This Masters programme focuses on economic analysis of financial and banking issues.

• It is aimed at policymakers in government ministries and central banks in developing countries; postgraduate students who are interested in issues of particular concern to developing countries; and those who work in financial institutions and government organisations involved in decision making.
• You will be encouraged to attend our annual series of practitioners’ talks and annual Economics seminar series.
• The programme is offered by the Centre for Development Studies, a leading institution in the UK for postgraduate study and research in the area of economic development. 
• Economics in the Business School at Glasgow is ranked in the top 10% worldwide in the fields of central banking, economics of strategic management, European economics, efficiency and productivity, international finance, international trade, macroeconomics, monetary economics, open macroeconomics, public economics, and transition economics; we are ranked in the top 25% of institutions worldwide in economics research.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time

Teaching is based on formal lectures which also allow opportunities for class discussion. Some courses also involve lab sessions with students using specialised software, for instance in the study of econometrics.

You will take five compulsory courses and select two optional courses. MSc candidates also write a 12,000-15,000-word dissertation.

Compulsory courses

• International macroeconomics and policy
• Money, finance and growth 
• Modern theory of banking and finance 
• Monetary policy and the role of central banks.

Optional courses

• Basic econometrics
• Financial institutions and markets in developing countries 
• Financial sector stability and growth 
• Financial services 
• Foreign direct investment and development 
• International finance and money 
• International trade 
• Modelling and forecasting financial markets 
• Project planning appraisal and implementation
• The IMF, World Bank and economic growth.

Career prospects

The programme is designed for those wishing to enter, or who are already in, professions which require employees to be able to provide economic analysis of financial and banking issues.

Entry requirements are a 2.1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in economics or in a relevant subject containing a significant amount of economics.

If you do not have the background outlined above but would like to pursue further study in the area of banking/finance, you are advised to apply for the MSc International Banking & Finance or the MSc International Finance & Economic Policy, depending on your interest.

English language

If your first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. See English Language Requirements.

The online application is the quickest and easiest way of applying to the University of Glasgow. The system allows you to fill out the standard application form online and submit this to the University immediately. You can also attach supporting documents including references, certificates and a transcript of previous studies. You will find instructions throughout the online form to help you complete your application. You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish before submitting it.

See: How to apply for a taught degree