About this course
Learn in-depth how financial markets work and how money is organised on our Finance and Economics master’s degree. You’ll study economic analysis and quantitative techniques and learn about global capital markets.
This 1 year, full-time MSc prepares you for high-level finance roles across the world, and is an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognised training programme.
On this master’s course you’ll learn about corporate finance, economic analysis, financial economics and asset pricing. You’ll develop the skills to carry out independent research in finance and economics. Subject areas you’ll study include:
- the foundations of economic and financial analysis
- analysis of economic models
- applying analysis to financial markets
- economic ideas and research findings
- test and evaluate economic models functionality of financial markets
- design, implement and manage independent research in finance and economics
- presentation of ideas, arguments and research findings
You’ll have access to our Bloomberg suite which hosts 21 trading terminals, where you can work with real-time data, breaking news and powerful analytics.
You’ll look at economic theory and econometric methods across a range of topics. You’ll also gain in-depth knowledge of specific areas of economics necessary to undertake independent research. This will lead to a dissertation on a subject within an area you choose.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Christian Kellner, an associate professor in economics. His research focuses on how people make decisions in uncertain situations, such as contract design or communication. Read Dr Kellner's staff profile to find out more about his work.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject such as:
- mathematics
- economics
- statistics
- quantitative techniques
- finance
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
On this full-time UK master’s you'll study over a 12 month period.
The taught part of the degree takes place between October and June. It consists of 30 study weeks divided into 2 semesters.
You’ll study a number of modules each semester. When you successfully complete them you’ll carry out 3 months of supervised research for your dissertation. This takes place during the summer months.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Learning
Before the start of this MSc Finance and Economics degree, you'll attend a 2 week intensive course. It's designed to make sure you have key skills in mathematics and statistics, to support you throughout your studies.
Most of your learning takes place as small-group teaching. You’ll also learn through a range of teaching and learning methods, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- problem classes
- independent research
You’ll take part in research workshops to develop skills in designing, carrying out and managing independent economics research. We’ll assess what you cover in these workshops through your dissertation.
We also run more general social sciences research skills workshops you can attend, covering:
- bibliographic skills
- ethical issues in social research
- writing and dissemination skills
- personal and career development
Assessment
We’ll assess you using:
- exams
- problem sets
- project-based coursework
- dissertation
Exams are held at the end of each semester.
Dissertation
The final 3 months of the course are spent preparing your dissertation, to be completed by the end of September.
You’ll carry out this research with supervision from a member of staff who has related research interests.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
You’ll graduate with the knowledge and practical skills to work as a finance expert in the financial sector in a variety of organisations including:
- central and local governments
- European Union institutions
- statistical offices
- central banks
- financial supervision authorities
- international aid organisations
- commercial banks and financial institutions
You’ll also be in an ideal position to continue your researches at PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £26,500.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
