
About this program
BA Financial Economics
What causes 'credit crunches', and how do their effects spread throughout the economy? What determines the value of Pound Sterling relative to the US Dollar or Euro? How do stock market prices affect asset prices? Financial events are rarely far from headline news. They have an impact that extends far beyond the financial sector to affect almost every aspect of daily life, including income, employment, prices, property value and the cost of mortgages.
Our course is built on the core principles of economics, which are applied to your study of financial institutions (such as banks), financial markets (such as the stock exchange), and financial instruments. You receive a thorough introduction to economics and mathematics, as well as training in quantitative research methods.
You study the mathematical and statistical analysis of economic problems, and how the financial system functions, choosing from a range of topics on financial economics including:
- Fundamentals of accounting
- Business strategy and competition
- Capital markets
- Financial innovations and new forms of transaction media
- Bonds and contracts
We are 4th in UK for research power in economics and econometrics (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021).
The world of finance has an impact on people, business and government. Studying financial economics provides you with a foundation in economics, developing into a deep understanding of how the financial system works and the ways in which it affects our lives. By studying our course, you graduate with a strong training in financial economics.
Admission requirements
Clearing entry requirements
Specific entry requirements for this course in Clearing are not published here but for most of our degree courses you will need to hold a Level 3 qualification. If you are interested in applying and have already received your results, use our Clearing application form to apply for 2022 entry and find out if you are eligible. You will be asked to provide details of your qualifications and grades.
English language requirements
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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Program content
Year 1
- Introduction to Economics
- Career Skills in Economics
Year 2
- Macroeconomics (Intermediate)
- Microeconomics (Intermediate)
- Financial Instruments and Capital Markets
- Career Skills in Economics
Final Year
- International Money and Finance
- Economic Analysis of Asset Prices
- Economics of Financial Markets and Intermediation
- Project: Economics
- Career Skills in Economics
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available, please visit the university website for more information.
Program delivery
BA Financial Economics: 3 years
BA Financial Economics (Including Year Abroad): 4 years
BA Financial Economics (Including Placement Year): 4 years
Tuition
- Home/UK fee: £9,250
- International fee: £18,600
Career paths
Many employers want economists with critical thinking skills who can tackle large data sets and practical problems. Our course helps you to become more employable and takes you closer to that dream job or postgraduate course when you graduate.
Our students are in demand from a wide range of employers in a host of occupations, including financial analysis, management, public administration and accountancy.
Our recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies including:
- Bank of England
- Deloitte
- Ernst and Young
- Morgan Stanley
- Bank of New York
- RBB Economic Consulting
- Government Economic Service
About this institute

University of Essex
We are Essex: home to the ambitious and the inquisitive. We are proud to be top 39 in the Complete University Guide (2022), a past University of the Year (THE) and internationally recognised for Social Sciences. We're committed to two...