Economics and Finance MSc
I have found the course relevant and very interesting.
I did my undergraduate degree in actuarial science, which is very mathematically focused. For my Master’s degree, I decided to choose a course that would broaden my academic qualifications while still allowing me to apply my strong mathematical foundations. Hence, I chose to do an MSc in Economics and Finance.
The University of Kent stood out to me as a respected and acclaimed institution. I was especially drawn to the University’s reputation for high teaching standards and student diversity.
I do two modules on financial economics and they have definitely been my favourites. Prior to my Master’s degree, I worked in the pensions industry; I already had some knowledge of the capital market and asset trading, and I have found the material on the course very relevant and applicable. In addition, the course has required quite a bit of mathematical application and I have enjoyed the opportunity to apply my skills.
The teachers are very knowledgeable and helpful. Pursuing a postgraduate degree is very challenging, especially if it is different from your undergraduate degree, and I have found that the teachers try to ensure that the material is understood. In addition, they consistently provide feedback which is very helpful.
It is very different from my undergraduate degree. My undergraduate degree was in actuarial science, which focuses a lot on mathematical derivations and proofs. Economics focuses more on theorems and models. However, I have found that they are similar in more ways than I imagined. In many cases, models in economics have complex mathematical derivations so some material is definitely familiar.
The support is very good. Each lecturer specialises in a specific field of economics and so they are very informed on their field of interest. I have been able to meet with them during office hours and gain a wide insight into matters that I have questions about, especially for my dissertation.
I was very impressed with the facilities when I arrived. The library is very up to date and well-resourced. I also like that it is split into various sections depending on how you want to use it, for example silent study or group study. In addition, there is a postgraduate room in my school and a general postgraduate study room, so I always have a place to study or access a computer when needed.
There is a lot of essay writing on this programme, while for my undergraduate degree I rarely wrote essays. Bringing up my writing to an appropriate standard has been difficult; however, I believe it has been beneficial as I am now at the stage where I can write essays concisely and clearly.
The campus is very vibrant. I work on the student newspaper Inquire and I belong to the Kent Dance society. The clubs and societies have many social events and it is very easy to make friends here, through either the extracurricular activities or your course. I have met many people from many different cultures and backgrounds as the campus is very diverse.
I will be looking for employment after completing this degree. I hope to return to my home country, Jamaica, and seek a career in analytics or consultation. Looking further ahead, I may consider pursuing a PhD in the future.
I would definitely recommend it. The requirements are much higher, and the material is much more challenging than an undergraduate degree but I have found the course relevant and very interesting. In addition, I have made many friends and had the chance to experience many different cultures. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here.
*For current applicants, the MSc Economics and Finance is now called MSc Financial Economics.
