Economics and Finance MSc

What you'll study

• Semester 1
• Semester 2
• Summer

Semester 1

Financial Economics (15 credits)

Financial Economics (15 credits)

This module covers the fundamental concepts of financial economics, and teaches students how to model investor behaviour under conditions of uncertainty. Students learn how to apply and interpret asset pricing models and evaluate capital market efficiency.

Assessment

The module is assessed by 25% coursework (in-class test) and 75% exam, but the university reserves the right to alter this.

Economics of Firms and Markets (15 credits)

Economics of Firms and Markets (15 credits)

This module provides an introduction to important topics in microeconomic theory that are relevant for applications such as banking, finance and business. Students are provided with a grounding in the analytical methods required to understand the topics taught in the optional modules.

Assessment

The module is assessed by 25% coursework (in-class test) and 75% exam, but the university reserves the right to alter this.

Macroeconomic Policy and Financial Markets (15 credits)

Macroeconomic Policy and Financial Markets (15 credits)

This module teaches macroeconomic theory and models, with applications to the financial system and markets. Students learn about the role of economic policies in producing and sustaining economic and financial stability of an economy.

Assessment

The module is assessed by 25% coursework (in-class test) and 75% exam, but the university reserves the right to alter this.

Economic Data Analysis (15 credits)

Economic Data Analysis (15 credits)

This module provides students with mathematical and econometric techniques required to analyse economic data and test some of the most influential economic theories.

Assessment

The module is assessed by 25% coursework (in-class test) and 75% exam, but the university reserves the right to alter this.

Semester 2

Applied Financial Econometrics (15 credits)

Applied Financial Econometrics (15 credits)

This module equips students with quantitative techniques and skills necessary to conduct empirical work in the area of applied finance and economics.

Assessment

The module is assessed by 40% coursework and 60% exam, but the university reserves the right to alter this.

Risk Management and Derivatives (15 credits)

Risk Management and Derivatives (15 credits)

The module teaches basic theory of options and futures pricing in order to promote an understanding of how different financial instruments can be combined into portfolios for hedging, speculation and arbitrage purposes. The module emphasises how such instruments are used in asset management.

Assessment

The module is assessed by 25% coursework (in-class test) and 75% exam, but the university reserves the right to alter this.

Corporate Finance (15 credits)

Corporate Finance (15 credits)

This module focuses on modern theories of corporate finance and students are taught how such theories can be applied to understand the financing and investment decisions of companies, particularly those quoted on global stock exchanges.

Assessment

The module is assessed by 25% coursework (in-class test) and 75% exam, but the university reserves the right to alter this.

Research Communication for Economists(10 credits)

Research Communication for Economists(10 credits)

This module enhances students’ skills in communicating research ideas and economic arguments to academic and non-academic audiences. Students learn how to use online literature databases, formulate research proposals, review any literature by critical constructive synthesis and make oral presentations.

Assessment

The module is assessed by 100% coursework, but the university reserves the right to alter this.

Optional modules (choose one)

Banking and Financial Markets (15 credits)

Banking and Financial Markets (15 credits)

This module analyses the in-depth causes, implications of, and regulatory responses to the 2008 global financial crisis (GFC) where topics covered include the role of financial innovation and derivative instruments in causing the crisis, and scenarios for bank business models and financial regulation in the post-GFC era.

Assessment: The module is assessed by 25% coursework (in-class test) and 75% exam, but the university reserves the right to alter this.

International Money and Finance (15 credits)

International Money and Finance (15 credits)

This module examines the relationships between international capital flows, macroeconomic performance, and financial markets, which allow students to understand the behaviour of international financial markets and economic performance in an increasingly globalised world.

Assessment: The module is assessed by 25% coursework (in-class test) and 75% exam, but the university reserves the right to alter this.

Summer

Financial Economics in Practice (20 credits)

Financial Economics in Practice (20 credits)

The module enables students to develop skills in identifying and assessing complex and topical issues in financial economics, and apply quantitative research techniques to analyse current issues confronting the banking and financial sectors.

Assessment

The module is assessed by 100% coursework (50% presentation and 50% written coursework), but the university reserves the right to alter this.

Economic Research Project (30 credits)

Economic Research Project (30 credits)

The module allows students to apply and communicate their knowledge to a contemporary issue in economics and finance via the development of an individual project essay, in which students will consider a particular aspect of policy making and gain experience in conducting a piece of original applied research whose conclusions provide policy recommendations. In the process, you will improve your employment prospects by strengthening your ability to effectively communicate your knowledge, understanding and recommendations to policy makers and managers.

Assessment

The module is assessed by 100% coursework, but the university reserves the right to alter this.