Master key concepts behind pricing techniques, optimal investment strategies, and portfolio management solutions. You will gain the skills to work amongst financial market actors, and institutions overseeing and regulating financial market activity. If you want to launch your career in the field of finance, your journey starts here.
Confidently navigate the intriguing world of finance by advancing your knowledge of econometric and quantitative methods, financial theory, and financial architecture. Specialise in diverse areas such as time series econometrics and computational finance, and open doors to careers in international organisations, the financial sector, and overseas governments. Recent graduates have been hired in the UK by BNP Paribas, AXA, FactSet and PwC.
Build on your existing knowledge, abilities, and skills by developing a deeper understanding of economic theory in its relation to finance, econometric and quantitative techniques, whilst choosing modules and areas of interest within Financial Economics to specialise in.
The School of Economics is dedicated to excellence in both teaching and research, as demonstrated by our results in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 and recent national student surveys. Our academic staff are active in research, and teaching and learning are informed by the School’s thriving research culture and strong cosmopolitan academic community.
We currently have 35 academic staff, with about 35-40 MSc and PhD students, which has the benefit of a good community for interaction between students but also means that each student receives a good deal of individual attention in classes and workshops. It also means that we are able to offer excellent facilities for research.
Our postgraduate student community is global with many of the students originating from outside the UK and Europe. There are also a number of different nationalities represented within the academic staff. You will be able to integrate into this multicultural environment and build yourself an international professional network for the future.
A first or second class honours degree from they UK or an equivalent internationally recognised qualification in economics or a combined degree in economics and another subject. Applicants must also have a good level of quantitative skills (eg a pre-university school qualification in mathematics).
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.
The University requires all non-native speakers of English to reach a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree. Certain subjects require a higher level.
For detailed information see our English language requirements web pages.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
The Financial Economics MSc is studied over one year full-time or two years part-time and is divided into two stages: eight taught modules (six of which are compulsory) and a dissertation.
There are compulsory modules in Financial Economics: Advanced Macroeconomics, Financial Economics, Econometric Methods, Advanced Topics in Financial Economics, International Finance, Money and Credit and Research Skills. These modules build upon students’ existing knowledge, understanding and skills. Students will also have the choice of two optional modules.
You develop a deeper understanding of economic and finance theory, quantitative and research methods, and policy applications. The teaching and learning of skills are carefully integrated into the structure of the modules and degree programme. The final two modules are chosen from a range of options based upon the finance research interests of our academic staff.
All of our MSc programmes require some mathematical analysis, and we recognise that students have widely differing backgrounds in mathematics. The first week of all our MSc programmes includes compulsory intensive teaching in mathematics, refreshing and improving your skills in order to equip you with the techniques you will need for the rest of the programme.
Students who successfully pass the taught element of the programme proceed to the dissertation stage where you undertake a supervised project of your choice on an Economics/Finance topic.
Advice on choice of dissertation topic and management is given during the taught stage of the programme. The dissertation stage develops students’ research skills and follows on from the Research Methods module. Student dissertations are supervised by academic staff.
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take modules from other programmes so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.
As well as the compulsory modules, you also choose two from a list of optional modules. Once you have successfully completed the taught elements of the programme, you will progress to the Economics Dissertation.
The main aim of this module is to provide students with knowledge of core macroeconomic theory at the graduate level. The focus is on learning theoretical concepts and analytical techniques as an aid to understanding complex contemporary macroeconomic problems. In addition, the module will develop the toolbox essential for understanding all other macro-related modules in the programmes of students' further choice. The module is organized in three key parts. The first part deals with microeconomic foundations of macroeconomics and introduces rational expectations. The second part analyses short-term fluctuations in macroeconomic performance and how macroeconomic policy may be used to address these. Specifically, it provides rigorous treatment of the Real Business Cycle theory and monetary/fiscal policy as regulatory instruments. The third part deals with economic growth as a fundamental determinant of long-term macroeconomic performance.
This module is designed to introduce to the main theoretical and empirical models of international financial relations. Exchange rates, capital flows, financial crises, current account and debt dynamics as well as uncertainty are the most widely debated economic topics in the media and on the political arena. This module provides the economic foundations for full understanding of these debates from a rigorous point of view. The module is evenly balanced between the theory and empirical evidence. That is, we focus not only on the analytical side of the stories but also on their empirical relevance.
For working in the areas of financial economics and development (whether in private or public institutions) the knowledge of the topics addressed in this module is of paramount importance.
This module studies basic econometric techniques. An intuitive and practical learning style will be used in order to develop participants understanding and ability to apply these econometric methods. Participants will develop an understanding of the conventional linear regression model in cross section, time series and panel data. The module focuses on the application of econometric methods, with little emphasis on the mathematical aspects of the subject. A computer software package will be used for practical work throughout this module, both as a means to provide applications of the theory developed in lectures as well as to give experience in the use of such software for participants own empirical research. No previous knowledge of computing or econometrics is required.
This is a classical module on foundations of advanced financial economics. Emphasizing both analytical techniques and practical knowledge it introduces key economic principles around which financial markets are built worldwide. The module offers an in-depth analytical treatment of pricing techniques, optimal investment strategies and portfolio management solutions, accompanied by quantification of related key financial measures. The module provides a solid platform for understanding, interpreting and developing analytical models of the dynamics of financial markets and making informed decisions on their basis. It is central to students who see their future careers among financial market actors as well as at national or international institutions that oversee and regulate financial market activity.
The aim of this module is to study the theoretical foundations of the contemporary financial economics practice. The module consists of two main parts. In the first part, starting with the brief introduction to the probability theory and the stochastic calculus, we study the martingale asset pricing, which is a revolutionary idea in the derivative pricing. Because financial derivatives are often convoluted, it is difficult to evaluate their risk-premium explicitly. What is surprising in the martingale asset pricing is that it tells how to construct a hypothetical (but theoretically consistent) probability density, under which there is no risk-premium explicitly on any derivative prices. It rather takes into account the risk-premium implicitly by modifying the probability density. The other key issues we study include the Feynman-Kac stochastic representation and some practically important stochastic processes. In the second part, we study real options, which quite often arise in actual business scenes and real life. The examples of real options range from large scale capital investments to suicide. It turns out that when a decision is irreversible and the future is uncertain, the value of information is a homomorphism to financial options. As an informal prerequisite, the students are expected to be familiar with the reality of the actual financial markets, while they are not required more than high-school level math. The module emphasises the intuitions rather than rigorous math and offers some heuristics when they are useful.
Money and credit perform a range of crucial functions in market economies. This module studies the microeconomic foundations of money and credit, and the roles played by money and credit markets in contributing to macroeconomic growth, fluctuations and crises. Throughout the module, we also consider the roles of government institutions including central banks and financial regulators within modern markets for money and credit. The module makes use of theoretical models to aide understanding and analyse policy. These models are motivated by and tested against historical and contemporary evidence. .. We explore and compare a variety of frameworks for organising monetary policy and the particular challenges facing modern central banks in how they implement monetary policy today. We understand the microeconomic foundations of banking and how these should influence financial regulation, examining the linkages between the private banking sector, central banks and monetary policy throughout the module.
The module consists of preparation of the 1-page dissertation proposal to be submitted by the end of Week 13. Upon review of the proposal by the Director of Graduate Studies the student is allocated to the supervisor. For the rest of the term the student and the supervisor meet and discuss in details the proposal to identify the relevant literature research methods and actions. By the end of Week 24 the student submits an additional 1-page outline of the dissertation with the exact research question, relevant methodological toolbox to address the question and reference to the relevant data (if applicable). The outline is further supported by the condensed list of the core literature.
This module helps prepare students to acquire and develop the employability and transferable skills necessary to search and successfully apply for work experience and graduate opportunities in the commercial and public sector and for PhD programmes.
The curriculum will include guidance and practical exercises in application writing, CVs, careers advice, interview and assessment centre techniques, numeracy and competency tests, and psychometric evaluation.
This module is designed for students with interests in both international economics and development economics. It aims to discuss some of the fundamental models (and their extensions) in international economics and link them to the growth and development process of regions and countries. Throughout this module we provide you with the analytical tools and theoretical knowledge necessary to understand these links. We also focus on both the theoretical foundations and extensions of trade theory and the empirical evidence available to the current theoretical debates. The first part of the module is devoted to the foundations of trade theory and it is the basic building block of the module. The rest of the module deals with trade policy, trade liberalisation and long run growth, factor movements as well as economic geography and regional trade agreements and their implication for global free trade.
The module offers a research-oriented introduction to contemporary macro and financial econometrics by linking econometric theory to empirical studies of the macro-economy and financial markets. It introduces models and methods used in central banks and research institutions for policy analysis and forecasting the macroeconomy as well as those used by financial institutions for low-frequency trading, risk assessment and portfolio allocation. It integrates empirical illustrations through the use of computer-based analysis of macroeconomic and financial data using appropriate software. We commence by providing a comprehensive introduction to stationary and nonstationary stochastic processes as well as the methods and models of univariate time series. We then proceed with modelling and predicting asset prices and returns and their volatility. Finally, we introduce multiple time series techniques for policy analysis and for macro-finance models. The module contributes to the overall course by enabling knowledge on specific problems and policy issues in Financial Economics and by developing analytical skills specific to Financial Economics. This aims to raise the employability of students in this area.
The dissertation work is carefully structured across the whole academic year. On entry to the MSc programmes, students are made aware of the need to consider their dissertation during the taught part of the programme and to do some preparatory work in terms of selection of research topic and investigation of the availability of data before the beginning of the dissertation working period. They receive guidelines on the writing of economics dissertations and they receive various talks and advice above the researching and writing of their dissertation. Students are allocated an appropriate member of staff as dissertation supervisor.
Students of MSc Development Economics may opt for a co-delivery arrangement with Brac University, Bangladesh, or North South University, Bangladesh, in which they are hosted by Brac / North South and jointly supervised by academic staff members from Kent and Brac / North South University (one supervisor from each institution).
Assessment is through a wide variety of methods including seminar presentations, extended essays, short projects, in-class tests, examinations, and the dissertation.
The programme aims to:
You gain a knowledge and understanding of the following:
You gain the followinh intellectual skills:
You gain the following subject-specific skills:
You gain the following transferable skills:
The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
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In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, over 87% of our Economics research was classified as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ for publications and environment.
The School of Economics has a strong research culture and an international reputation in several fields, particularly applied microeconomics (labour and agri-environmental), quantitative macroeconomic theory, macro and microeconometrics and economic development.
The School is home to two research centres and one research group:
CEAS has a long history of participating in agri-environmental research and policy debate. Founded in 1974 to conduct research into the implications of the UK's entry to the European Economic Community, CEAS has developed into a centre of research excellence, focusing on food and agri-environmental policy in the UK and Europe.
MaGHiC brings together a large number of researchers at the School whose main interests lie in the wide area of macroeconomics. MaGHiC is the focal point for macroeconomic research, impact and training at the University of Kent. The centre's main focus is on the analysis of macroeconomic issues, including productivity and growth, labour markets, income distribution, business cycles and macroeconomic phenomena from a historical perspective. The group also has technical strength in computational economics, macroeconometric modelling and forecasting, and expertise in building long-run macroeconomic time series and reconstructing historical national accounts.
In addition to the two research centres, the School has an active microeconomics research group, whose members’ research spans applied and theoretical microeconomics, and microeconometrics. The group’s research covers a wide range of areas with the main focus being on development economics, labour and education economics, microeconometrics, games and behavioural economics, the economics of food, economic geography, industrial organisation, political economy, networks and the economics of taxation.
Full details of staff research interests can be found on the School's website.
Kent has an excellent record for postgraduate employment: over 92% of our postgraduate students who graduated in 2017 and responded to a national survey, were in work or further study within six months (DLHE).
A postgraduate degree in the area of economics is a particularly valuable and flexible qualification that can open the door to exciting careers in many professions. Our graduates have gone on to work as economists in international organisations, the financial sector, business, UK and overseas governments, and to further postgraduate training and academic careers at Kent, UK and overseas universities. Recent MSc graduates have gone on to work for companies in the UK such as BNP Paribas, AXA, FactSet and PwC.
The School's employability officers and the University's Careers and Employability Service are available throughout the year to offer one-to-one advice and help on all aspects of employability at any stage in your postgraduate studies. We also offer online advice on employability skills, career choices, applications and interview skills.
The School provides rooms specifically for use by MSc students, with computer facilities and open space for discussion and group work.
All MSc students are assigned an academic adviser to be their point of reference for advice, support and guidance during their studies. They are also allocated a supervisor for the MSc dissertation, who can advise on data and provide comments on methodologies and the written material.
The School has an active and inclusive research culture involving all postgraduate students, with a regular seminar programme during the year mixing internal workshops with events to which we invite outside speakers. There is also a student Economics Society, which invites its own speakers for discussion of economics topics, and Kent Invest Society which manages a virtual portfolio.
Our postgraduate student community is global with about half the students originating from outside the UK and Europe, including Africa, China, India, the Middle East, Pakistan, Russia and the USA. We have strong links with universities in Australia, Bulgaria, China, France, Germany, Japan and the USA, among others. Economics staff teach on the postgraduate courses provided by the University of Kent at Brussels. You will be able to integrate into this multicultural environment and build the foundations for an international professional network.
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
Learn more about the application process or begin your application by clicking on a link below.
You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.
T: +44 (0)1227 823254
E: internationalstudent@kent.ac.uk
