Economics and International Financial Economics (MSc) (2024 Entry)
Explore our Economics and International Financial Economics taught Master's degree.
Economics and International Financial Economics MSc offers an unbeatable combination of strong core studies and specialist, advanced options. At Warwick’s Department of Economics, ranked 1st in the UK (The Good University Guide 2023) and 22nd in the World (The QS World University Subject Rankings 2023), you will conduct academic research with guidance from world-leading experts.
Course overview
Our exciting MSc in Economics and International Financial Economics is designed to link economic theory and empirical economics with the practice of international finance.
The course will provide you with a thorough grounding in advanced core areas of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, econometrics and research methods, plus the opportunity to specialise in international financial economics, engaging in contemporary theoretical and empirical debates.
You will be automatically enrolled on a pre-sessional Mathematics and Statistics programme to equip you with the relevant methodological skills you need to succeed. By the end of the course, you will be able to read and understand research papers and articles in academic journals, build theoretical models, and initiate empirical research and evaluate its findings.
Skills from this degree
- Rigorous advanced training in economic analysis and techniques, which includes opportunities to contribute to current economic research and debates
- Analytical approach to thinking about problems, policies and decision-making in economics and international financial economics
- Research skills; use of library and internet as information sources; locating, extracting, analysing, and presenting material
- Numeracy and quantitative skills; use of mathematics and diagrams, understanding data, statistical analysis
- IT skills; word processing and spreadsheets; specialist econometric or statistical software; internet applications
- Written and oral communication skills
Frequently Asked Questions
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) specialising mainly in economics. This means you should have achieved a good standard in undergraduate courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics/economic statistics at an intermediate level.
We also expect a good standard achieved in mathematics taken at undergraduate level.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band A
- IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Core modules
The following basic structure applies to MSc Economics and International Financial Economics:
Microeconomics A or Microeconomics B
Macroeconomics A or Macroeconomics B
The Microeconomics and Macroeconomics modules will develop your understanding of advanced economic analysis, with more applied versions (A) or more technical/theoretically orientated versions (B). As a guide, we expect students opting for the B versions of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics to have obtained the equivalent of a First class mark (70%) in their undergraduate studies, though we will consider a request to take a B variant even if that prerequisite is not met.
Quantitative Methods: Econometrics A or Quantitative Methods: Econometrics B
Econometrics A covers fundamental econometrics research skills and Econometrics B will supplement the development of these key and fundamental professional skills by looking at more advanced topics.
Dissertation
You will have the opportunity to pose an interesting research question in economics and international financial economics, to find the correct methods for analysing the question, including development of theoretical models and/or analysis of data where appropriate, and to write up your results independently.
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- Topics in Global Finance
- Investment and the Financial System
- Game Theory
- International Trade
- Monetary Economics
- Public Economics
You will choose three optional modules to complete.
Read more about the modules on our Economics web pages.Link opens in a new window
Teaching
You will have a combination of lectures, and small group support and feedback classes. You will also learn through independent study, which will include reading journals and books, completing problem sets and assessments, revising for exams and undertaking research.
In the summer term and summer vacation your independent study time will increase as you complete your research dissertation. Your dissertation work will normally be individually supervised on a one-to-one basis and we have an effective personal tutor system providing individual support.
We encourage one-to-one interaction with our world-leading academics and offer great flexibility in the optional modules that allow you to specialise or diversify your studies.
Class sizes
Your lecture size will naturally vary, especially for the optional modules, but also for core lectures.
Some of the larger modules may have 50-200 students in them. You will then typically have weekly support and feedback classes with around 15-20 students.
Typical contact hours
An average of 8-10 hours of lectures and 3 hours of classes per week.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.
Pre-Sessional Mathematics and Statistics
The MSc Economics and International Financial Economics is a quantitative degree and students will need to be competent in several areas of mathematics. You are required to attend pre-sessional course, Introductory Mathematics and Statistics, which will be taught in the two weeks before the University’s main term begins.
The course is designed to ensure that your maths and statistical knowledge and skills are at the standard required for you to succeed on the rest of the MSc course and it consists of both lectures and small group learning. Further information can be found at the following Economics webpageLink opens in a new window.
Assessment
For MSc students, assessment is through formal examinations, coursework and an individually supervised research dissertation.
Feedback is a vital part of the assessment process, as it helps you to reach your full potential by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your work and the actions needed to develop your understanding and enhance your performance.
Feedback is provided in a variety of ways, including:
- Grades and comments on marked work
- Solutions to problem sets
- Verbal feedback from tutors and peers in classes
- Advice and Feedback hours with academic staff
- Personal tutor meetings
Your career in Economics
Graduates from our Master’s courses have gone on to work for employers including:
- Bank of America
- Bank of China
- China Merchants Bank
- Citibank
- Deloitte
- EY
- European Central Bank
- Frontier Economics
- HM Treasury
- HSBC
- IMF
- KPMG
- World Trade Organisation
They have pursued roles such as:
- Economists
- Analysts
- Consultants
- Researchers
- Business and financial project management professionals
- Chartered and certified accountants
- Actuaries
- Statisticians
- Quality assurance and regulatory professionals
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- Careers in Economics Webinar Series with speakers from our Economics Alumni community
- Careers in Economics Fair with key employers held annually in November
- Investment Banking Uncovered
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
- Mock Assessment Centre workshops
- Manage Your Digital Identity and Use LinkedIn Effectively
Economics at Warwick
We are committed to rigorous training of the next generation of economists in the tools and techniques of the discipline, producing cutting-edge research that has wide and deep impact on society and the economy, and creating strong collaborations. Our work has established Warwick Economics as one of the leading centres of economic research internationally.
We hold regular live chats for prospective students and offer holders. Please see the live chat schedule for Economics.
Visit the Economics website to find out more
Our Postgraduate courses
- Behavioural and Economic Science (Economics) (MSc)
- Economics (Diploma plus MSc)
- Economics (MSc)
- Economics and International Financial Economics (MSc)
- MRes/PhD in Economics
Academic Resources Portal
The Department of Economics have put together a portal of academic resources recommended by faculty members for anyone who may be considering studying economics at postgraduate level.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Economics Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available for students looking to undertake study a Taught Masters in Economics at the University of Warwick. Below are the scholarships relevant for students looking to study within the Department of Economics.
Economics Excellence Scholarship
The Department of Economics will award one Master’s scholarship (of 100% of tuition fees) to an outstanding applicant who has firmly accepted their offer by the 20th May 2024 on one of our one-year taught MSc courses.
Economics Regional Scholarship
The Department of Economics will award two Master’s scholarships (of 50% of tuition fees) to students who are nationals of, and domiciled in any country located in Africa or South America, who have firmly accepted their offer by the 20th May 2024, on one of our one-year taught MSc courses.
Alumni Discount Scheme
If you are a Graduate of the University of Warwick and are of home or overseas fee status, you will be able to access a 10% tuition fee discount on this course.
Warwick Taught Master's Scholarship
The University of Warwick offers a number of Warwick Taught Masters Scholarships, which are available to eligible Home/EU students from under-represented groups who wish to start a postgraduate taught master's course.
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
How to apply
Applications to our Economics Master’s programmes typically open in October and close in June.
How to apply for a postgraduate taught course
After you’ve applied
Find out how we process your application.
Applicant Portal
Track your application and update your details.
Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
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Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.Postgraduate Fairs
Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.
Live chats
Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.
Warwick Talk and Tours
A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.