Finance and Economics (MSc) 2017 entry
The MSc in Finance and Economics provides advanced training in the theoretical tools and empirical techniques for economics and finance, preparing students for a professional career in international banking, the finance industry and governmental agencies.
Course type
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Science (MSc)
Course duration
One year full time
Entry requirements
A strong 2.1 Honours degree from a recognised UK university in Economics, 2.1 in Finance with a significant Economics component or 2.1 Joint Honours in Economics and another subject that includes substantial training in micro, macro and econometrics.
If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Tuition fees
UK and EU: £8,400
Overseas: £17,090
Application deadline
Application requirements
- CV
- either a detailed personal statement including a list of current modules being undertaken (1,000 words) or a sample of academic written work (2,000 words)
- two academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
- English language requirements certificate.
For further guidance on application requirements, please see postgraduate taught programmes page.
If you started this programme in 2016, you can find information about 2016 entry on the 2016 Finance and Economics (MSc) page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in our archive.
Course information
The MSc in Finance and Economics is a one year taught postgraduate programme run by the University of St Andrews' School of Economics and Finance.
Highlights
- In the 2014 UK Research Excellence Framework exercise, the School was ranked joint tenth in the UK and second in Scotland on the basis of the quality of its research publications, with over 80% of the research publications being classified as internationally excellent or world-leading.
- Small group teaching allows a high level of student-teacher interaction encouraging a warm and friendly learning environment.
- The programme aims to prepare students for jobs at a senior level in a wide range of areas: economics, finance, commerce, insurance, academia, diplomatic service and banking.
Teaching format
The programme consists of traditional lectures, tutorials, seminars and computer lab work; and a 15,000 word dissertation in an area of your choice. Courses are assessed both continuously and with end of semester exams.
Every MSc student is assigned an adviser at the beginning of the year. Your adviser will provide you with individual guidance on essay planning and writing, module choice, dissertation topics and academic conduct.
Further particulars regarding curriculum development.
Modules
Each module typically comprises:
- 20 lecture contact hours
- 5 contact hours including seminars, workshops and tutorials
- intensive independent study
- 50% continuous assessment
- 50% by two-hour examination.
For more details about each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue, which is for the 2016–2017 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2017 entry.
Compulsory modules
All students taking a Finance and Economics MSc must take three compulsory modules in the first semester. These are:
- Econometric Methods and Applications: advanced level training in econometric methods
- Investment Analysis: investment value analysis, risk and return
and one of:
- Macroeconomics: advanced treatment of the core models and concepts used in modern macroeconomics
- Microeconomics: advanced treatment of the core models and concepts used in modern microeconomics.
In the second semester, students take one compulsory module and are able to choose two optional modules from a selection of topics. The compulsory module is:
- Corporate Finance: the relationship between corporate liabilities and corporate actions.
Optional modules
In your second semester, you will have the opportunity to choose two modules from a selection of topics. The topics, and therefore module titles, vary year on year as they reflect research interests of our staff (see the University’s position on curriculum development). Examples currently include
- Game Theory
- Econometric Time Series Analysis
- Industrial Organisation
- International Macroeconomics
- Monetary Policy
- Public Finance
- Corporate Finance
- Corporate Governance
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Portfolio Theory and Management
- Financial Intermediation
- Risk Management.
The modules listed ran in the academic year 2016–2017 and are indicative of this course. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2017 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
Dissertation
The final element of the MSc is a 15,000 word dissertation. The dissertation should be on an area of either finance or economics that you are interested in, chosen either from a list of topics or developed with your supervisor who will support you through the process.
Funding
There are several funding options for postgraduate students.
Entrants to the Finance and Economics MSc programme are eligible to be considered for the £1,500 Sir Quo Wei Lee scholarship which is awarded to the best entrant student.
After the MSc
Careers
There is a long-standing tradition of our graduates working in a wide variety of challenging and rewarding posts including:
- economics
- finance
- commerce
- insurance
- industry
- academia
- government
- diplomatic service
- banking.
They work in the UK, Europe, and North America; and more frequently in locations such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand.
Contact
School of Economics and Finance
Castlecliffe
The Scores
University of St Andrews
KY16 9AR
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2439
Email: pgt@st-andrews.ac.uk
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).