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Oxford MSc Financial economics Review


10 minutes

Table of Contents

    Introduction

    The Oxford MSc Financial economics is a comprehensive and intensive nine-month program. Jointly offered by the esteemed Saïd Business School and the Department of Economics, this program is specifically tailored for individuals who aspire to a high-level career in the field of financial economics. The curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a deep understanding of the core principles of finance and economics, blending theoretical knowledge with practical insights.

    A significant feature of the Oxford MSc in Financial Economics is its robust academic framework. The program covers a wide range of essential topics, including corporate finance, asset pricing, financial econometrics, and macroeconomics. This diverse coursework ensures that graduates have a well-rounded grasp of the various aspects of financial economics.

    The faculty, comprising world-renowned scholars and practitioners, plays a pivotal role in delivering an education of the highest caliber. Their expertise ensures that students are exposed to the latest developments and research in financial economics. Additionally, the program emphasizes the application of theory to real-world scenarios, preparing students for the challenges they will face in their professional careers.

    Tuition Fees   £55,630
    Program Length 9 months
    Program deadline Round 1 - Friday 27 October 2023
    Round 2 - Friday 5 January 2024
    Round 3 - Wednesday 6 March 2024
    Application Fees £100

    Class Profile

    The Oxford MSc Financial Economics profile that is as diverse as it is impressive, drawing talented students from across the globe. This class profile is characterized by a rich tapestry of educational and professional backgrounds, ranging from economics and engineering to mathematics and business.

    The program attracts individuals with an average of 2-3 years of professional experience, although some students may have more. Students come from a variety of industries, including finance, consulting, technology, and government. Many students are seeking to further their careers in the finance industry, while others are seeking to transition into finance from other fields.

    Class Size 97
    Average Age 22 Years
    Average GRE 165
    Average GMAT 742
    Women Diversity  47%
    Countries Represented 27 Countries 
    97% International Industries 
    Application Fees  £100 

     Acceptance Rate

    The acceptance rate for the Oxford MSc Financial economics program varies from year to year and depends on the number of qualified applicants and the availability of places in the program. However, the program is highly competitive, and the acceptance rate is typically low.

    According to the Saïd Business School's official statistics, the acceptance rate for the MSc Finance program for the 2022-2023 academic year was around 18%. This means that out of every 100 applicants, only 18 were offered admission to the program.

    Acceptance Rate- 18%

    Program and Curriculum 

    oxford msc financial economics

    Jointly delivered by Saïd Business School finance faculty and the Oxford University Department of Economics, this 9-month learning experience combines the expertise of two world-class departments and is enriched by input from leading international financial recruiters.

    As practical as it is academically rigorous, the Oxford MSc Financial Core modules and electices provides an international insight and understanding, the knowledge of finance applications and the real-world skills and tools that leading institutions and companies demand across a breadth of industries. Thus, making Oxford MFE a really popular degree.

    Core Course

    The core courses form the backbone of this prestigious program, covering essential topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and financial theory.

    Asset pricing Dive into the dynamic world of Asset Pricing, where you'll learn to value complex financial instruments amidst market uncertainties, From foundational theories like CAPM to advanced concepts.
    Corporate finance Corporate Finance is your key to unlocking the secrets of a company's financial health. This course offers a deep dive into financial accounting, asset valuation, and the intricacies of financial structures.
    Financial econometrics Financial Econometrics, where numbers and data narratives come to life. This course will guide you through the essentials of empirical modeling and testing, helping you understand and predict market behaviors with precision.
    Economics Microeconomics offers a fascinating look into how market forces shape individual and business decisions. This course will sharpen your analytical skills, teaching you to apply theories like game theory and incentive theory to real-world scenarios.
    Ethics & finance In Ethics & Finance, delve into the moral dimensions of financial decision-making. This course bridges theoretical ethics with practical challenges, encouraging you to engage with experts and analyze real-world case studies for a deeper understanding of ethical finance.


    Electives

    The Oxford MSc in Financial Economics provides students with a unique opportunity to tailor their academic experience through a diverse range of elective courses.

    Advanced econometrics  Step into the world of Advanced Econometrics, where forecasting in economics and finance becomes an exciting adventure. This course offers a deep dive into both the theory and practical methods of econometrics.
    Continuous time finance Continuous Time Finance is your gateway to understanding the complex mathematics behind financial markets. Learn about stochastic calculus and its critical role in pricing and hedging financial contracts like equity options and interest rate derivatives.
    Corporate valuation Corporate Valuation is an essential course for those interested in the high-stakes world of business finance. Focusing on critical areas like mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and project financing.
    Diversity, inclusion and finance Explore the vital role of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) in the financial sector with this thought-provoking course. Delve into real-world debates and understand the impact of gender, race, age, and skill diversity in the workplace. 
    Financial crises and risk management This course delves into the intricate world of financial crises, offering a comprehensive understanding of their causes and impacts. It also equips students with practical risk management strategies and tools.
    Financial markets trading  In this course, you'll gain expertise in managing risk and investor relations, while also developing a deep understanding of market dynamics and the various players involved.
    Fixed income and derivatives You will develop the analytical tools, based on the theories from the core finance courses, to understand and price fixed income financial instruments and derivatives.
    Fundamental analysis for active investing
    This course is designed to offer a solid foundation in financial statement analysis, focusing on the practical aspects of fundamental analysis for active investing.


    Clubs & associations

    The Oxford MSc in Financial Economics not only emphasizes academic excellence but also provides a vibrant and enriching extracurricular experience through various activities, clubs and groups. Students have the opportunity to engage with like-minded peers, industry professionals, and academics who share a passion for financial economics. 

    • Oxford Union
    • Oxford University Dramatic Society
    • Oxford University Music Society
    • Oxford University Sports Federation 

    Scholarships

    Several of our MBA scholarships and deadlines are subject to specific application deadlines. While many scholarships are allocated after each MBA admissions phase, their availability in later stages is not assured. Therefore, we advise prospective students to apply early to maximize their chances of receiving these awards.

    • Academic Futures Scholarship
    • Adara Foundation Scholarship
    • Eni-Oxford Africa Scholarships
    • Forté Fellowships for Women
    • Leo Tong Chen Scholarships
    • Oxford-Grace Lake Scholarship (additional application required)
    • Oxford-Intesa Sanpaolo MBA Graduate Scholarship

    Eligibility and Requirements 

    oxford msc financial economics

    It is important to note that meeting the minimum eligibility requirements for Oxford MFin does not guarantee admission to the program, as admission is highly competitive and based on a holistic review of the application.

    Eligibility

    • You should have a minimum of a 2.1 (3.5 GPA) or its equivalent. 
    • It’s compulsory to submit your application with a GMAT/GRE score. It is recommended that the quantitative scores are in the 85th percentile, the verbal scores are in the 80th percentile and the analytical writing score is at least 5.
    • A TOEFL or IELTS test is required if you are not from an English speaking country.

    Application documents

    • Academic transcripts from all universities attended
    • GMAT/GRE scores (if applicable)
    • English language test scores (if applicable)
    • Two academic or professional references
    • A personal statement outlining their interest in the program, academic background, and career goals
    • CV/resume

    Application fees

    • A non-refundable application fee of £150 which is a part of MFin cost.
    GMAT The admission process for the Oxford MSc in Financial Technology places a strong emphasis on academic aptitude, with the GMAT being a key component of evaluation. For the 2022 class, the program reported an impressive average GMAT score of 742 among admitted students, underscoring the high academic standards of the cohort. 
    GRE The Oxford MSc in Financial Technology considers the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of its admission criteria, emphasizing a holistic evaluation of applicants. For the 2022 class, successful candidates displayed a noteworthy average GRE quantitative score of 170 and an average GRE verbal score of 165.
    Average Work Experience  It is not obligatory to possess any full-time professional background before submitting your application for the program. Any pertinent experience, whether gained through full-time employment or internships, will be taken into account during the application assessment. You must include a one-page CV as a component of your application.
    English Proficiency Completed a recognized institution's full-time degree-level program lasting at least nine months, wherein the entire instruction and evaluation processes were conducted exclusively in English.

    Deadlines

    The deadline for admission to the Oxford MSc Financial economics program varies depending on the round of application. It is recommended that applicants submit their applications as early as possible, as the program has rolling admissions and spaces may fill up quickly. Additionally, some scholarship and funding opportunities may have earlier deadlines. It is important to carefully review the application requirements and deadlines on the program's website and plan accordingly.

    Deadline Deadline Dates
    Round 1 27 October 2023
    Round 2 10 January 2024
    Round 3 06 March 2024

     

    Employment And Placement

    oxford msc financial economics

    A degree from Oxford MSc in Finance opens up plenty of MFin Jobs in the UK for graduates of finance. However, options are pretty high for global Oxford MFE jobs as well. In addition, graduates can work in a wide range of sectors. Thus, providing a great opportunity for all the Oxford MFE class profiles. Therefore, one can conclude that there are plenty of jobs after MSc in Finance.

    Average starting salary The Oxford MFin salary trends showcase a remarkable upward trajectory, with the program's graduates witnessing an eighth consecutive year of salary growth. The average MFin salary has impressively climbed to £63,251, a significant increase of £5,023 from 2021. Particularly noteworthy is the finance sector, where the Oxford MFin salary has surged by 14.5%, reaching an average of £66,880.
    Placement statistics Six months after graduation, an impressive 93% of Oxford MFin graduates had successfully secured employment, a slight decrease from the previous year's perfect employment rate of 100%. A significant majority, 79%, found their niche in the finance sector, demonstrating the program's strong alignment with industry needs. Additionally, 16% of the graduates ventured into consulting, showcasing the versatility of their skillset, while the remaining 5% pursued opportunities in various other sectors
    Employment report As per Employment report in the face of external market challenges such as geopolitical tensions and rising inflation, the MFE class of 2021/22 from Oxford experienced a stable employment landscape at the outset of their program. Despite these global economic uncertainties, London and Hong Kong emerged as the top job destinations, with nearly half of the graduates, 49%, securing positions in the UK, reflecting a 6% increase from previous years. Additionally, the appeal of Asia as a career hub remained consistent, with 32% of the students finding opportunities there. Meanwhile, employment in the UK and Europe combined saw a slight uptick, accommodating 63% of the graduates. 

    Top Sectors Hiring

    The Oxford MFin program opens a gateway to a multitude of career opportunities for its graduates. This prestigious program not only equips students with a profound understanding of financial concepts but also connects them with leading industries in the global market. In this overview, we delve into the top sectors that actively seek the expertise of Oxford MSc Financial economics graduates, highlighting the diverse and dynamic career paths available to these accomplished individuals. From the bustling world of investment banking to the innovative realms of fintech, we explore where Oxford's finest are making their mark in the financial world.

    Companies recruiting from Saïd MFE

    We will delve into the leading three sectors that recruit Oxford MFin graduates, providing you with an insight into the multinational corporations you might aspire to join. According to the 2022 employment report, these sectors stand out in their active pursuit of Oxford MFin talent, offering a glimpse into the potential career paths available to you in the future.

    Consulting Finance
    Arup Bank of America
    Bain & Company BlackRock
    Boston Consulting Group Credit Suisse
    Strategy& Goldman Sachs


     

    Alumni Info

    As Oxford MSc Financial economics alumni network, you may have many questions in mind. With 17,000+ SBS alumni in over 140 countries, including the 300,000 University of Oxford MFE alumni and 60 dedicated ambassadors globally, the alumni network is nothing short of stellar at Saïd. The Oxford Business Alumni (OBA) Network is the Schools official alumni community, bringing together individuals that share a common interest in business who support and serve as proud ambassadors around the globe. As a graduate of Saïd Business School, you will benefit from accessing alumni from all parts of the world, including the wider University of Oxford MFE alumni network.

    Some Famous Alumni

    • Patrick Grant- Fashion Designer
    • Cameron Winklevoss- Olympic Rower, Internet Entrepreneur
    • Javed Afridi- CEO of Haier Pakistan
    • Papa CJ- Comedian,Volkswagen Group of America

     

    Application Essay 

    The application essay question for the Oxford MSc Financial economics program may vary from year to year. However, here is an example of a past essay question:

    "Describe a recent innovation in finance and explain its potential impact on the industry. Discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with this innovation and how it may affect financial institutions and their clients."

    This essay question is designed to assess the applicant's knowledge of recent trends and developments in the finance industry, as well as their ability to analyze and evaluate the potential impact of these trends. It also requires the applicant to think critically about the challenges and opportunities associated with innovation in finance and how it may affect the industry as a whole.

    Letter of Recommendation 

    To apply for Oxford MSc Financial economics, you must submit one letter of recommendation. It should be written by your professional referee who has worked with you closely to comment on your professional and managerial skills critically. The person’s designation does not matter, but they must be able to talk about your strengths and weaknesses thoroughly for Oxford MSc Financial economics LORs.

    Interview Questions

    The Oxford MSc Finance (Master of Finance) program is highly selective and competitive, and the interview process is an important part of the admissions process. Here are some possible interview questions that may be asked:

    Q. Why did you choose the Oxford MFin program, and how do you think it aligns with your career goals?
    Q. Can you walk me through your resume and highlight your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements?
    Q. What do you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses, and how do you plan to leverage or address them in the program?
    Q. Can you discuss a current financial event or trend that interests you, and why?
    Q. How do you approach problem-solving, and can you give me an example of a challenging problem you faced and how you resolved it?
    Q. What do you think sets you apart from other candidates, and how do you plan to contribute to the Oxford community?
    Q. Can you discuss a time when you worked effectively in a team, and what role you played in achieving success?
    Q. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the finance industry today, and how do you plan to address them in your career?
    Q. How do you stay current with developments in finance, and what resources do you rely on?
    Q. Is there anything else you would like to share with the admissions committee that we haven't covered in the interview or your application materials?

    What Makes Oxford MSc Finance Unique

    oxford msc financial economics

    Is MFin worth it? The MSc Finance program at Oxford University's Saïd Business School offers a range of unique features that distinguish it from other finance programs. Here are some of the key features of Oxford MSc Finance:

    • World-renowned faculty: The program is taught by a team of world-class faculty members who are experts in their fields and have extensive industry experience.
    • Flexible curriculum: The program offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to customize their course of study based on their interests and career goals.
    • Emphasis on practical skills: The program focuses on developing practical skills that are highly valued by employers, including financial modeling, data analysis, and quantitative research methods.
    • Strong industry connections: The program has strong links with leading financial institutions and firms, which provide students with networking opportunities, internships, and career placement assistance.
    • Global perspective: The program attracts a diverse cohort of students from all over the world, which helps to foster a global perspective and an understanding of different financial markets and systems.
    • Entrepreneurial focus: The program offers opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurship and innovation in finance through initiatives such as the Oxford Seed Fund and the Oxford Finance Lab.

    Overall, the MSc Finance program at Oxford University's Saïd Business School is highly regarded for its academic rigor, practical focus, and global perspective, making it a top choice for students seeking to advance their careers in finance.

    Conclusion

    The Oxford MSc Financial economics, offered by the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, stands out as one of the best MFin colleges in the UK. This one-year, full-time master's degree program is meticulously designed to immerse students in the core principles of finance, while also honing their analytical and quantitative skills essential for a successful career in the finance industry.

    Know Your Author
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    Abhyank Srinet
    Study Abroad Expert
    Abhyank Srinet, the founder of MiM-Essay.com, is a globally recognized expert in study abroad and admission consulting.His passion lies in helping students navigate the complex world of admissions and achieve their academic dreams. Having earned a Master's degree in Management from ESCP Europe, Abhyank's expertise in data-driven marketing strategies has driven growth for some of the most competitive industries. As the founder of MiM-Essay.com, he has helped thousands of students get into top business schools with a strong emphasis on research, shortlisting, and applying to schools from a single platform. His dedication to education has also led him to create MentR-Me, a free-to-use social platform that simplifies the study abroad process for students, while providing universities with a powerful recruitment tool. As a leader in the field of admission consulting, he is constantly researching and implementing the latest strategies to ensure that his clients receive the best possible guidance. He leads the Business Development and Digital Marketing side of both companies, and has grown both ventures to 7 figure revenue.His unique insights, experience, and dedication to his clients make him a valuable resource for anyone seeking to advance their education or career.