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Finance and Econometrics (MSc)

Award
Master of Science
Typical Offer
2:1 degree View full entry requirements
Duration
1 year
Course Type
Full-time
Campus
Highfield
Next course starts
September 2025

Finance and Econometrics (MSc) startingSeptember 2025 for1 year

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About this courseEntry requirementsCourse structureModulesLearning and assessmentCareers and employabilityFees, costs and fundingHow to applyRelated courses

About this course

Study MSc Finance and Econometrics to learn advanced econometric techniques and how they apply to finance. Gain both a broad overview and specialised knowledge, including in-depth quantitative skills. You'll be able to work with real-time and historical data in our Financial Laboratory (FinLab).

This full-time UK master’s prepares you for specialist finance roles in corporate, banking or fund management. The course is an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognised training programme.

You’ll explore the financial markets and how they operate in detail. Your studies include learning about recent developments in econometric techniques and how to apply them to economic and financial data. 

Learn how to:

  • understand the theoretical basis of economic and financial analysis
  • formulate, manipulate and draw conclusions from an economic model
  • apply economic and financial analysis in the context of financial markets
  • interpret and critically evaluate economic ideas and research findings
  • test and evaluate economic models using a variety of research methodologies, data and analysis techniques
  • design, implement and manage independent research in finance and economics
  • present ideas, arguments and research findings effectively

You’ll also gain in-depth knowledge of specific areas of finance and econometrics necessary to undertake independent research. This will lead to a dissertation on a subject within an area you choose.

Use our Financial Laboratory (FinLab) as part of standalone training and your dissertation research. The suite hosts 21 trading terminals, giving you access to real-time data, breaking news and powerful analytics.

Course lead

Your course leader isDr Stefania Paredes Fuentes.

Course location

This course is based atHighfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Entry requirements

You’ll need a degree in a relevant subject such as:

  • economics
  • maths
  • engineering
  • data science
  • computer science
  • physics
  • a related subject with a high maths content

We do not accept Finance or Management degrees for this programme.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score
6.5
reading
6.0
writing
6.0
speaking
6.0
listening
6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of ourpre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing apre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

On the full-time version of this master’s in finance and econometrics your studies take place over 12 months.

The taught part of the degree takes place between October and June. It consists of 30 study weeks divided into 2 semesters.

You’ll study a number of modules each semester. When you successfully complete them you’ll carry out 3 months of supervised research for your dissertation. This takes place during the summer months.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

Youmust study the following modules :

Applied Microeconometrics

This module covers the application of concepts and methods in contemporary microeconometrics to address various applied research questions using mainly individual level (e.g. firms, households) micro data. Many of the examples will come from labour, publ...

Dissertation

You will undertake a substantive piece of independent academic work, performing economic research on your chosen research topic. You will motivate your research topic, survey and review the relevant academic literature and identify gaps in our knowledge b...

Financial Econometrics

The module will introduce you to various topics drawn from the modern empirical finance literature and to the underlying econometric techniques used to evaluate alternative models of the dynamics of asset prices and returns. Knowledge of basic econometric...

Financial Economics

This module will provide students with a solid understanding of key concepts, tools and insights of financial economics. Upon completion, students should be confident in using standard techniques to address issues like the functions and functioning of fin...

Preliminary Mathematics and Statistics

This two week intensive course is designed to ensure that students who start postgraduate programmes in Economics will have the skills in mathematics and statistics needed for their subsequent modules. The course has two components, statistics and mathem...

Quantitative Methods

Assessment in the module takes the form of an online software skills test (worth 10% of the final mark) and a final written exam (worth 90%).

Time Series Econometrics

This module explores the properties of a wide range of models and statistical techniques used to describe and analyse Economic and Financial time series data. The aim is to highlight the usefulness of theoretical time series techniques for understanding d...

Youmust also choose from the following modules :

Corporate Finance

This module acquaints students with the main concepts, methods and insights in corporate finance at the graduate level. It focuses on firms' financial decision-making and its effect on corporate profits and valuations. Particular emphasis will be placed o...

Experimental Economics

This module will introduce students to experimental methods in economics. Emphasis will be on the methodology, in particular, statistical techniques necessary for establishing causality and valid inference, non-parametric and other useful non-standard sta...

Financial Derivatives

The module studies quantitative techniques for pricing the main financial derivatives available for trading in financial markets. This is done under assumptions imposing absence of arbitrage opportunities in financial markets. The module focuses on future...

Health Policy and Economics

The growing expertise in health economics at the Department of Economics offers a unique opportunity for the introduction of a health policy and economics module. The importance of health forany human being, the size of the health sector, the limited re...

Household Finance

This module familiarises students with theories and evidence of consumer/household financial decision making. The module examines optimal and actual financial decisions by households, e.g. on borrowing and saving, and the role of financial service provisi...

Labour Economics

The course discusses in details some of the most important topics in labour economics research by bringing the theory to the data using a combination of empirical methodologies.

Resource and Energy Economics

This module addresses the main economic problems arising in the management and allocation of natural resources, with a particular focus on energy and the constraints that the natural environment represents for economic growth. It combines economic theory,...

Learning and assessment

Learning

The majority of your learning takes place as small-group teaching. You’ll also learn through a range of methods, including:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • problem classes
  • independent research

You’ll take part in research skills workshops to develop skills in designing, carrying out and managing independent economics research. What you cover in these workshops is assessed through your master’s dissertation.

We also run more general social sciences research skills workshops you can attend, covering:

  • bibliographic skills
  • ethical issues in social research
  • writing and dissemination skills
  • personal and career development

Assessment

We’ll assess you using:  

  • written examinations
  • problem sets
  • project-based coursework
  • dissertation

Exams are held at the end of each semester.

Dissertation

The final 3 months of the course are spent preparing your dissertation, to be completed by the end of September.

You’ll carry out this research with supervision from a member of staff who has related research interests.

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

  • Research
  • Critical thinking
  • Commercial awareness
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Creativity
  • Problem solving
  • Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview
Women discussing in library tablet

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

accountancy firms,

banks (high street and city),

charitable and not-for-profit organisations,

Consultancies,

insurance companies,

Government departments,

Think Tanks,

non-government organisations (NGOs).

Wider career opportunities:
  • Business development manager
  • Data scientist
  • Diplomatic service officer
  • Local government officer
  • Management consultant
  • Policy officer
  • Procurement manager
  • Quantity surveyor
  • Risk manager
  • Retail banker
See more
Example job titles of Southampton MSc Finance and Econometrics graduates*:
  • Assurance associate
  • Audit associate
  • Corporate finance analyst
  • Data analyst
  • Financial adviser
  • Financial consultant
  • Surveyor
  • Investment analyst
  • Secondary maths teacher
  • Strategy specialist
See more

Job prospects for MSc Finance and Econometrics graduates

£37k
Average professional salary
85%
In a skilled profession or further study
95%
Graduate employment rate
Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes: 

  • work experience schemes
  • CV and interview skills and workshops
  • networking events
  • careers fairs attended by top employers
  • a wealth of volunteering opportunities
  • study abroad and summer school opportunities 

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter,Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

  • UK students pay £9,250.
  • EU and international students pay £33,900.

Checkfees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on ourtuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course.Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Economic, Social and Political Sciences.

Find out more about the Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety ofadditional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out aboutfunding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

  1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
  2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
  3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
  4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
  5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions,check terms and conditions).
  6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process,read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on ourterms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

  • your knowledge of the subject area
  • why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
  • how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Finance and Econometrics (MSc) is a course in theBusiness, accounting, finance and marketing andEconomics subject areas. Here are some other courses within these subject areas: