Financial Economics (MSc)

Overview

The MSc Financial Economics programme is designed for students with a basic knowledge in economics who wish to develop specialist skills and insights for a career as a professional financial analyst in fund management, stock-broking, investment banking, corporate treasury, and other financial sector roles.

Programme Details

• Duration: 1 year
• Mode: Full time
• Start date: 28 September 2026

Why Study This Course

Gain the analytical, qualitative, and quantitative skills to respond to economic problems faced by government agencies, central banks, financial institutions, and industry.

• Hone your trading skills in a 56-seat capacity trading room fully-equipped with Global Investor Simulations, TRETS, Bloomberg, and Refinitiv Datastream.
• Enhance your professional decision-making skills with computational methods like E-views.
• Prepare for doctoral study or research-oriented careers with independent research under academic supervision.
• Study in the world's first Public Value Business School, committed to delivering social improvement alongside economic development.

Admissions Criteria

To be considered for an offer, applicants must meet all entry requirements.

• A copy of the degree certificate and transcripts showing a 2:2 honours degree in economics or a related subject, or an equivalent international degree.
• A copy of the IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent.
• Applications are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.

Course Structure

The programme consists of core and optional modules.

• Core modules:
  • Research Dissertation (FE)
  • Principles of Finance
  • Macroeconomics
  • Microeconomics
  • Quantitative Methods
• Optional modules:
  • The Financial Economics of Investments and Pensions
  • International Finance

Learning and Assessment

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, small group teaching in tutorials and workshops.
• Assessment: Formal assessment tasks, including in-class tests, exams, essays, and individual projects.
• Support: Access to course materials through Learning Central, libraries, academic skills development, and career support.

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

• Home Status: ｣13,950 per year, with no deposit required.
• Overseas Status: ｣31,700 per year, with a ｣2,500 deposit.

Funding

• Master's Scholarships: Available for UK students.
• Postgraduate Loans: Available for students starting in September 2026 or later.
• Alumni Discount: Available for Cardiff University graduates.

Careers and Placements

• Career Support: The Career Enhancer Team provides support to help students achieve their future aspirations.
• Placement Opportunities: There are no placement opportunities within the programme.
• Graduate Employment: Graduates find employment as specialists in financial institutions, corporate treasury departments, central banks, and local government.

Cardiff University

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Overview:

Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.

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Services Offered:

Study:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.

Research:

The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.

Work with us:

Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.

Community:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.

Global:

Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Living in Cardiff:

Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.

Welsh Language and Culture:

Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.

Campus Facilities:

The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Campus Facilities:

Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.

Excellent Career Prospects:

The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant Student Life:

Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.

Research Excellence:

Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Community Engagement:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Postgraduate:

The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.

International:

Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.

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Other:

Rankings:

Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.

Quality Marks:

The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.

Russell Group:

Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.