Course Overview
Course summary
Financial economics is all about managing financial assets such as trade and share prices, interest rates and exchange rates. You’ll not only be introduced to financial economics, but also gain a solid foundation in general economic concepts, principles, analysis, techniques and knowledge.
Learning how to predict and advise on the impact of economic, social and public policy issues on monetary activities, you’ll develop your analytical and decision-making abilities, expanding your skills in data gathering, handling and interpretation, quantitative analysis and forecasting.
In our state-of-the-art Bloomberg virtual trading room, you will use industry-standard software, including Bloomberg, SAGE, FAME, Excel and other statistical packages, to analyse data, build models and produce forecasts. You will also develop key soft skills such as communicating complex economic ideas to a non-expert, presentation skills and teamwork.
We enjoy strong links with employers, including the Government Economic Service and Society of Professional Economists, which was relaunched here at Westminster Business School in 2018.
You can also gain valuable professional experience by taking a paid placement year and begin to build the networks that will help your career take off. Previous economics students have been employed by Goldman Sachs, Boxington Corporate Finance and with the Government Economic Service, to name just a few.
Since our economics degrees share a common first year, you get to experience all the main areas in financial economics and, if you choose Crises and Controversies in Economics as an option, you may be eligible to change to the Financial Economics course at the start of your second year. A variety of optional modules also enables you to tailor your studies to suit your interests. For example, in studying Global Economic Issues, we show how economic analysis is used to understand key concerns like climate change, trade and migration.
Top reasons to study
- Study at one of London’s leading centres for business education based in the heart of London and its political, media and financial services scene
- Access to one of the largest financial databases in our state-of-the-art Bloomberg virtual trading room
- Outstanding facilities and access to the software widely used in industry: Bloomberg, SAGE, FAME and NVivo
- Array of extracurricular activities including participation in IBM University Business Challenge (2020 Winners, Finalists 2018 and 2017, Semi-finalists 2016) and Microsoft University App Challenge (Winners 2019, Runners-up 2019)
- Opportunity to study a foreign language as an optional module in each year of study and spend one year overseas at one of our partner institutions
Exemption from CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accounting) Certificate in Business Accounting CIMA Cert BA; giving exemptions from BA1, BA2, BA3 and BA4
In the REF 2021, 75% of our business school impact case studies in the Business and Management Unit of Assessment scored 4* whilst 25% scored 3*. Read how our research is shaping the world
Course structure
This degree aims to provide you with a solid understanding of underlying economic theories, principles and their financial applications in a variety of contexts, such as financial markets, the banking system, or global financial strategy. You’ll learn to interpret financial data and carry out statistical and financial analysis to plan and manage risk, engaging with specialist topics including principles of financial intermediation, bank regulation and supervision as well as applied portfolio management.
In each year of study, you will be offered a choice of applied financial economic modules, as well as more general economic modules which consider the impact of economics on sport industry finances, for example. You also have the opportunity to study a foreign language, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese or Spanish. This is an excellent idea if you want to broaden your horizons and experience another culture, particularly if you see yourself working abroad or for an international company in the future. Recent students have visited partner institutions including Copenhagen Business School in Denmark and the University of Technology Sydney in Australia.
The course begins with a thorough grounding in economics and you will also develop a basic understanding of financial markets through Introduction to Financial Economics. Topics covered include the time value of money, understanding risk and return, introduction to the stock market and the foreign exchange market.
Subjects of study include:
- Global Business Environment
- Introduction to Financial Economics
- Macroeconomics 1
- Mathematics for Economists
- Microeconomics 1
- Crises and Controversies in Economics
You will also have the opportunity to take an option module that broadens your skills or helps you to gain more in-depth knowledge of your specialist area; your option module may be a foreign language.
Credit Level 4
You will undertake more advanced study of macroeconomics and microeconomics, and the application of economic analysis, research and appraisal tools. We cover managerial economics, market structures, competition, government objectives and macroeconomic management, while exploring world financial markets, regulators and financial instruments. You’ll develop technical data analysis skills using forecasting and modelling packages, as well as research and project appraisal skills. For example, in Financial Policy Analysis, you will cover asymmetric (differential) information, applied portfolio management, value-at-risk and financial stability.
Optional modules allow you to choose subjects of particular interest. For example, in Digital Economy, for instance, we unravel the uniqueness of specific digital products, and consider the power of networks such as internet dating and social media platforms. Global Economic Issues examines topical issues such as migration, Brexit and climate change.
Subjects of study include:
- Financial Policy Analysis
- Macroeconomics 2
- Microeconomics 2
- Money Banking and Financial Markets
- Statistics for Economists
Plus, one options from: Digital Economy, Global Economic Issues, The Economics and Finance and Sport, or a broader business module, including a foreign language.
Credit Level 5
Professional experience or Study Abroad year
Between Years 2 and 3 you may choose to study English-taught courses for a year at one of our overseas partner institutions. Currently, you can take a Year Abroad studying (or combining work and study) in Germany, Denmark, Spain, France and other locations including Australia, Japan, Canada and the USA. There are also many opportunities for those with appropriate language skills to study in the local language in France, Germany and Spain, among others. You can also choose to split your year abroad into a first semester exchange and a second semester work placement, both conducted overseas, or undertake a placement year overseas.
Alternatively, between Years 2 and 3 you can undertake a one-year, full-time business placement as a Professional Experience Year within the UK. Past students have completed placements in a variety of prestigious organisations, including AMEC, Barclays Bank, Commerzbank, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, GE Capital, HSBC, IBM and the NHS, as well as in smaller businesses.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
You will explore contemporary economic policy debates and develop your econometric analysis and forecasting skills. You will learn advanced technical forecasting techniques in Applied Econometrics, equipping you to perform business and government forecasts as well as preparing you for postgraduate study. You have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation where you will research a topic of your choice. Previous students have analysed how supply and demand affects oil prices and explored how game theory can be utilised to analyse the probability of a player missing a penalty in football matches.
You will delve into current research on contemporary issues and develop advanced methods of business and economic analysis, including forecasting techniques gaining a high degree of digital literacy, numeracy and confidence in data handling. This will prepare you to inform business and organisational decision making, and the design and implementation of economic policy by government agencies.
Subjects of study may include:
- Advanced Economics
- Applied Econometrics
- Applied Financial Economics
Plus, three options from: Development Economics, Forecasting for Managers, International Trade, Labour Markets and Global Migration, Dissertation or other areas of business including languages.
Credit Level 6
PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION
The Financial Economics BSc gives exemption from CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accounting) Certificate in Business Accounting CIMA Cert BA; giving exemptions from BA1, BA2, BA3 and BA4.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
This highly practical course aims to prepare you to use economic reasoning, mathematical and statistical analysis, to analyse and inform management decisions in business, industry, public and voluntary sectors. It is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to evaluate financial performance, business and public policy issues – skills useful in almost any career.
On graduation, you can target a role as a business analyst or specialist economist, or choose to pursue a broader career in government departments, banking, risk and insurance, investment and broking firms, retail and manufacturing firms or the voluntary sector.
Past graduates have secured roles as economic consultants, management trainees, investment bankers, professional accountants and within the Government Economic Service.
The University's Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Develop your innovation & entrepreneurial skills
Develop your innovation & entrepreneurial skills in The Big Idea competition, sponsored by Santander.
Kickstart your career
Learn how to use social media in your job hunt or LinkedIn to kickstart your career.
Develop your CQ
Develop your cultural intelligence – or ‘CQ’ – studying alongside students and staff representing more than 100 nationalities.
Industry links
Westminster Business School is one of London’s leading centres for business education based in the heart of London and its political, media and financial services scene. We have strong links with industry and organisations in the public and private sector through staff consultancy and training work. Connected to a wide range of professional bodies, including the Society of Professional Economists, a growing alumni network and the employer representatives on the Employability Advisory Board, we have excellent links with industry. Staff who currently teach on this course have extensive professional experience in a range of business sectors with many staff maintaining links with industry through consultancy and training work.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Account manager
- Actuarial analyst
- Assistant economist
- Bank manager
- Business analyst
- Commercial project manager
- Commodities analyst
- Data analyst
- Economic consultant
- Economist
- Financial advisor
- Journalist
- Investment analyst
- Market research analyst
- Management trainee
- Risk analyst
- Sponsorships executive
- Statistician
- Stockbroker
Graduate employers
Graduates from the Business School have found employment at organisations including:
- Boxington Corporate Finance
- Goldman Sachs
- Government Economic Service
- Hamton Environmental Services
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Rebeca Munoz-Torres
Senior Lecturer
Rebeca has been a Senior Lecturer in Economics at the School of Organisations, Economy, and Society (SOES) at Westminster Business School since September 2008. She has taught economics and business subjects at various universities including University of Warwick, Warwick Business School, University of Leicester, and National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
Rebeca has extensive experience teaching in international and multicultural environments and is a Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and received a L&T PGA from Warwick University. She currently teaches core modules in Macroeconomics at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Research Methods, and leads two postgraduate project modules, as well as being a PRESTige adviser and reviewer.
Rebeca is also an active researcher and has published in various international academic journals, including British Journal of Management, The Annals of Regional Science, and Journal of Economic Studies. Additionally, she is the Editor of the Discussion Papers Series at the University of Westminster.
During your studies with us, we aim to encourage, challenge, and guide you to develop strong foundations in the creation of your own path to success. I will be very happy to act as facilitator of this passage.
Course Team
- Dr Sabine D'Costa - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Shehan Dias - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Vasoula Hadjivarnava - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Catarina Moura e Sa Cardoso - Lecturer
- Dr Rebeca Munoz-Torres - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Trino-Manuel Niguez - Reader
- Dr Veruska Oppedisano - Reader
- Dr Daniela Parker - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Helen Solomon - Staff
- Dr Serena Masino - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Shujie Shen - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Erendira Leon Bravo - Lecturer in Economics
- Dr Yihui Cao - Lecturer
- Dr Shubin Yang - Lecturer
- Dr Naveeda Qaseem - Senior Lecturer in Economics
- Vincent Gibogwe - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Karen Jackson - Reader
- Dr Jen-Chung Mei - Lecturer
- Dr Rukhsana Kausar - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Siriwan Hutangkabodee - Lecturer
- Dr Michael Filippidis - Lecturer
Economics courses
Learn more about Westminster's Economics courses from our students and staff. Find out about their experience studying at Westminster, including what it's like to study at the University's Marylebone campus in the heart of central London.
Why study this course?
Combine theory and practice
Link theory to global practice through real-life case studies, guest lectures, field trips and insight from one of the world’s largest financial databases.
Professional software
Enhance your digital literacy and computer skills industry-standard software including Excel, Tableau and FAME.
Build connections
Build connections with peers and future business leaders.
Entry Requirements
- A levels – BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 112 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D*
- Access – 112 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Learn new skills
Develop your creativity
Develop your creativity to think outside the box.
Learn to critically evaluate
Learn to critically evaluate the strategies that managers use to help organisations adapt in an uncertain or complex environment.
Improve your problem-solving skills
Improve your problem-solving skills to better understand and tackle people management issues.
Westminster Business School blog
Read our blog and get an insight into life and studies at Westminster Business School.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Student work
Four Westminster Business Economics students and their International Business student teammate managed to bag themselves a VIP Microsoft Experience after winning a Microsoft App competition in November 2019. Five teams from the University took part in the Microsoft BAME network and EDI Diversity Festival, held at the Microsoft Reactor in Finsbury in celebration of Black History Month. The students, who enjoyed a surprise visit from the Deputy Mayor of London for Business, Rajesh Agrawal, competed against other University teams to design an app using Microsoft PowerApps software.
Some of our students recently attended an Insight day at Deloitte, the largest professional services network in the world, providing a unique opportunity to take a look into the day-to-day details of what a career in a specific industry may be like, in this case one of the ‘Big Four’ accounting companies. Run by Deloitte’s Multicultural network and specifically targeted towards BAME students, students heard about the range of schemes Deloitte offers to university students, as well as personal tips and advice for applications from one of the company’s HR specialists. They received ‘A Day In The Life’ presentations from three Deloitte employees now working in consulting, as well as targeted careers guidance.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Facilities
The Learning Platform
Lecture theatres
Library
Bloomberg Financial Market Suite
Digital Marketing Lab
Meeting spaces
Cafe
Course Location
In the heart of London, our Marylebone Campus is home to the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. Specialist workshops, dedicated digital and architecture studios, and our extensive Marylebone Library offer students everything they need for academic success.
Marylebone Campus is opposite Baker Street tube station and within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street.
For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Westminster Business School
Based in the heart of London's political, media and financial services, Westminster Business School has excellent industry links and a strong commitment to social enterprise.
Our courses are accredited by professional bodies including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Our practical teaching relates learning to the real world, and we develop graduates who are ready to respond to contemporary business challenges.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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