Course description

The demand for highly skilled experts in financial economics continues to increase rapidly in the modern economy. This demand exists in the public sector (central banks, international organisations, academic institutions) and especially, in the private sector (commercial banks and insurance companies).

This course is designed to meet this demand, for those of you who seek a quantitative degree in financial economics, by combining a solid training in financial economics and macroeconomic principles, as well as the quantitative methods needed for the analysis of financial markets.

Financial economics is a fascinating area, having a history marked by outstanding achievements. A remarkable feature of this discipline is that its theoretical highlights (such as the Black-Scholes formula) turned out to be extremely important in practice. Fundamental ideas and tools of financial economics that were developed at the interface between mathematical economics and finance created new markets essentially based on concepts suggested by academics.

A central goal of the course is to demonstrate the use of these ideas and tools in contexts where they are indispensable and widely exploited. The course will expose you to quantitative techniques and theory that will be useful in the financial industry - a portfolio manager, risk management consultant, or financial analyst.

Teaching and learning

Part-time students complete the full-time course over two years. There are no evening or weekend course units available on the part-time course.

You must first check the schedule of the compulsory course units and then select your optional units to suit your requirements.

Updated timetable information will be available from mid-August and you will have the opportunity to discuss your unit choices during induction week with your Course Director.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment is usually by written examination at the end of each semester in which a course unit is taught.

Some units may require a course work element that may be assessed. Progression to the summer dissertation element requires completion of the taught element at least at pass-level.

Career opportunities

Employment opportunities for students in financial economics are traditionally very good. Whether you are looking to work as an economist, portfolio manager, risk management consultant, or financial analyst, this course will expose you to quantitative techniques that are highly useful in the financial industry.

The high reputation of The University of Manchester, and especially its economics division having rich historical traditions, will serve as an excellent recommendation for job applicants.

The high-quality training obtained within the MSc Financial Economics course will facilitate your future career.