- Apply your interest and skills in economics to the study of financial markets.
- Benefit from a combination of rigorous training in core economics with a solid introduction to the key theoretical techniques used in finance.
- Learn the skills to work as a portfolio manager, risk management consultant, or financial analyst.

MSc Financial Economics
About
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.
- UG Example - Example course module (PDF, 10KB)
Course content and preliminary reading for the Econometrics module, provided as an example.
Disciplines
Requirements
Entry Requirements
A UK 2:1 honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in economics, finance, mathematics or a related subject with economic theory, mathematics and econometrics studied at a high level.
When assessing your academic record, we consider the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 5.5
- TOEFLMin 72
English Program Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should meet the following language requirements:
- IELTS Academic test score of 7 overall, including 7 in writing with no further component score below 6.5
- TOEFL IBT 100 with 25 in writing and no further score below 22 in each section. TOEFL code for Manchester is 0757
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 76 overall, with 76 in writing and no further score below 70
Pre-Sessional English Courses
We will consider applicants who do not meet these scores but you will be required to complete a pre-sessional English language course at the University of Manchester prior to the start of the course.
To be considered for a pre-sessional English language course for this programme we require the following minimum IELTS (Academic) scores:
6 Week Pre-Sessional Course : IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and no more than one sub-skill of 6.0.
10 Week Pre-sessional Course : IELTS 6.0 overall with 6.0 or above in each sub-skill
If you have not yet completed your current academic study and are interested in studying a pre-sessional course, you must hold an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test certificate to ensure that you are eligible for a separate visa for the English language course.
Career
Career opportunities
Employment opportunities for students in financial economics are 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.
The University also has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .
Fee Information
MSc Financial Economics

The University of Manchester
United Kingdom, Manchester
