MSc Economics, Banking and Finance
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Key information
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Mode of delivery
- On-campus
- Delivery type
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start date
- September, January
- Duration
- 1 year
- Qualification
- MSc
Contact
Contact our enquiries team
Contact usOverview
MSc Economics, Banking and Finance is a masters degree which combines our expertise in Finance and Economics - ranked No.1 in Scotland - as well as our close industry links to the UK's 2nd largest economic and financial hub, Edinburgh.
Our MSc in Economics, Banking and Finance will give you the chance to develop specialist expertise across three inter-connected and highly influential subject areas. The degree is informed by recent developments in Heriot-Watt's sector leading research in Economics and Finance.
As Heriot-Watt University is situated on the edge of Edinburgh, we have excellent links to the financial sector of Scotland's capital city, the UK's second biggest financial and economics hub. We also have close ties to the London Stock Exchange and Bloomberg which provide excellent industry-focused learning opportunities.
This masters degree in Economics, Banking and Finance is designed to give you practical, specialist knowledge whilst fine-tuning your professional skills, your research skills and your advanced communication skills. During this course, you will lead on an independent research project of your own and gain insight into the world of international finance.
The MSc in Economics, Banking and Finance is structured to give you access to a range of professions and managerial careers. These include roles in banks, businesses, non-government organisations and government institutions.
Bloomberg Trading Room
Heriot-Watt University opened its very own Bloomberg Trading Room in September 2018. Equipped with 12 state-of-the-art Bloomberg Terminals, this world-class facility provides opportunity to learn real-world financial skills. You will be able to gain a Bloomberg Certificate to show that you can use the industry-standard software which provides live financial data and trading tools to the world's leading banks and organisations.
Programme duration
The full-time course starts in mid-September and lasts one year. The course can also be taken part-time over two years, or as a nine month Postgraduate Diploma.
- Full-time: 12 months (MSc), 9 months (PG Diploma)
- Part-time: 24 months (MSc), 21 months (PG Diploma)
September 2024 entry
The deadline for applications from UK students is 30 August 2024. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 2 August 2024.
Course content
Year 1
| Semester 1 (Sept - Dec) | Semester 2 (Jan - April) |
|---|---|
| International Banking and Money Markets | International Banking Institutions and Regulatory Frameworks |
| International Finance | Emerging Financial Markets |
Two from a range of options including:
|
Two from a range of options including:
|
Students successfully completing the taught courses then undertake their MSc dissertation between May and August.
International Banking and Money Markets
Semester 1 (mandatory)
This course introduces banking in an international context. Using state of the art theory and examples, this course examines domestic and international factors important for the conduct of modern banking.
International Finance
Semester 1 (mandatory)
This course examines the FOREX market and other key issues in International Finance. Traditional and modern theories of exchange rate determination are reviewed. The problem of financial crises, why they are transmitted across countries and the policy implications of the global financial crisis are also considered.
International Banking Institutions and Regulatory Frameworks
Semester 2 (mandatory)
This course extends the examination of international banking from the first semester. We consider in greater depth international banking relevant for both practitioners and academics.
Emerging Financial Markets
Semester 2 (mandatory)
Supplements understanding of mainstream finance during the year, and applies it to the specific circumstances of emerging financial markets. This exposure is also designed to assist you with identifying possible dissertation topics and data sources.
Go Global
Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for further information.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Status [footnote 1] | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 9152 | 4576 |
| Overseas [footnote 2] | 20376 | 10188 |
Scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.
Entry requirements
Entry
A good Honours degree (first or second class) or its non-UK equivalent in a relevant subject from a recognised British or overseas university.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component lower than 6.0.
If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies:
- 20 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with no skill lower than 4.5)
- 14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with minimum of 5.0 in writing and no skill lower than 4.5)
- 10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.0)
- 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.5)
Why Heriot-Watt?
Clubs and activities
At Heriot-Watt we have an extensive programme of over 90 sports clubs and societies to get involved in. You can try as many as you like or start one of your own!
Edinburgh campus accommodation
Living on our beautiful Edinburgh campus is a great way to meet others from all over the world. Our student accommodation is within easy reach of the teaching buildings, sports facilities, catering venues and the Student Union
Edinburgh Campus facilities
At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or just plain fun!
Health and wellbeing
Student Wellbeing Services aim to provide a range of support, guidance, activities and advice to help students to be their best, and get the most from their university experience. From counselling to coaching we'll sure you are fully supported.
Heriot-Watt Student Union
There's more to university life than simply getting your degree, and Heriot-Watt University Student Union is all about helping you to have the best possible experience while you study here.
Living in Edinburgh
Historic and beautiful, a cultural capital that fuels the senses whether you love the arts or nature, nightlife or study life, Edinburgh is stimulating and inspirational and never, ever boring.
Sport facilities
Oriam, Scotland Sports Performance Centre offers state-of-the-art sports facilities, for all levels of sport and ability
Your career
Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.