The MSc in Financial Economics aims to offer the knowledge and expertise needed for a career as a professional economist working in the public or private sector or alternatively, in fund management, stock-broking, investment banking, corporate treasury and other financial sector roles.
The course includes modules covering the working of the markets for bonds, stocks, currencies and derivatives (futures and forwards, options and swaps), as well as microeconomics, advanced macroeconomics and econometrics.
Much of the material is extremely challenging, both analytically and sometimes technically, but attention is given at all times to the practical questions of how to interpret financial data for research purposes; how to identify and exploit trading opportunities; and how to measure and manage risk.
Distinctive features:
• You will be part of a community which is committed to delivering social improvement alongside economic development in the world’s first Public Value Business School.
• You will study at a Business School ranked 1st in the UK for research environment and 6th for research excellence (REF 2014).
• You will be a student of the only business school in Wales accredited by AACSB international (and one of only 5% worldwide).
• You will be exposed to recent developments in research and will develop a sophisticated understanding of modern theories and research findings.
• Our facilities include a fully functioning trading room giving you access to the latest market data.
Structure
You will undertake a range of core and optional modules across two semesters which are designed to give you an in-depth understanding of a range of areas relevant to the financial sector.
In the first semester you will undertake four core modules.
In the second semester you will take three core modules as well as one optional module from the selection available.
Upon successful completion of the taught stage you will progress to the dissertation. The dissertation is designed to enable you to apply the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt in the taught modules to individual independent research under academic supervision.
Core modules:
Principles of Finance
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics: Economics of Uncertainty
Quantitative Methods
Financial Derivatives
Empirical Finance
Corporate Finance
Dissertation
Optional modules:
Asset Pricing
International Trade
Economic Forecasting
International Finance
Mathematical Finance
Investment and Electronic Trading
Methods of teaching
Most modules involve a mixture of lectures and small group teaching (called classes, seminars, workshops or tutorials).
In a lecture, the lecturer will mainly be giving an overview of a particular aspect of the module content (as well as opportunities for you to ask questions and be reflective), while in classes and workshops you will have an opportunity to practice techniques, discuss ideas, apply concepts and consolidate your understanding in the topic
Support
You will be allocated a personal tutor at the beginning of your studies. Normally, your personal tutor will teach on your own degree course and you will keep the same personal tutor throughout your course.
Your personal tutor will be able to give you advice on academic issues, including module choice and assessment. If you encounter any problems which affect your studies, your personal tutor should always be your first point of contact; she/he will be able to put you in touch with the wide range of expert student support services provided by the University and the Students' Union as appropriate. You are required to meet with your personal tutor at three points during each academic year but you are also encouraged to get in touch with them at any other point if you need help or advice.
For day-to-day information, the staff of our Postgraduate Student Hub are available, in person, by telephone or by email, from 8am to 6pm each weekday during term time to answer your questions.
Feedback
We’ll provide you with regular feedback on your work. This comes in a variety of formats including oral feedback, personalised feedback on written work, and generic written feedback.
You will be given general feedback in relation to examinations following all examination periods and you will be able to discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor.
When undertaking the dissertation/project you are expected to meet regularly with your supervisor to review progress and discuss any questions. Your supervisor will be able to provide feedback on your research plan and drafts of your work as you progress.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary from module to module but, across your degree scheme as a whole, you can expect a mixture of exams, coursework, essays, practical work, presentations, and individual and group projects.
Career prospects
Our graduates find employment as specialists in financial institutions, corporate treasury departments, central banks and local government.
Visit the
Financial Economics MSc
page on the Cardiff University website for more details!
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