10Feb
PostgraduateCourse summary
Our MSc in Finance (Economics and Finance) is designed to the highest academic standards. It will extend your existing interest in this complex subject and develop your skills and knowledge so that you can transform your interests into a successful career in finance or financial research. We deliver cutting-edge analytical and technical skills and research techniques in an environment that embraces our core values of fairness in how we experience the financial world and equality of access to financial services. This knowledge is valued by leading global financial institutions and businesses, and by prestigious PhD research programmes. The exciting 12-month full-time course combines core and optional modules, and culminates in a practice-based business project or a research-based dissertation depending on the learning direction you choose. Relevant and stimulating topics covered include econometrics, micro- and macroeconomics, advanced financial theory and corporate finance. You will be taught mainly through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical work, with content developed in partnership with the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA), the leading global association for investment professionals and the accepted benchmark around the world for technical excellence in financial markets. We pride ourselves on our team of committed academics who are passionate about the study of finance and how it presents itself in the lives of people and businesses around the world. On completion of this course, you will be ready to meet the challenges and earn the rewards of a career in finance, economics, or a related area. Course structure Core modules: Advanced Financial Theory offers stimulating and rigorous training in modern financial theory and in the most important current research with an emphasis on application of finance principles. You will also develop an advanced understanding of normative and positive research in financial theory together with the related descriptive and empirical evidence. Advanced Macroeconomics develops your knowledge and skills in analysis in the wide and varied area of advanced macroeconomics. Topics are drawn from growth theory, business cycle theory, monetary theory and their respective applications. Advanced Microeconomics enhances your knowledge and skills in analysis in the wide and varied area of advanced microeconomics theory and how it can be applied. Topics may include consumer theory, producer theory, decision making under risk and uncertainty, incentives and strategic behaviour, market and general equilibrium, and welfare economics. Corporate Finance covers the theory and practice of corporate finance and the latest research. Again, you will examine both normative and positive aspects of the theory, together with supporting descriptive and empirical evidence. Dissertation Plus one from: Econometric Analysis covers some of the econometric skills needed to undertake empirical research in economics and/or finance and advanced econometric techniques. You will explore areas including hypothesis testing and confidence intervals, linear regression, and misspecification and dummy variables. Econometric Methods introduces modern econometric techniques and provides hands-on experience in applying those techniques to solve different problems in economics and finance. It aims to provide the econometric skills needed to undertake empirical research in economics and/or finance and advanced econometric techniques.
Modules
Examples of optional modules: Bank Management; Banking and Financial Intermediation; EITHER Behavioural Economics; OR Behavioural and Neurofinance; Financial Modelling and Business Forecasting; Time Series Analysis; Capital Market Development; Climate Finance; Derivative Markets; Environmental and Climate Economics; Experimental Economics and Finance; Financial Risk Management; Financial Technologies I; Financial Technologies II; Fintech Regulations; International Trade and Finance; International Financial Economics; International Study Tour; Islamic Banking and Finance; Islamic Capital Markets; Islamic Law and Financial Transactions; Market Microstructure; Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Restructuring; Monetary Economics; Portfolio Management; Private Equity and Wealth Management; Python for Finance; Advanced Topics in Public Economics; Security Analysis; A language module.
Assessment method
This stimulating course is based at the state-of-the-art business school – a vibrant learning community with all the facilities you will need for a fulfilling learning experience. Learning is delivered through lectures, some given by guest speakers, in seminars, practical sessions and in extracurricular activities. Seminars will see you working in a smaller group to discuss lecture topics and debate and solve issues raised. Practical work comprises medium-sized group sessions, in which you can practise computer software, applying topics from lectures and seminars. You will undertake a combination of core and optional modules which will enable you to carry out in-depth study of particular topics. You will also complete an independent 12,000-word dissertation. Typically, you will attend 10 hours per week of lectures in the first term, nine hours per week of lectures in the second term and undertake a one-hour seminar per module every two weeks. Pre-sessional modules in accounting, economics, and mathematics and statistics, are offered in September and October in the form of five lectures and five seminars per module. Assessment on this course is rigorous and carried out through exams in January, May and June, a range of assignments and a 12,000-word dissertation in which you carry out independent research and develop your analysis skills. Outside of timetabled contact hours, you will be expected to undertake your own independent study in preparation for exams, seminars, assignments and other forms of assessment as well as general background reading in order to broaden your subject knowledge.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
The equivalent of a UK first or upper second class honours degree with evidence on your degree transcript of a good grade in a minimum of one mathematical/statistics module at a level equivalent to a second year British Honours Degree standard. Where the only evidence of mathematical/statistics modules is at a level equivalent to a first year British Honours Degree standard, we may require that applicants undertake our admissions mathematics test. This will be determined by the Postgraduate Admissions Team upon considering each application.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £15500 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £15500 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £15500 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £15500 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £15500 | Year 1 |
| EU | £32750 | Year 1 |
| International | £32750 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE