Financial Economics

The MSc in Financial Economics at the University of Oxford is a rigorous and comprehensive postgraduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts and analytical tools used in modern financial economics. This course combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, equipping students with the skills necessary to analyze financial markets, assess economic policies, and make informed decisions in complex financial environments. The program is tailored for individuals seeking careers in finance, economics, and policy-making, offering an intensive curriculum that covers key topics such as asset pricing, corporate finance, financial markets, risk management, and macroeconomic policy. Students have the opportunity to engage with leading scholars and industry practitioners through lectures, seminars, and workshops, fostering a vibrant academic environment that emphasizes both empirical analysis and critical thinking. The degree also emphasizes quantitative methods and econometrics, preparing graduates to conduct independent research and contribute to academic or professional projects with confidence. As part of the University of Oxford’s esteemed Department of Economics, students benefit from a rich academic tradition and access to world-class resources, including extensive libraries and research centers. The program’s interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore the intersections of finance with law, political economy, and behavioral economics, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the financial system's complexities. Graduates of the MSc in Financial Economics often pursue careers in investment banking, asset management, central banking, financial consultancy, or further research. This program is ideal for those who aim to develop a sophisticated understanding of financial economics and gain the analytical skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving global financial landscape.

Core modules

• Asset pricing
• Corporate finance
• Financial econometrics
• Economics

Electives

• Capital raising and finance
• Cases in finance and investments
• Corporate valuation
• Entrepreneurial finance
• Fixed income and derivatives
• Mergers, acquisitions and restructuring
• Private equity

MFE international module

The MFE programme begins with three days of training in 'financial markets and institutions' which takes place in a major financial centre; in past years, students have visited London, New York, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

An undergraduate degree, equivalent to:

• 1st or 2.1 
• or GPA of 3.5+ (USA) 

As evidence, we ask applicants to upload their University degree academic transcripts/mark-sheets to the online application form. These must outline the subjects studied or grades obtained from each academic year.

GMAT score or GRE score

We recommend that the quantitative scores are in the 90th percentile, the verbal scores are in the 80th percentile and the analytical writing score is at least 5.

A. Please contact GMAC/GRE directly to arrange to take the test.

B. All sections of the GMAT/GRE must be taken in order to be considered valid

C. Official online scores must be accessible by our admissions department for your application to be considered complete. For GMAC to release your official scores to the Saïd Business School, please give your test centre the following code: Q0G-4B-54. For your official GRE scores to be released, please give your test taking centre the following code: 0807   

D. GMAT/GRE scores are not valid if they are older than five years on the application deadline date. 

Work experience

It is not mandatory to have any full-time work experience prior to applying to the programme.  However if you have any relevant experience, either full-time or via an internship, this will be considered as part of your application for the programme. All candidates are required to upload a one-page (single side) CV as part of their application.

References

Two academic or professional references submitted via the online application form. If you are in the process of completing a degree programme, one reference should be from your current institution. Once referee details are input onto the application form an email is generated and emailed to the referee, with details for completing the online reference. Please note we require your references to come from a valid institutional or professional email address. We will not accept a reference from a gmail/hotmail (or similar) address. If your proposed referee does not have a work email address please contact admissions for further advice.

Written work

How do you hope to see your career developing over the next five years? How will the MSc in Financial Economics assist you in the development of these ambitions? Maximum of 500 words

English language test

A test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Test Scheme (IELTS) must be taken, and all minimum scores met (unless eligible for a waiver) if either: 

a. Your first language is not English OR

b. You are not from a majority English speaking country, as defined by the UK Visas and Immigration office, below.*

*List of majority English speaking countries as defined by the UK Visas and Immigration office

Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Guyana

Process:

1. Candidates must apply online. The application fee is £100 and this should be paid via our online store as part of your application - please ensure you pay the application fee for the MFE.
2. Selected applicants will then be invited to interview. Not all successful applicants to the programme will have an interview. In each stage the Admissions Committee will review all complete applications received by the deadline. Candidates will be advised on the interview decision deadline whether they are being invited for interview, if they are receiving a direct offer, or that their application has been unsuccessful. In-person interviews are only conducted in Oxford. If necessary, we can conduct Skype interviews although our strong preference is for face-to-face interviews.
3. Candidates who participate in an interview will be notified of their result on the final decision deadline date of the stage they have applied under.

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

Financial Economics at the University of Oxford is a prestigious postgraduate program designed for students interested in the intersection of finance, economics, and quantitative analysis. This course provides an in-depth understanding of financial markets, instruments, and institutions, combined with rigorous economic theory and quantitative methods. The program aims to equip students with the analytical tools necessary for careers in finance, policy-making, and academia. Students engage with topics such as asset pricing, risk management, financial regulation, and the macroeconomic factors influencing financial markets. The curriculum typically includes core modules in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and specialized courses focusing on financial economics. The program emphasizes quantitative techniques, including statistical analysis and mathematical modeling, enabling students to undertake empirical research and assess financial data critically. Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, and tutorials, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Students often undertake a dissertation or research project, applying their skills to real-world financial issues. Admission to the program is highly competitive, requiring a strong academic background in economics, mathematics, or related fields. Successful applicants typically demonstrate proficiency in quantitative methods and possess strong analytical capabilities. Graduates of the program pursue careers in investment banking, asset management, financial consulting, economic research, and policy development. The University of Oxford’s renowned faculty, resources, and global academic network provide an exceptional environment for advanced learning and research in financial economics. The program’s reputation for academic excellence and rigorous training makes it a highly sought-after qualification for those aiming to excel in financial careers and contribute to economic policy formulation.