What causes 'credit crunches', and how do their effects spread throughout the economy? What determines the value of Pound Sterling relative to the US Dollar or Euro? How do stock market prices affect asset prices? Financial events are rarely far from the forefront of headline news. They have an impact that extends far beyond the financial sector to affect almost every aspect of daily life, including income, employment, prices, property value and cost of mortgages.

Our course is built on the core principles of economics and accounting, which are applied to your study of financial institutions (such as banks), financial markets (such as the stock exchange), and financial instruments.

You receive a thorough introduction to all aspects of economics and accounting, so you master skills including:

Quantitative research methods

The preparation of financial statements

Accounting standards

Costing, budgeting and performance evaluation

With a focus on accounting and the economic analysis of financial issues, you receive a strong training in economics from one of the top-rated research departments in the UK 4th in UK for research power in economics and econometrics (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021).

You are also taught within Essex Business School. We are 20th in UK for research power in business and management (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021).

Your future

Many jobs in the financial sector require you to have knowledge of economics, finance and financial accounting. This course gives you comprehensive training in all these areas and teaches you the essential skills for a successful career in economics, finance and/or accounting, or further academic study at postgraduate level.

Our students find themselves in demand from a wide range of employers in a host of occupations, including financial analysis, management, public administration and accountancy, as well as directly in roles using economic knowledge.

Our recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies including:

Bank of England

Barlcays

Citigroup

Deloitte

Ernst and Young

Morgan Stanley

Bank of New York

Santander

We also work with the University's Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.