Taught course

Financial Economics

Institution
Birkbeck, University of London · Birkbeck Business School
Qualifications
MSc

Entry requirements

At least a second-class honours degree (2:2), or its equivalent, in either a directly relevant or a highly quantitative subject, or the Birkbeck Graduate Diploma in Economics. We expect all of our MSc students to be competent with intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, multivariable calculus, linear algebra and statistics.

Non-EU students are encouraged to submit GRE or GMAT results. In some cases, the admissions tutor may request these results in order to make a decision on your application. In that case, you should upload your score report to the online application system as if it were an additional transcript page.

Demonstrable qualities such as good time management and the ability to cope under pressure are vital.

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MSc Financial Economics will give you the tools and techniques you need to investigate important economic issues. It provides a thorough grounding in mathematical and econometric techniques, as well as microeconomics, and examines why financial markets are prone to crises, studying the details of past and present crises, and subsequent policy responses.

You will learn how to express original academic ideas and to test them with the use of econometrics. The study of econometrics covers linear and dynamic linear regression models, a wide variety of hypothesis tests, and techniques for estimating systems of equations. Techniques are illustrated with economic examples, such as models with rational expectations, as well as consumption, production and money demand functions.

Birkbeck's postgraduate finance courses are built around our long-running experience in research-led evening teaching. Many of our students work in the finance industry, which generates a lively atmosphere in class and ensures that you'll be studying alongside committed, enthusiastic students with a wealth of experience. You will be taught by active researchers, working at the cutting edge in their respective fields, who are also experienced professional practitioners, giving specialist advice and in-house training to government departments and banks and firms in the City of London.

Birkbeck has an excellent reputation for the quality of our research and training in economics and finance, while employers recognise the high-quality training that our graduates have undertaken. We take students who are determined to succeed and are prepared to undergo the rigours of a first-class training, whether they are studying full time or part time.

Highlights
  • This course provides high-quality training in economics and finance and will prepare you for a wide variety of careers in business, government and academia.
  • The course will enable you to effectively tackle the real-world problems encountered in financial sector institutions, banks and regulatory institutions.
  • We have an excellent reputation for the quality of our teaching and we provide training for employers including the Treasury and Bank of England.
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Economics and Econometrics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in banking and finance, the public sector, industry, and research and analysis. Possible professions include:

  • financial risk analyst
  • economist
  • researcher
  • purchasing manager
  • management consultant
  • actuary.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Student Advice Service
Email
studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)20 3907 0700