4-Term Pathway - Pre-Master's in Social Sciences - Continue to Master of Science - Financial Econometrics

If students hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet the entry requirements for a master’s, a Pre-Master’s can help them gain a place on a postgraduate degree. For progression to the 1st year of a postgraduate degree at the University of Essex. Course length is determined mainly by students' English language level (UKVI IELTS score).

Students on all course lengths take a set of common or similar modules to gain a solid base of skills for university. If their course is longer than 2 terms, students will take additional modules designed to improve one or more of their English language level, academic skills, and basic knowledge of particular subjects.

The University of Essex MSc Financial Econometrics combines a practical approach to finance with a strong theoretical approach in econometrics, and is taught jointly between the Department of Economics and Essex Business School. This mix of approaches means that students graduate from this course as people who are very attractive to a variety of financial institutions, from insurance companies to central banks.

Students develop a solid theoretical grounding in econometrics which complements the modules taught by Essex Business School; this structure gives them the opportunity to develop their skills in econometrics and apply them practically in a finance environment. Students investigate topics including: asset pricing theories and empirical findings, methods of estimation, modern econometric techniques, and time series econometrics. 

Essex is top 5 in the UK for research, with over 90% rated as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”. Much of this world-class research is related to policy, and they have particular strengths in the areas of: game theory and strategic interactions, theoretical and applied econometrics, and labour economics. The quality of Essex's work is reflected in their stream of publications in high-profile academic journals, including American Economic Review, Econometrica, and Review of Economic Studies.

Study and work alongside some of the most prominent economists of our time. Essex's researchers are at the forefront of their field and have even received MBEs, with students coming from across the globe to study, research or work with them.

After completing the masters, students may wish to extend their knowledge with a research degree – many Essex graduates decide to stay for further study. Alternatively, the course also prepares students for employment; recent surveys have shown that higher degree graduates are more likely to obtain jobs at professional or managerial level.

Essex's MSc Financial Econometrics will help students to develop a range of skills that will make them highly employable. These include modelling skills, statistical analysis, research skills and developing an understanding of asset pricing and financial markets. Graduates find employment in roles such as business and financial analysts, management consultants, government officials, and economists for banks and other financial organisations.