Economics and Finance MSc - 2026/7
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSc Economics and Finance
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| PGDip | Economics and Finance |
| PGCert | Economics and Finance |
Professional recognition
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | PLC61015 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
| Part-time | PLC61016 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences - Economics
Programme Leader
GARFAGNINI Umberto (Economics)
Date of production/revision of spec
16/05/2026
Educational aims of the programme
- Enhance student employability, resilience and resourcefulness, global and cultural capabilities, sustainability awareness, and digital capabilities (the five pillars of the University of Surrey's Curriculum Framework) through a range of appropriate, contemporary, and engaging pedagogical methods
- Engage the whole learner with a transformative curriculum that promotes advanced knowledge and offers ample opportunity to do, create, develop, and self-reflect
- Develop an appreciation of economics and finance, both as close intellectual disciplines and as important contributors to an understanding of the world in ways which are of practical significance
- Facilitate effective learning and communication within an open, scholarly environment by fostering knowledge discovery and the creation of personal meaning
- Promote the capacity for independent study through the completion of an MSc dissertation in an area of economics and/or finance
- Prepare students for a range of careers in which advanced analysis in economics and finance, independent thought, as well as the qualities developed through the application of the curriculum framework, can contribute to self-fulfilment and/or an improvement in social and economic welfare
- Enable better performing students completing the programme to progress to postgraduate research in economics and/or finance
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Comprehend published economic research papers and integrate the implications of published research in own studies | C | PGDip, MSc | |
| Demonstrate high-level problem-solving skills | P | PGDip, MSc | |
| Communicate the results of independent research in the form of a dissertation | P | MSc | |
| Display general skills, such as literacy, numerical, IT and computing skills | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Exhibit interpersonal skills, such as communication skills | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Demonstrate a systematic understanding of fundamental elements in economics and finance | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Show a critical awareness of current and advanced problems and the methodologies that are most common in economics and finance | K | PGDip, MSc | |
| Evaluate critically the complex interrelationships between economics and finance | C | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Evidence understanding of different methodologies used in economics and finance and an ability to choose amongst these | C | PGDip, MSc | |
| Combine relevant theory and analytical techniques with insightful data analysis to produce convincing explanations of economic and finance phenomena | C | MSc | |
| Demonstrate foundational knowledge and skills for using common AI tools effectively to support learning subject-specific content | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Use AI tools responsibly and ethically in learning activities, assessment preparation, and submitted work, in line with relevant academic integrity and professional standards | P | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Critically evaluate and analyse outputs generated by AI tools, including identifying limitations, biases, and appropriate uses in economic and financial reasoning | C | PGCert, PGDip, MSc |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied full-time over one academic year, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Part-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied part-time over two academic years, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Students must select two modules from ECOM043, ECOM071, ECOM075, ECOM079; and two modules from ECOM070, MANM137, MANM199 and MANM279.
Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Students must select one module from ECOM043, ECOM071, ECOM075, ECOM079; and one module from ECOM070, MANM137, MANM199 and MANM279.
Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Students must select one module from ECOM043, ECOM071, ECOM075, ECOM079; and one module from ECOM070, MANM137, MANM199 and MANM279.
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
In line with the University's curriculum framework, our masters programmes are designed to develop graduates with strengths in the following areas:
Digital Capabilities
Our masters students learn how to solve problems in economics and finance by actively using suitable econometric and financial modelling software. They also develop advanced computing skills through working with contemporary programming languages. Students gain from learning experiences designed to grow an appreciation of the fact that decision processes in economics and finance are largely data-driven and to equip them with the skills to make decisions and solve problems based on digital evidence. Within specific modules, students are taught and encouraged to use artificial intelligence tools to support their learning in economics and finance and to assist in the preparation of assessments and submitted work. Students also receive training on their digital footprint and on the importance of digital capabilities for economic and financial decision making, and the design and evaluation of economic and financial policy in a local and global context.
Employability
We support our masters students to develop a unique set of individual, interpersonal and professional skills, which are relevant to their career ambitions in the fields of economics and finance. Our students undertake a variety of challenging academic assessments, including authentic assessments that mimic professional life. They get the opportunity to go on employer visits/field trips and to engage with speakers from industry and the financial sector on campus. The programme's pedagogy is carefully planned to ensure that our graduates are employment ready.
Global and Cultural capabilities
Living and studying in our diverse and welcoming community, students develop intercultural awareness and informed views on global issues. Students learn how to engage effectively with people from different backgrounds, e.g., in the context of academic group work. They develop an appreciation of a diversity of cultural experience and ways of relating to others without stereotyping through a range of inclusive academic and social activities designed to bring our students and members of staff together.
Resourcefulness and Resilience
The School and the University actively support our students to respond positively and effectively to opportunities, challenges, difficulties, and setbacks. The programme itself offers a great variety of academic options (pathways, modules), as well as appropriate levels of support in teaching, learning and assessment. Beyond that, students will find that there is an extensive support network in place, both formal and informal, to promote their wellbeing and self-development.
Sustainability
Economics and finance are disciplines best placed to allow an understanding of resource scarcity, allocation, and constraints. In the context of the programme's compulsory microeconomics, macroeconomics, and finance modules, decision-making explicitly addresses these issues. Students develop their sustainability awareness through a deep understanding of external economies and diseconomies.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.