Financial Economics

Postgraduate Certificate

Master of Science

Postgraduate Diploma

Postgraduate Certificate, Master of Science, Postgraduate Diploma

PSFINE

You must take the following three compulsory modules

Compulsory

Core

You must choose at least one of the following three compulsory-elective modules

Compulsory Elective

You must choose at least 1 elective module from the list below. If you choose the Literature Survey or Company Research Project option at Dissertation Stage, then you must choose one extra elective module. 

Elective

Taught modules

Core Elective

You must take one of the following options.

You are normally required to complete all the taught modules successfully before progressing to the dissertation. 

Dissertation component

Programme Structure

The programme provides your with rigorous training in economic theory, financial markets, and quantitative methods used to analyse financial decision-making. The programme combines advanced economic analysis with modern finance theory to equip you with the skills to understand asset pricing, financial institutions, and global financial markets. Through a blend of theoretical foundations and applied techniques, you develop strong analytical and data-driven capabilities relevant to careers in finance, banking, policy, and research.

Demonstrate knowledge of quantitative and probabilistic techniques for conducting and interpreting empirical tests. 

Knowledge

Conduct positive analysis without normative bias. 

Values and attitudes

Show consideration for the rules and regulations of City St George’s. 

Assess the strengths and weakness of different theoretical and empirical financial models and apply them in real-world case studies. 

Skills

Critically evaluate the operation of financial markets and instruments and identify potential market failures and the need for government intervention and regulation. 

Correctly reference the work of other people to avoid plagiarism. 

Communicate and interact with other members of a team. 

Recognise the risks and returns of different financial operations and understand the application of techniques for constructing efficient portfolios and profitable trading strategies. 

Show respect and critical appreciation for different points of view. 

Operate econometric software to solve financial problems and empirically test economic models. 

Apply different techniques for constructing efficient portfolios and profitable trading strategies.  

Recognise and hedge the risks and returns of different financial portfolios. 

Apply basic economic and mathematical analysis to solve problems typically faced by economic agent and finance-related organisations. 

Conduct independent research and prepare and deliver individual research projects. 

Identify and solve financial problems using mathematical and statistical methods. 

PSFINE - Financial Economics

The programme curriculum covers core areas of modern finance and economics, including modules such as Corporate Finance, Financial Derivatives, Microeconomics, Econometrics, and Quantitative Methods, alongside other specialised electives. Through these modules, you develop a strong understanding of financial decision-making, risk management, and the functioning of financial markets, while gaining practical skills in econometric analysis and quantitative modelling. The combination of theoretical foundations and applied analytical tools prepares you to evaluate financial problems, interpret economic data, and apply rigorous methods to real-world financial challenges.

The teaching strategy is based on a flexible combination of lectures, class and computer lab sessions. Lectures will be used to introduce key theories, concepts and economic models. In classes you will have the opportunity to solve financial problems and numerical exercises, to analyse case studies, to make presentations of research published in academic journals. The computer labs will provide you with the practical experience of using computer software to perform calculations and conduct simulations of a sort likely to be encountered in practise.  
In addition, econometric methods will be taught in lab sessions, thus you will have the opportunity to apply econometric software to empirical research and financial market estimations. When appropriate, "practitioner slots" will be incorporated into module delivery, such as research seminars conducted by external financial experts, presentation by invited academics, etc.

Curriculum Catalogue

Financial Economics - MSc

PSFINE