This Masters programme offers training in the key macroeconomic and microeconomic issues fundamental to financial decision making.

• The programme draws on the most recent developments in each of the subject areas, gives you a strong foundation for PhD research and provides you with the toolkit to gain employment in a wide range of spheres.
• 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 Economic & Financial Studies which covers research and postgraduate teaching in economics and finance. 
• 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. More technical subjects are supported by weekly or fortnightly small tutorials, which provide opportunities for you to engage with some issues or questions in a group format. Some courses also involve lab sessions with students using specialised software, for instance in the study of econometrics.

You will take six compulsory courses and select two optional courses. MSc candidates also write a dissertation.

Compulsory courses

• Financial sector stability and growth
• Basic econometrics (or Modelling and forecasting financial markets subject to the approval of the programme director)
• Economic fundamentals and financial markets 
• Macroeconomics 
• Microeconomics
• Modelling and forecasting financial markets (for students who are not required to take Basic econometrics)
• Research methods and dissertation training.

Optional courses

• Mathematical finance
• Modelling and forecasting financial markets (if not taken as a compulsory course) 
• Money, finance and growth 
• Public finance.

Career prospects

This programme provides graduates with a strong foundation for PhD research and the toolkit to gain employment in a wide range of spheres. We expect graduates from this programme will gain employment in financial institutions, including banks, investment banks and asset management firms and government organisations, involved in financial decision-making.

The programme also offers candidates a suitable grounding for working in international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank and is appropriate for those wishing to work in academia. In particular, graduates are suitable for working in international organisations involved in financial transactions and provision of finance.

Applicants should have at least a 2:1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent.  Normally this should be a degree in economics or a joint degree containing a significant amount of economics (at least four credit-bearing courses in economics).

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