Centre for Financial and Management Studies

MSc Finance (Economic Policy)

Key information

Start date
Duration
2-years (Max. 3-years)
Start of programme
October / January / April / June
Attendance mode
Distance learning (part-time)
Location
Distance Learning
Fees

MSc: £10,920
Single module: £1,820

Course code
OLTF0012
Entry requirements

A recognised UK Bachelor's degree, or international equivalent, in finance, economics, or another appropriate discipline. Qualifications in other subjects will be assessed on their merits. Your application may be considered if you have previous education and experience, equivalent to a degree-level qualification, which includes suitable preliminary training. All international applicants must be able to show that their English is of a high enough standard to successfully engage with and complete their course at SOAS. 

See distance learning English requirements

Course overview

Our MSc Finance (Economic Policy) programme has been principally designed to help you work on economic policy in government, central banks, public organisations and international institutions.

The programme will increase your understanding of the principles, applications and context that underlie economic policy, focusing on the financial aspects of policy making. Additionally, you will acquire sound understanding of theories in finance and of the workings of financial markets. 

The MSc Finance (Economic Policy) enables you to deepen your understanding of financial markets, banks, and their relation to economic performance. It provides a sound platform for advancing your career in finance and policy. Because finance is so wide ranging, this degree enables you to choose between Banking and three other majors:

If you have any further questions about the overall programme content and its suitability for you, please email dladmissions@soas.ac.uk

Why study MSc Finance (Economic Policy) at SOAS?

  • SOAS is ranked 38th in the UK for Accounting and Finance (Complete University Guide 2023).
  • We're ranked 6th in UK for graduate employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • Develop an excellent understanding of the key issues shaping international business strategy in a global financial environment. 
  • We offer specialist knowledge of financial and management systems in the emerging markets of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
  • Acquire a sound understanding of theories in finance and the workings of financial markets, ready for a career in finance or further study.
  • You will be joining our community of alumni working in 160 countries in sectors including finance, government, industry and international organisations. 

How to apply

Please read our online and distance learning how to apply guidance, and use our online form to submit your application directly to us for consideration.

Structure

You will study six modules: four core modules and two elective modules selected from the lists below.

If you wish to complete the Dissertation you must study Research Methods.

Important notice

The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. If you are a current student you can find structure information on the previous year link at the top of the page or through your Department. 

Please read the important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.

Core

Guided options

Teaching and learning

The MSc Finance (Economic Policy) is made up of six modules. Each module lasts for 10 weeks. You can only take one module at a time, but each module is typically available in at least two of the year's study sessions. This gives you the flexibility to plan your studies throughout the year, allowing you to fit your course around your professional, family, and personal commitments. 

Online academic tutor

You will be individually assigned an online academic tutor for the duration of each module with whom you can discuss academic queries at regular intervals during the study session. You will also have a named administrator providing you with help and advice throughout your studies.

For each module, you will be provided with access to all necessary materials from a range of appropriate sources.

Virtual Learning Environment

To make your experience as a distance learning student more complete and rewarding, you will have access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), which is a web-based learning environment. Via the VLE, you can communicate with your assigned academic tutor, administrators and other students on the module using discussion forums.

The VLE also provides access to the module Study Guide and assignments, as well as a selection of electronic journals.

Exams

For each module, you will sit a three-hour examination, held on a specified date in September/October, and complete two assignments during the module study session. Assignments are submitted and feedback given online. Examinations and assignments are weighted 70:30.

Key dates 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees 2022/23 

MScSingle module
£10,920£1,820

Fees are inclusive of all required resources. Whilst we incorporate all of the costs into your module fees, depending on your country of residence, you may incur local costs such as: fees paid to local examination centres for sitting your examinations.

Fees may increase each year, therefore may be higher in subsequent years of study. See online and distance learning fees for further information.

Pay as you learn

Our distance learning programmes can be paid in full at the time of enrolment or on a pay as you learn basis. Pay as you learn means you only pay for the module you are enrolling on.

Postgraduate loans

If you have been a resident in England for 3 years you may be eligible. See postgraduate funding and finance for more information.

Look through the postgraduate scholarships available.

Alternatively, we recommend students approach their local British Council, British High Commission or British Embassy, for information on local funding. Dependent on nationality, employment circumstances and other factors, funding and sponsorship sources can include: United Nations (UNESCO, FAO, UNDP, UNEP etc); Bilateral Aid Agencies (SIDA, GTZ, etc), European Union; British Council; UK Department for International Development / Foreign & Commonwealth Office; NGOs; Educational and other charitable trusts.

Employment

As a graduate of MSc Finance (Economic Policy) you will be well prepared for senior positions in:

  • government
  • central banks
  • other public organisations 
  • international institutions 
  • consultancy

Recent graduates have been hired by:

  • Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ
  • Citi
  • Deloitte
  • Ernst & Young
  • Euro Monitor International
  • Financial Times
  • HM Treasury
  • Huaxia Bank, China
  • International Rescue Committee
  • Investec
  • JP Morgan, Chase & Co
  • KPMG
  • Nomura
  • Oxfam
  • Publicis Media
  • Santander
  • UBS
  • University of Oxford
  • Western Securities Co. Ltd
  • White & Case LLP
  • World Food Programme

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