MSc Economics and Finance
- MSc
Overview
Suitable for graduates in economics, finance or a highly quantitative discipline, this programme combines advanced training in economics and econometrics with opportunities to build expertise in finance.
You will apply knowledge and techniques from both fields to areas such as financial markets and corporate finance, preparing you for a career in the banking industry or financial sector.
With the ability to choose optional units alongside core content during the programme, you’ll be able to tailor your study to your specific academic interests and future career plans. Undertaking a dissertation will also allow you to further develop analytical and research skills as you showcase your economics knowledge – skills that are highly sought after by employers across many fields.
Bristol is in the top 5 UK universities for research (REF 2021) and our MSc Economics and Finance incorporates the latest economics research that has a direct impact on policy and practice.
You will be joining an academic community that is international, forward-thinking, collaborative, and committed to helping all our students reach their full potential. We are home to the Economics Network, which improves the teaching and learning of economics in universities throughout the UK and Europe. We are also home to the Economics Observatory, which helps the public understand the most pressing economic issues we face today.
Programme structure
Our programmes are current and exciting, and you will be taught by leading academics who are tackling real problems and influencing economic policy worldwide.
Alongside your core units, you must choose three additional units from a list of options. The final part of the MSc is a project-based dissertation of up to 15,000 words.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Economics and Finance.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a quantitative subject (whether as a single, joint, or combined honours degree) such as Accounting and Finance, Actuarial Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Engineering, Finance, International Economics and Trade, Mathematics, Physics, Commerce (with specialism in Accounting/Finance/Economics.)
OR
If your degree subject is not listed above, you will typically need an upper second-class honours degree (60% or higher) or an international equivalent with three units of mathematics with 60% or above (or an international equivalent) in each unit, from the units listed in the Maths qualification requirements list below.
OR
A-level Mathematics with grade A if no mathematics or quantitative units in your degree.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae/résumé) when you apply, showing:
- 5 years' relevant work experience such as data analysis, economics modelling, data informed policymaking.
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
Specific module requirements would still apply, which can be met in either undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
If your degree subject is not listed in the main entry requirements, you must have evidence of an upper second class honours degree which includes three units of mathematics with 60% or above (or international equivalent) in each unit. Examples of acceptable units include:
- Advanced Maths (introductory maths does not count towards maths unit requirements)
- Analysis
- Auditing
- Bayesian Modelling
- Calculus
- Complex Functions
- Computer Science (including programming/algorithms)
- Data Mining/Data Science/Data Analytics
- Decision Analysis and Simulation
- Decision Maths
- Derivatives
- Differential Equations/Ordinary Differential Equations
- Discrete Mathematics
- Econometrics (including 'introductory' 'foundations of'; and 'advanced')
- Financial Analysis
- Financial Maths
- Financial Modelling
- Financial Reporting
- Game Theory
- Geometry
- Information Theory
- Investment Analysis
- Kinematics
- Linear Algebra
- Linear Programming
- Macroeconomics (including intermediate/advanced)
- Management Science
- Mathematical Programming
- Maths for Economics
- Mechanics (any type of mechanics)
- Mechatronics
- Micreoconomics (including intermediate/advanced)
- Multi Variate Analysis
- Network Science
- Number Theory
- Optimisation
- Probability
- Proof/Intro to Proof
- Pure Maths
- Quantitative techniques
- Quantitative Methods
- Research Methods
- Statement Analysis
- Statistics/Statistical Methods/Statistical Analysis
- Supply Chain management/Logistics Management
- Time Series Analysis
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £17,000 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £31,400 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
The programme provides excellent preparation for careers in investment management, financial research, trading, consulting and corporate finance, and for further academic study in finance.
Recent graduate destinations include the Bank of England, KPMG, Deloitte, HSBC, the World Health Organisation, Shanxi Securities, the UK National Audit Office, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, EY, the UK Financial Conduct Authority, and the China Merchants Bank.
As 51st in the world and a UK top 10 university (QS World Rankings 2026), Bristol graduates are in high demand – being the seventh in the UK for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2022).
We offer a broad range of support and links to partner organisations, helping you prepare for an exciting future career – whether in the UK or overseas. You will have access to our Careers Service and Professional Liaison Network, which provide professional mentoring, networking events and business advice.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
- Faculties
- Schools