Program Overview
Skip to main content MSc Economics, Banking and Finance Find out how to apply More on this subject Key information Our MSc Economics, Banking and Finance gives you the opportunity to develop specialist expertise across three inter-connected and highly influential subject areas. Level Postgraduate Taught Delivery type Full Time, Part Time Degree qualification MSc Mode of delivery On-Campus Duration 1 year Location Edinburgh Start date September, January Next intake September Throughout this programme, you’ll learn a highly relevant and current programme, informed by recent developments in Heriot-Watt’s sector-leading research in Economics and Finance. This industry-relevant programme will give you access to a wide range of professional and managerial careers within businesses, banks, financial sector firms, non-government organisations, and government institutions. During the master’s programme, you’ll gain practical specialist knowledge whilst fine-tuning your professional, research and advanced communication skills. You’ll gain knowledge of the core analytical tools and research methods in Economics, Banking and Finance.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Heriot-Watt University.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Finance & Economics.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Economics programme at Heriot-Watt University develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional networks that leading employers in finance & economics value. Common career destinations include:
- Financial Analyst: Evaluate investment opportunities and financial performance.
- Investment Banker: Advise on capital raising, M&A, and corporate finance.
- Risk Manager: Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.
- Economist: Research economic trends and advise governments or corporations.
- CFO / Finance Director: Lead corporate financial strategy and reporting.
Graduates have secured roles at multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and high-growth startups. Many also progress to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
Program Curriculum
Course content
Overview Our MSc Economics, Banking and Finance gives you the opportunity to develop specialist expertise across three inter-connected and highly influential subject areas. Throughout this programme, you’ll learn a highly relevant and current programme, informed by recent developments in Heriot-Watt’s sector-leading research in Economics and Finance. This industry-relevant programme will give you access to a wide range of professional and managerial careers within businesses, banks, financial sector firms, non-government organisations, and government institutions. During the master’s programme, you’ll gain practical specialist knowledge whilst fine-tuning your professional, research and advanced communication skills. You’ll gain knowledge of the core analytical tools and research methods in Economics, Banking and Finance. You’ll have the opportunity to choose from optional courses to customise your learning and gain additional expertise in applied economics and finance. You’ll use your learned knowledge and skills to carry out an original research project at the forefront of knowledge on your chosen topic through your economics dissertation. The career-focused master’s programme will develop your professional skills and advanced communication skills. You’ll gain relevant knowledge and skills which are highly relevant to the current and emerging employer needs in governmental, financial and non-financial private sectors, making you highly employable, both on a national and international scale, upon graduation. During your studies, you’ll have opportunities to develop scholarship skills, undertake professional and employability development, and engage in reflective learning. As Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University is situated on the edge of Edinburgh, you’ll have excellent links to the financial sector of Scotland’s capital city, and the UK’s second-biggest financial and economic hub. You’ll also benefit from our close ties to the London Stock Exchange and Bloomberg, which can provide you with excellent industry-focused learning opportunities. Our Expertise Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active academics whose work covers four key areas: Employment, Work and the Professions Logistics and Sustainability Networks and Enterprise Excellence Social and Economic Data Analysis Your learning environment The MSc Economics, Banking and Finance programme is taught through a combination of lectures and tutorials, allowing you to get to know and build relationships with the teaching staff and academics. You will be assessed by coursework, exams, and your dissertation, and will receive support and feedback throughout the programme.
During your studies, you’ll benefit from and have access to our state-of-the-art facilities, including our professional-standard Bloomberg Trading Room with 12 Bloomberg Terminals to enhance your employability with data skills. These Terminals are equipped with industry-standard software that provides live financial data and trading tools to the world’s leading banks and corporations. Outside of the classroom, you can join Heriot-Watt’s Business Society which holds regular social events and provides networking opportunities and insights into career prospects in Economics, Business, Finance, and other relevant industries. Customise your learning You’ll have the opportunity to focus on the areas of economics, business and finance that interest you the most. You can customise your degree to match your specific interests or career pathway by selecting two specialist course options. In semester three, you’ll explore in-depth your chosen area of Economics, Business and Finance through your dissertation. You will be required to demonstrate your mastery of the subject area by developing new insight from the analysis of valuable primary research. You can choose whether to study the programme full-time, part-time, or by course. This flexibility allows you to fit your postgraduate studies around your lifestyle. You can begin the programme either in January or September, based on your availability, and the full-time course will last 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. If you decide to study part-time, you register for two courses per semester and progress to the dissertation at the end of your second year. You may have the opportunity to Go Global on our Inter-Campus Transfer. Opportunities for postgraduate study abroad are assessed on a case-by-case basis and if you are interested in studying at our Dubai campus or Malaysia campus for a semester or longer, you should contact the Go Global Team .
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
A minimum of honours degree at 2:2 or non-UK equivalent in a relevant subject such as Economics, Accountancy, Finance, Business Management, or an unrelated degree that demonstrates numerical ability.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
If your first language is not English, or a previous degree was not taught in English, evidence of English language ability will be required.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no component lower than 5.5 except for writing which must be at 6.0 minimum.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
Months of entry
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 14690
Fees and funding
UK students £10,528 (full-time) £5,264 (part-time) International students £21,192 (full-time) £10,596 (part-time)
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
UK students £10,528 (full-time) £5,264 (part-time) International students £21,192 (full-time) £10,596 (part-time)
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
About Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University
City of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Heriot-Watt University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 12 months