The course is designed to be stimulating and challenging. Students take core modules in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics in the first semester. In the second semester, students take specialised field modules that may include Financial Risk Analysis, Advanced Derivatives, Empirical Finance, International Finance, Corporate Finance and Market Microstructure. The summer term of the second year is spent on either a three-month Work Placement or completing a research thesis.

The degree is targeted at high quality students with a strong background in Economics, Finance or with strong quantitative skills. In particular, students are eligible for admission if they have obtained the equivalent of at least a 2.1 grade in: an honours degree in Finance or Economics, or a degree in which Finance or Economics formed a substantial component an honours degree in which there was a substantial quantitative component, such as Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematical Physics or Statistics a postgraduate conversion course such as a Higher Diploma in Finance or similar. Applicants with a high 2.2 in an undergraduate Economics or Finance degree, but with 2.1 standard in key modules, may also be eligible and will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions Director.