How do investors make their decisions? How do firms arrange their finances? The MA Financial Economics is designed for those whose first degree isn’t in economics but who want to understand the financial aspects of economics in greater depth. The University of Essex pushes the frontiers of accepted wisdom, critically examining the decisions of individuals, the strategies of firms, and the policies of governments to understand and challenge the standard paradigms of economics. On this course, students will build a thorough understanding of the key areas of economics, oriented towards the economics of financial markets.

So, if students want to specialise in financial economics, their first degree isn’t in economics, or their previous economics training doesn’t suit the MSc courses, the MA Financial Economics may be for them.

There's always something fascinating going on in the department, from regular lively debates with prestigious speakers in seminars, workshops and conferences to cutting-edge papers being published in leading journals, including American Economic Review, Econometrica, and Review of Economic Studies.