This Masters programme offers training in the key areas of investment banking and financial investment.

• You will acquire an understanding of how financial markets operate, particularly in relation to the aims and operations of banking organisations and institutions.
• You will also study corporate finance theories and techniques including credit risk management, capital structure and dividend payout policy.
• 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 five compulsory courses and two optional courses. MSc candidates also produce a research dissertation in an approved related area.

Compulsory courses

• Corporate finance and investment (subject to course approval)
• Financial markets, securities and derivatives 
• Modern theory of banking and finance 
• Portfolio analysis and investment (co-requisite for Advanced portfolio analysis)
• Research methods and dissertation training.

Optional courses

• Advanced portfolio analysis
• Economic fundamentals and financial markets 
• Financial sector stability and growth
• Financial derivatives 
• International finance and money 
• Mathematical finance (co-requisite  for financial derivatives) 
• Monetary policy and the role of central banks.

Career prospects

We expect graduates from this programme to gain employment in financial institutions and international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The programme also provides a strong foundation for PhD research.

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

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