Master of Science - Financial Economics and Accounting

Gain both accountancy skills and a deeper understanding of economics in the context of modern finance. Split between the University of Essex Department of Economics and Essex Business School, students graduate with the academic and business skills needed for a career in the financial sector. Students gain in-depth knowledge of the use of accounting information in organizational control and decision-making, plus the use of financial statements and the problems of measurement and disclosure, and explore topics including: optimization theory, how economic arguments work, the role of equilibrium, notions of risk and return in equity markets, asset pricing and the management of equity portfolios.

Essex is top 5 in the UK for research, with over 90% rated as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”. Much of this world-class research is related to policy, and they have particular strengths in the areas of: game theory and strategic interactions, theoretical and applied econometrics, and labour economics. The quality of their work is reflected in the stream of publications in high-profile academic journals, including American Economic Review, Econometrica, and Review of Economic Studies.

After completing the masters, students may wish to extend their knowledge with a research degree – many Essex graduates decide to stay for further study.

Alternatively, this course also prepares students for employment; recent surveys have shown that higher degree graduates are more likely to obtain jobs at professional or managerial level.

Graduates will be well placed for success in decision making in the interface between economics and accounting. Key skills include analytical reasoning, mathematical techniques, research and the evaluation of business accounts. One recent graduate of MSc Accounting and Financial Economics is now a finance officer for Save the Children China programme.

Graduates find employment in roles such as business and financial analysts, management consultants, government officials, and economists for banks and other financial organizations.