Worldwide growth in the financial services sector has furthered the demand for students with specialist skills and competencies in finance.

Our course is responsive to trends and issues in global financial markets and services. It features compulsory modules in financial theory and corporate policy. It also includes optional modules on financial markets, financial institutions and applied empirical methods in finance. It is closely related to our Banking and Finance MSc.

What you'll learn

Your studies will include financial markets and institutions and the management of asset-specific, company and country risk. We'll teach you how to analyse their roles within the international financial system.

The course will develop your understanding of the key financial principles and theories. You'll also improve your existing IT and research skills, which employers value in this competitive sector.

You'll understand and analyse international financial markets, institutions and the strategies of investors. We'll encourage you to engage with contemporary debates on important issues related to the operation of financial markets and institutions. You will learn about the types and function of financial markets such as stock, bond, foreign exchange and derivative markets.

Advanced software

Where possible you will have access to advanced statistical software including:

• Eviews
• SPSS
• Stata
• Gauss
• MATLAB
• SAS
• Maple
• Minitab

You will also have access to a number of financial databases including:

• Bloomberg
• Thompson Financial's DataStream
• Fame
• Amadeus
• WRDS
• Compustat
• CRSP
• Oriana

You'll use these for your empirical projects in applied econometrics as well as your final dissertation.

Your development

On completion of the course you will be able to:

• apply appropriate econometric and computational techniques in the area of finance
• show advanced capability with some econometric and computational techniques
• critically analyse the results generated by these techniques
• synthesise and present relevant data, conclusions and recommendations to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
• apply knowledge, skills and understanding to complex issues within the finance and related industries

Course recognition by professional bodies

CFA Institute's University Recognition Program

‌This course is part of the CFA Institute's University Recognition Program. This means that our degree course(s) incorporate at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK). We provide a solid grounding in the CBOK which will position you well to sit the CFA exams.

As a student on this course, you might be eligible for a CFA scholarship. This would entitle you to reduced CFA exam fees, including accompanying relevant materials.

‌Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (CISI)

You will also benefit from our status as a Chartered CISI Partner University. The CISI is a leading international professional body for securities, investment, wealth and financial planning. You will have an opportunity to become a CISI member free of charge. Our partner status make sure you will be well prepared to sit the CISI Level 6 Financial Markets exam, as well as for your future career in investment and wealth management.

‌‌Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

Students who pass the exam in our module NBS8340: Introduction to Financial Reporting will be exempted from the CIMA examination in BA3: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (part of CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting).

Chartered Banker Institute

‌We are a Chartered Banker Institute Centre of Excellence. We are one of only 8 centres globally to have this status. This course has a Chartered Banker pathway so you can achieve the Associated or full Member status of the Chartered Banker Institute. Membership forms a solid base for a successful career in banking and financial services.

Delivery 

The course is modular, with taught modules from October to May and a final dissertation project from June to September. 

Guest lectures

Guest lectures by practitioners and policy makers on this course complement the study of theoretical frameworks. These lectures analyse the most recent trends in financial markets and banking industries. They also provide an overview of the available opportunities within the financial sector.

You can view the profiles of some of our previous guest lecturers to get an idea of what we offer.

Research led teaching

This course builds on our established research strengths in finance and economics:

• Applied Econometrics
• Behavioural Research in Finance
• Macroeconomic Analysis and Applications

Profiles of academic staff who teach on the course:

• Dr Bartosz Gebka (Degree Programme Director)
• Dr Robert Anderson
• Dr Nils Braakmann
• Dr Fabrizio Casalin
• Professor Atanu Ghoshray
• Dr Markus Jochmann
• Dr Sara Maioli
• Dr Hugh Metcalf
• Dr Minh Nguyen
• Dr Jong Shin
• Professor Robert Sollis
• Dr Roberto Bonilla Trejos

Module changes

Module changes

Modules change annually to take account of:

• changing staff expertise
• developments in the discipline
• the requirements of external bodies and partners
• student feedback.

Most module information for 2019 entry will be available from mid-May 2019.

Career development 

This course will suit you if you are motivated to pursue a career in:

• investment banking
• financial research
• financial trading

Events and networking opportunities

We offer a range of extra-curricular activities to develop your skills and knowledge on financial matters. We also help you gain insights into different roles in the financial industry and boost your employability. This includes training on financial trading delivered with Amplify Trading, as well as the CFA annual global investment challenge.

Throughout the academic year we hold many events on campus that you are welcome to join. Events are topical and provide great opportunities for you to network with:

• national and multinational organisations
• alumni
• peers

Graduate destinations

Graduates from the course have undertaken various roles including:

• Chartered Financial Analyst
• Financial Trader
• Risk Analyst
• Chief Financial Officer
• Accountant
• Auditor

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service will help you to explore your options and make informed choices to achieve your career goals.

Work experience

Work experience placements are a great way to develop relevant skills to excel in your chosen career.

Find out about paid and unpaid work experience options and other ways you can add to your degree.

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

EU students starting at Newcastle in 2018 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.

Funding opportunities

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a pre-sessional English course. 

Start dates

The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Application fee

There is a non-refundable application fee of £50. You need to pay this before we can process your application.

To pay your application fee and make an application please visit our WebStore.

Deposit

If you live outside the UK/EU you must:

• pay a deposit of £1,500
• or submit an official letter of sponsorship

The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.