Overview
The two-year MSc Economic and Financial Risk Analysis provides international quality training in the fundamental concepts and tools required by the financial sector. It is specifically targeted at students who have an interest in a career in Finance but do not currently have sufficient background in the subject.
The programme emphasises 'problem solving' through a combination of theoretical principles and empirical tools. Successful graduates are equipped with a wide range of economic, financial, quantitative and communication skills, thus opening up a diverse set of career opportunities, both within and outside the financial sector.
This degree has ensured that Maynooth University has been accepted as a GARP partner for Risk Education.
Course Structure
The first year is an intensive and extensive introduction to the world of Economics and Finance. The aim is that by the year-end, students will be at the same level as a graduate in Economics and/or Finance. Students will cover the basic concepts, empirical methods and applications in Investments, Derivatives, International Finance and Econometrics as well as choosing field courses of interest from a range of optional modules. Students are required to attain a 2.1 standard at the end of the first year in order to progress.
The second year of the programme is the same as MHH64. 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.
Although this is a two-year programme, it offers great flexibility; students may exit after the first year of the programme and receive a Higher Diploma in Arts (Finance).
Comment
The Department is strongly committed to the provision of high quality teaching programmes at postgraduate level. We place a high premium on quality teaching and personal contact with our students, ensuring that the students' experience at Maynooth University is both enjoyable and productive. Members of the Department publish in leading international journals and have strong links with industry and the business community, US multinationals, the Central Bank, hedge funds and fund management companies.