MSc Financial Economics and Accounting

Gain both accountancy skills and a deeper understanding of economics in the context of modern finance. Split between our Department of Economics and Essex Business School, you graduate with the academic and business skills needed for a career in the financial sector.

You gain in-depth knowledge of the use of accounting information in organisational control and decision making, plus the use of financial statements and the problems of measurement and disclosure, and explore topics including:

• Optimisation theory
• How economic arguments work
• The role of equilibrium
• Notions of risk and return in equity markets
• Asset pricing and the management of equity portfolios

We are top 5 in the UK for research, with over 90% rated as "world-leading" or "internationally excellent". Much of this world-class research is related to policy, and we have particular strengths in the areas of:

• Game theory and strategic interactions
• Theoretical and applied econometrics
• Labour economics

The quality of our work is reflected in our stream of publications in high-profile academic journals, including American Economic Review, Econometrica, and Review of Economic Studies.

With this course you also have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner institutions and achieve a dual award, which means you'll receive two Masters degrees in two years. Find out more on our dual award webpage.

• Enjoy a business-focused course, which is jointly taught by our Department of Economics and Essex Business School
• Access the learning facilities in our new Essex Business School building, including an exclusive postgraduate study space
• Stand out from the crowd with both accountancy skills and a deeper understanding of economics within modern finance

The majority of our Postgraduate Taught Masters will consider applicants with 2.5/4 or C or 79% from Bachelor Degree.
 

After completing your masters, you may wish to extend your knowledge with a research degree - many Essex graduates decide to stay here for further study.

Alternatively, our course also prepares you for employment; recent surveys have shown that higher degree graduates are more likely to obtain jobs at professional or managerial level.

Graduates will be well placed for success in decision making in the interface between economics and accounting. Key skills include analytical reasoning, mathematical techniques, research and the evaluation of business accounts. One recent graduate of MSc Accounting and Financial Economics is now a finance officer for Save the Children China programme.

Our graduates find employment in roles such as business and financial analysts, management consultants, government officials, and economists for banks and other financial organisations.

We also work with the university's Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

One Masters not enough for you?

We offer a number of postgraduate taught double degrees with our international partners. You work for two Masters degrees, one at Essex and another at a prestigious university across the globe, gaining them both in a shorter time than studying them separately. This unique opportunity gives you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or prepares you for PhD study.