UK Higher Education Diploma, or the equivalent.

Non-UK Students

We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications.

English Language

We require IELTS 5.5 overall, including 5.5 in Writing, Reading, Listening, and Speaking.

Funding

Deposit

Once you have met the conditions of your offer, you will need to pay a deposit of £2,000 towards your tuition fees.

Support from Queen Mary

We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service.

Careers

Our pre-masters graduate diplomas facilitate entry into postgraduate study in a number of disciplines at Queen Mary and other leading UK institutions.

Recent students have gone on to earn postgraduate degrees in:

• MSc Accounting & Finance
• MSc International Business
• MSc Business Analytics
• MSc Banking & Finance
• MSc Corporate Finance
• MSc Investment & Finance
• MSc Wealth Management
• MSc Behavioural Finance
• MSc Behavioural Finance (CFA pathway)
• MSc Investment Banking
• MSc Investment Banking (CFA pathway)
• MSc Finance
• MSc Finance (CFA pathway)
• MSc Economics
• MSc Law & Finance
• LLM Law & Economics
• MSc Mathematical Finance

Career Support

The Queen Mary careers team can offer:

• Specialist advice on choosing a career path
• Support with finding work experience, internships, and graduate jobs
• Feedback on CVs, cover letters, and application forms
• Interview coaching.

About the School

The School of Economics and Finance combines innovation, discovery, and excellence in education and research in economics and finance. We rank in the top 100 worldwide for Social Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).

With our commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and social mobility, our collaborations with external organisations, and our facilities that support both academic and practice-based learning, an education in the School of Economics and Finance equips our students with critical thinking and practical skills, unleashes their imagination, and enables them to reach the levels of excellence needed in today’s industries.