This Masters programme offers interdisciplinary training on issues related to international banking and finance for a career in international finance within the international banking system, international corporations and appropriate public sector agencies such as central banks and ministries of finance.

• 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

• Financial markets, securities and derivatives
• International corporate finance 
• Monetary policy and the role of central banks 
• Modern theory of banking and finance   
• Research methods and dissertation training.

Optional courses

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

Optional courses are also offered in politics.

Career prospects

The programme is designed for those wishing to enter, or who are already in, professions which require the background, knowledge and skills needed to work in an international financial environment.

Entry requirements are a 2.1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above). Candidates should have a good background in economics though not necessarily an economics degree. In particular, applications will be considered from those with an accounting, finance or management background.

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