Course summary
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.
- financial risk analyst
- economist
- researcher
- purchasing manager
- management consultant
- actuary.
Modules
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
A June examination and coursework, including an econometrics project and a dissertation.
How to apply
International applicants
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. 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.
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.
English language requirements
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.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £16260 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £16260 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £16260 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £16260 | Year 1 |
| International | £24000 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700