Overview
The MA forms part of the 4.5 (Masters plus PhD) training route under the Northern Ireland and North East Doctoral Training Partnership (NINE DTP). It is only open to applicants submitting for funding under NINE DTP.
Throughout the course you’ll develop:
- a thorough understanding of social science theory, approaches and research methods
- an understanding of research methods specific to economics and/or finance
- knowledge of advanced scholarship and practice in areas within finance/economics
- a broader awareness of cutting edge research across the social sciences
- skills in data collection and analysis
- specialist analytical and problem-solving skills.
The research training provided will also be valuable for many non-academic careers in:
- research institutions
- other knowledge-intensive environments
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
You’ll take research training modules made up of fundamental research skills. These are part of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Research Training Programme.
You take further modules, both compulsory and optional. These provide subject-specific knowledge, geared to either economics or finance. The course leads up to your dissertation, which is worth 60 credits.
Advanced statistical software
Where possible you’ll have access to advanced statistical software including:
Software may include:
- Eviews
- SPSS
- Stata
- Gauss
- MATLAB
- SAS
- Maple
- Minitab
- R
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Finance and Economics (Research) MA modules
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Central Banking | 10 |
| Microeconomic Theory | 10 |
| Macroeconomic Theory | 10 |
| International Trade | 10 |
| Financial Theory | 20 |
| Financial Derivatives | 20 |
| Corporate Finance | 10 |
You are required to take either:
OR
How you’ll learn
Teaching and learning takes place in:
- workshops
- practical classes
- lectures
- seminars
- team-based problem-solving groups
- supervisory meetings for research papers and your dissertation
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Dissertation
- Essay
- PC examination
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Additional assessment information
You’ll complete a dissertation which takes the form of an independent data analysis project. This applies advanced econometrics techniques to address the question of interest to you.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
View profiles of the module leaders for this course:
Your development
On completion of this course, you’ll be able to:
-
deploy the fundamental and advanced analytical techniques in the area of economics and finance
-
critically assess the quality of the analytical data generated by these techniques
-
synthesise and present relevant data, conclusions and recommendations to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
-
exercise responsibility and leadership in group projects
-
apply knowledge, skills and understanding to complex issues within finance and related industries
You’ll also be able to showcase professional, technical and quantitative skills. These are highly valued in the private sector. If you’re pursuing a career in research institutions or central banks, you’ll be able to gain preliminary training.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Accounting and Finance – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
Newcastle University Business School accreditation
Newcastle University Business School is accredited by the:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
- Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Only 1% of business schools worldwide hold this triple crown. Our accreditations reflect the investments we make for our students through providing a high quality teaching environment, innovative programming and active engagement with industry.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 3,500 students representing over 80 nationalities. This valuable network extends beyond our current students to include:
- regional, national and international leaders
- over 34,000 alumni in our network, spanning over 150 countries
- leading professionals and practitioners from industry
The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix – an innovation hub and community that brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers.
Our facilities include:
- flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city
- Wi-Fi enabled connectivity throughout the building, including three computer clusters housing over 120 PCs
- four large lecture theatres and over 25 seminar and teaching spaces, providing comfortable teaching and group study space
- dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a balanced mix of study space for group work or quiet, individual study
- contemporary café
- employability hub to support your career aspirations
- Bloomberg Room to give you a real feel for the trading room floor
- Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
The Frederick Douglass Centre at Newcastle Helix also offers further study and learning spaces. This includes a 750 seat auditorium – the largest in the University.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in finance, economics or a related discipline.
