Financial Economics (MSc)

How will I be taught?

You’ll learn through lectures and small group teaching. Lectures provide an opportunity to understand the relevance and foundations of new topics, as well as to reflect on models and theories in action. Tutorials and workshops give you opportunity to practice techniques, discuss ideas, apply concepts and consolidate your understanding of the topic working individually and collaboratively. 

Each module provides a breadth of theoretical and practical training in the relevant subject, together with the use of contemporary case studies to provide examples of practical application.

In the more quantitative-oriented modules, you’ll use specialised software and financial and economic databases.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments provide you with the opportunity to apply concepts and skills related to the complex work undertaken by finance professionals. Methods vary from module to module but include coursework, essays, individual projects, and exams. This variety of tasks provides the opportunity for you to demonstrate concepts and skills in multiple ways.

You’ll have opportunities to reflect on your learning throughout; short knowledge/skill review activities are built into each module to help you check your progress, build your confidence and enhance your approach to formal assessment tasks.

How will I be supported?

Learning

Course materials will be provided on Learning Central, our Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll also have access to libraries across our campus which hold over 1.1 million printed books, supplemented by online books, journals, resources and databases. 

If English is not your first language, then our Academic English Skills for International Students team offer classes and one-to-one tutorials to support your studies including reading, writing and presentation skills.

Wellbeing

You’ll be assigned a Personal Tutor, who can support you with academic and pastoral matters in a confidential and informal manner. Additional support is available through our Student Life teams, based in the Centre for Student Life. These teams include Advice and Money, Counselling services, Health and Wellbeing, the Student Disability Service including dyslexia support, and Student Visa Support.

Careers and Employability

The Student Futures team can enhance your career prospects by offering tailored support throughout your studies. You’ll benefit from expert advice on CV writing, interview techniques, and job applications. The team can support you with internships, placements, and networking opportunities, giving you valuable real-world experience. If you are an international student, Student Futures offers tailored support to explore part-time jobs, placements, and graduate roles in the UK and globally.

Community

You’ll become a member of the Cardiff Business School community, making friends and connections that will last beyond your studies. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in programme and school level events and activities that enhance your learning and broaden your experiences.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you. 

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of core areas in financial economics, quantitative finance, along with sound foundations in financial theory.
• Exhibit critical awareness of current theoretical and empirical debates in financial economics and related fields.
• Apply specialised knowledge to analyse contemporary issues and challenges in global financial systems.
• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of how financial markets operate and how financial products are priced.

Intellectual Skills:

• Analyse complex financial and economic policy issues using appropriate theoretical frameworks and quantitative techniques.
• Critically assess empirical research and evaluate evidence in financial markets dynamics.
• Formulate well-reasoned arguments, hypotheses, and research questions informed by the existing literature.
• Synthesize theoretical and empirical evidence from different areas of financial economics to address policy, investment and corporate decisions making processes.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Apply advanced econometric techniques to real-world financial and economic data using industry-standard software.
• Conduct independent research projects from conception to execution, including data collection, modelling, analysis, and reporting.
• Integrate ethical considerations and professional standards in financial analysis and policy formulation.
• Use financial and economic reasoning to support decision-making in private and public sector contexts.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Communicate complex ideas and findings clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences.
• Work independently and manage time and resources effectively to meet deadlines.
• Collaborate effectively in teams, demonstrating interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate reflective practice in managing professional development, adaptability and learning.