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Finance and Economics

MSc

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
September 2026
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, on campus

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Course overview

The MSc Finance and Economics is a rigorous and intellectually stimulating course that is designed to prepare you for the complexities of today’s rapidly evolving global financial landscape.

  • Why choose this course?
    • It equips you with the analytical skills, policy insight and financial expertise you need to succeed in a competitive and dynamic environment.
    • You will be taught by leading scholars who deliver cutting-edge insights into the fields of finance and economics.
    • Birkbeck has rich experience and expertise in finance and economics having offered high-quality MSc courses in these subjects for more than 50 years.

  • What will I learn?

    This course offers you advanced training combined with a unique blend of academic depth and practical relevance in:

    • financial theory
    • economic modelling
    • quantitative analysis.

    It has a strong emphasis on monetary policy and the workings of financial markets in order to bridge the gap between economic theory and real-world financial decision-making. This makes it ideal if you are keen to advance in a career in banking, multinational corporations, government agencies or international organisations.

  • How will I learn?

    This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has evening classes, which you may choose to attend on campus or online depending on the module, to help you balance study, work and other commitments. You will attend lectures, which are recorded so you can return to them when needed, seminars and practical classes that focus on problem solving.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Two to four evenings a week, September to July.

    Part-time: One to two evenings a week, September to July.

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More highlights

  • You will benefit from a supportive academic team, with opportunities for personalised guidance and intellectual engagement.
  • Located in Central London, Birkbeck offers access to excellent facilities and valuable connections within a global financial hub.
  • Birkbeck is ranked in the top 25 UK universities for Economics and Econometrics in the most recent 2021 Research Excellence Framework, ensuring that course content is informed by the latest research.

Modules and Teaching

Birkbeck Business School

The school is research-driven across a wide range of disciplinary themes with academic staff who create new knowledge, push boundaries and publish in leading academic journals.

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Entry requirements

Our standard postgraduate entry requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in a directly relevant or quantitative subject from a UK university, or an equivalent international qualification. We will consider degrees in other subjects on a case-by-case basis, and may also accept degrees lower than second-class honours level if you can show that your work experience and/or education and training allow you to reach an equivalent level.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

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Fees

MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in September 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £7,440 per year
Full-time home students: £14,880 per year
Part-time international students: £12,195 per year
Full-time international students: £24,390 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this MSc Finance and Economics you will have gained an array of important transferable skills including:

  • an advanced ability to transfer knowledge from one context to another
  • self-motivation
  • time management
  • problem solving and organisation.

Our students go on to build successful careers with a variety of employers in a range of sectors, including in:

  • government departments
  • the Bank of England
  • UK regulatory bodies
  • commercial banks
  • teaching.

You will also gain a strong foundation for academic progression into MPhil/PhD study in economics and finance if you decide to take your studies further.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to apply

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more about how to apply.

Related courses

Study routes for Finance and Economics (MSc)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Starting in September 2026

Full-time

Part-time