financial economics assignment

Financial Economics Thesis Topics

This page provides a comprehensive list of 200 financial economics thesis topics for students pursuing research in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of financial economics. Financial economics examines the interplay between financial markets, institutions, and the broader economy, exploring how financial systems affect economic growth and stability. The list includes a wide range of topics that address current issues, recent trends, and future directions, covering areas such as asset pricing, financial risk management, fintech innovations, and sustainable finance. Whether you’re interested in traditional economic theories or cutting-edge technological advancements, these financial economics thesis topics will help guide you in developing insightful and impactful research.

200 Financial Economics Thesis Topics and Ideas

Financial economics is a broad and evolving discipline that studies how financial markets operate and interact with the overall economy. It incorporates elements from both finance and economics to explore critical issues such as asset pricing, financial risk, market efficiency, and monetary policy. This comprehensive list of 200 financial economics thesis topics is divided into 10 categories, each addressing key aspects of the field. These topics cover current issues, recent trends, and future directions, providing students with a wide range of options to explore for their thesis research.

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1. Asset Pricing Models

• The Efficient Market Hypothesis: Relevance in Modern Financial Markets
• The Impact of Behavioral Finance on Asset Pricing Models
• Testing the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) in Emerging Markets
• The Role of Information Asymmetry in Asset Pricing
• Pricing Models for Derivative Securities: A Comparative Study
• How Market Liquidity Affects Asset Pricing
• The Fama-French Three-Factor Model: An Empirical Analysis
• The Impact of Economic Indicators on Asset Prices
• Asset Pricing in High-Frequency Trading Environments
• The Role of Sentiment in Determining Asset Prices
• Pricing of Cryptocurrencies: A New Asset Class
• The Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) in Global Financial Markets
• Asset Pricing in the Face of Systemic Risk
• The Role of Corporate Governance in Asset Pricing
• How Global Economic Crises Influence Asset Prices
• The Impact of Climate Risk on Asset Pricing Models
• Asset Pricing in Real Estate Markets: A Case Study
• The Role of Investor Behavior in Pricing Anomalies
• Analyzing the Equity Premium Puzzle in Different Economies
• How Central Bank Policies Affect Asset Pricing Models

2. Market Efficiency and Anomalies

• The Efficient Market Hypothesis: A Study of Developed vs. Emerging Markets
• Market Bubbles and Crashes: Do They Disprove Market Efficiency?
• How Insider Trading Influences Market Efficiency
• The Role of Algorithmic Trading in Market Efficiency
• Testing the Weak, Semi-Strong, and Strong Forms of Market Efficiency
• The January Effect: Does It Still Exist?
• How Do Anomalies Affect Asset Pricing and Market Efficiency?
• The Impact of Speculation on Financial Market Efficiency
• Information Asymmetry and Its Role in Market Inefficiencies
• How Does Behavioral Bias Challenge Market Efficiency?
• Analyzing Arbitrage Opportunities in Inefficient Markets
• The Role of Market Regulation in Enhancing Efficiency
• Market Efficiency in the Cryptocurrency Market: A New Perspective
• How High-Frequency Traders Affect Market Efficiency
• The Role of Institutional Investors in Promoting Market Efficiency
• The Impact of ESG Investing on Market Efficiency
• Event Studies and Market Efficiency: A Comparative Analysis
• How Market Volatility Influences Efficiency in Financial Markets
• The Role of Public and Private Information in Market Efficiency
• How Technology and Data Analytics Are Transforming Market Efficiency

3. Financial Risk Management

• The Role of Risk Management in Corporate Finance
• Hedging Strategies and Their Impact on Corporate Profitability
• The Role of Derivatives in Managing Financial Risk
• How Companies Use Currency Risk Management Techniques
• The Impact of Financial Crises on Risk Management Practices
• Credit Risk Management in Financial Institutions
• How Firms Manage Interest Rate Risk in Volatile Markets
• The Role of Insurance in Corporate Risk Management
• How Companies Use Financial Instruments to Hedge Market Risk
• Analyzing Systemic Risk in Global Financial Markets
• The Role of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) in Corporate Governance
• How Does Technology Influence Modern Risk Management Strategies?
• The Impact of Regulatory Changes on Risk Management in Banks
• The Role of Stress Testing in Managing Financial Risk
• How Globalization Influences Financial Risk in Multinational Companies
• Risk Management in the Face of Climate Change and Environmental Risks
• How Do Central Banks Manage Financial Systemic Risk?
• The Role of Credit Default Swaps (CDS) in Risk Management
• Liquidity Risk Management in Financial Institutions
• How AI and Machine Learning Are Transforming Financial Risk Management

4. International Financial Economics

• The Impact of Exchange Rate Fluctuations on International Trade
• How Globalization Influences Financial Integration Across Economies
• The Role of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Emerging Markets
• How Currency Crises Affect Global Financial Stability
• The Effectiveness of Capital Controls in Developing Economies
• How Does International Monetary Policy Affect Financial Markets?
• The Role of Sovereign Debt in Global Financial Stability
• How Currency Unions Influence Trade and Economic Growth
• The Impact of Global Financial Crises on Developing Economies
• Exchange Rate Mechanisms and Their Influence on International Capital Flows
• How Global Trade Agreements Affect Financial Markets
• The Role of Central Banks in Managing Currency Crises
• How International Capital Flows Affect Stock Market Performance
• The Impact of Brexit on European Financial Markets
• How Trade Wars Influence Global Financial Stability
• The Role of Multinational Corporations in Global Financial Markets
• How Emerging Markets Respond to Global Financial Shocks
• The Role of Foreign Exchange Reserves in Financial Stability
• The Impact of International Sanctions on Financial Markets
• How Financial Technology Is Reshaping Global Trade and Finance

5. Behavioral Finance and Economics

• How Cognitive Biases Affect Investor Behavior in Financial Markets
• The Role of Overconfidence in Financial Decision-Making
• Herding Behavior in Stock Markets: Causes and Effects
• The Impact of Behavioral Biases on Asset Pricing
• How Loss Aversion Shapes Investor Behavior
• The Role of Behavioral Finance in Challenging the Efficient Market Hypothesis
• The Impact of Behavioral Factors on Financial Bubbles and Crashes
• How Does Behavioral Finance Influence Corporate Financial Decisions?
• The Role of Investor Sentiment in Market Anomalies
• Prospect Theory and Its Application to Financial Decision-Making
• How Emotion Affects Investment and Trading Behavior
• Behavioral Economics and Its Impact on Household Financial Decisions
• The Role of Framing Effects in Financial Choices
• How Availability Heuristics Shape Financial Market Expectations
• The Impact of Behavioral Finance on Long-Term Investment Strategies
• How Behavioral Biases Influence Risk Perception in Financial Markets
• The Role of Behavioral Finance in Explaining Market Inefficiencies
• How Anchoring Bias Affects Financial Market Predictions
• The Role of Behavioral Finance in Corporate Governance Decisions
• How Financial Advisors Use Behavioral Finance to Manage Client Portfolios

6. Corporate Finance and Financial Economics

• The Role of Corporate Governance in Enhancing Financial Performance
• How Capital Structure Decisions Affect Firm Value
• The Impact of Dividend Policy on Stock Prices
• How Mergers and Acquisitions Influence Shareholder Wealth
• The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Corporate Finance
• How Financial Leverage Affects Corporate Risk
• The Impact of Capital Budgeting Decisions on Firm Growth
• How Corporate Finance Strategies Adapt to Changing Economic Conditions
• The Role of Share Buybacks in Corporate Finance
• How Corporate Governance Affects Financial Risk Management
• The Role of Corporate Taxation in Financial Decision-Making
• How Financial Ratios Predict Corporate Financial Health
• The Impact of Globalization on Corporate Finance Strategies
• How Corporate Finance Decisions Influence Market Performance
• The Role of Venture Capital in Corporate Financial Growth
• How Corporate Finance Practices Differ Across Global Markets
• The Impact of Corporate Debt on Financial Performance
• How Dividend Policies Affect Long-Term Shareholder Value
• The Role of Private Equity in Corporate Financial Management
• How Corporate Finance Strategies Respond to Financial Crises

7. Monetary Policy and Financial Markets

• The Role of Central Banks in Stabilizing Financial Markets
• How Interest Rate Changes Affect Stock Market Performance
• The Impact of Quantitative Easing on Global Financial Markets
• How Monetary Policy Influences Exchange Rates in Emerging Economies
• The Role of Forward Guidance in Shaping Investor Expectations
• How Negative Interest Rates Affect Financial Markets and Bank Profitability
• The Impact of Inflation Targeting on Financial Market Stability
• How Central Bank Independence Affects Financial Market Performance
• The Role of Monetary Policy in Mitigating Financial Crises
• How Do Central Bank Policies Affect Bond Market Yields?
• The Impact of Unconventional Monetary Policies on Asset Prices
• How Changes in the Money Supply Influence Financial Markets
• The Role of Central Banks in Controlling Speculative Bubbles
• The Impact of Global Monetary Policy Synchronization on Financial Markets
• How Exchange Rate Policies Affect Cross-Border Investment Flows
• The Role of Monetary Policy in Shaping Financial Market Liquidity
• How Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) May Influence Financial Markets
• The Relationship Between Monetary Policy and Financial Stability in Developing Economies
• How Interest Rate Differentials Drive Foreign Exchange Market Movements
• The Role of Central Banks in Managing Systemic Financial Risks

8. Financial Markets and Institutions

• The Role of Financial Institutions in Supporting Economic Growth
• How Banking Regulations Affect Financial Market Stability
• The Impact of Shadow Banking on Financial Markets
• The Role of Credit Ratings in Financial Market Performance
• How Financial Institutions Manage Liquidity Risks
• The Role of Investment Banks in Mergers and Acquisitions
• The Impact of Financial Institutions on Corporate Financing Decisions
• How Globalization Affects Financial Institutions and Market Integration
• The Role of Pension Funds in Shaping Financial Market Performance
• The Impact of Basel III Regulations on Bank Lending Practices
• How Microfinance Institutions Affect Financial Inclusion in Developing Economies
• The Role of Central Clearinghouses in Reducing Financial Market Risks
• How Investment Banks Influence IPO Performance
• The Role of Financial Institutions in Sustainable Investing
• The Impact of Fintech on Traditional Financial Institutions
• How Financial Institutions Influence Cross-Border Capital Flows
• The Role of Hedge Funds in Global Financial Markets
• How Financial Institutions Respond to Economic Crises
• The Role of Financial Institutions in Promoting Financial Literacy
• The Impact of Financial Institutions on Capital Market Liquidity

9. Sustainable Finance in Financial Economics

• The Role of Green Bonds in Financing Sustainable Development
• How Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Criteria Affect Investment Decisions
• The Impact of Climate Risk on Financial Market Stability
• The Role of Corporate Governance in Promoting Sustainable Finance
• How Sustainable Finance Strategies Affect Asset Valuation
• The Role of Central Banks in Supporting Sustainable Financial Markets
• How Institutional Investors Influence Corporate Sustainability Initiatives
• The Impact of Sustainable Finance on Emerging Market Development
• How Carbon Pricing Affects Financial Market Performance
• The Role of Financial Institutions in Supporting the Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy
• How Sustainable Finance Affects Corporate Debt Issuance
• The Impact of Climate Change on Financial Risk Management
• The Role of Impact Investing in Global Financial Markets
• How Financial Regulators Promote Sustainable Investing
• The Impact of Green Finance on Corporate Financial Performance
• The Role of International Financial Institutions in Advancing Sustainable Finance
• How ESG Metrics Are Incorporated into Corporate Valuation Models
• The Role of Financial Markets in Addressing Global Climate Challenges
• How Sustainable Finance Is Shaping the Future of Financial Markets
• The Impact of Regulatory Frameworks on Sustainable Finance Practices

10. Fintech and Innovations in Financial Economics

• The Role of Blockchain Technology in Transforming Financial Markets
• How Cryptocurrencies Are Challenging Traditional Financial Systems
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Market Predictions
• The Role of Peer-to-Peer Lending Platforms in Modern Financial Markets
• How Digital Currencies Influence Global Payment Systems
• The Impact of Robo-Advisors on Investment Management Practices
• How Machine Learning Is Revolutionizing Financial Risk Management
• The Role of Fintech Startups in Disrupting Traditional Banking Services
• How Blockchain Is Enhancing Transparency in Financial Transactions
• The Impact of Crowdfunding on Corporate Financing Strategies
• How Smart Contracts Are Transforming Financial Transactions
• The Role of Fintech in Expanding Financial Inclusion in Developing Economies
• The Impact of Big Data Analytics on Financial Decision-Making
• How Digital Wallets Are Changing Consumer Payment Behavior
• The Role of Fintech Innovations in Shaping the Future of Asset Management
• The Impact of Cybersecurity Threats on Financial Technology Adoption
• How Financial Technology Is Enhancing the Efficiency of Capital Markets
• The Role of Tokenization in Shaping the Future of Financial Assets
• How Blockchain Is Influencing Cross-Border Trade and Finance
• The Future of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and Its Impact on Global Markets

This comprehensive list of 200 financial economics thesis topics spans a wide range of critical areas in financial economics, offering students an opportunity to explore both foundational and cutting-edge issues in the field. Whether focusing on asset pricing models, the rise of fintech, or the implications of sustainable finance, these topics provide a platform for meaningful academic research that reflects the challenges and opportunities present in today’s financial landscape. Students are encouraged to select a topic that aligns with their academic interests and career goals, allowing them to contribute valuable insights to the growing field of financial economics.

The Range of Financial Economics Thesis Topics

Financial economics is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles from both finance and economics to explore how financial markets function, how financial decisions are made, and how these decisions affect the broader economy. It examines a wide array of topics, ranging from asset pricing and market efficiency to monetary policy and fintech innovations. Students who study financial economics are often tasked with selecting a thesis topic that not only reflects their academic interests but also addresses current challenges and trends in the field. This article outlines the range of financial economics thesis topics, focusing on current issues, recent trends, and future directions that students can explore to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in financial economics.

Current Issues in Financial Economics

One of the most enduring areas of research in financial economics is asset pricing . Asset pricing models, such as the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and the Fama-French three-factor model, have long been used to determine the expected return on an asset based on its risk. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness of these models in today’s rapidly changing financial markets. Thesis topics such as “Testing the Capital Asset Pricing Model in Emerging Markets” or “The Role of Information Asymmetry in Asset Pricing” allow students to explore how traditional asset pricing models perform in different contexts, especially as markets evolve and new asset classes like cryptocurrencies emerge.

Another critical issue in financial economics is market efficiency . The Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) posits that asset prices reflect all available information, making it impossible for investors to consistently outperform the market. However, market anomalies—such as the January effect, where stock prices tend to rise more in January than in other months—challenge this hypothesis. Topics such as “The Role of Algorithmic Trading in Market Efficiency” or “How Insider Trading Affects Market Efficiency” allow students to explore whether financial markets truly operate efficiently and how certain behaviors or technological advancements might create inefficiencies.

Financial risk management is another pressing issue, particularly in light of the global financial crises that have occurred in recent decades. Managing financial risks—whether related to interest rates, currency fluctuations, or credit defaults—is crucial for corporations, financial institutions, and investors. The impact of new regulations, such as Basel III, on how banks manage their risks is a timely area of research. Thesis topics like “The Role of Derivatives in Managing Financial Risk” or “How Regulatory Changes Impact Risk Management in Banks” provide students with an opportunity to examine how financial institutions mitigate risk in today’s volatile markets.

Recent Trends in Financial Economics

One of the most prominent trends in financial economics in recent years is sustainable finance . Investors are increasingly considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions, and companies are being held accountable for their sustainability practices. Green bonds —bonds specifically issued to finance environmentally friendly projects—are gaining traction as a popular investment vehicle. Topics such as “The Role of Green Bonds in Financing Sustainable Development” or “How ESG Criteria Affect Investment Decisions” allow students to explore the growing importance of sustainability in financial markets and how these trends are reshaping investment strategies.

Another important trend is the rise of fintech and its impact on traditional financial systems. Blockchain technology , for example, has the potential to revolutionize how financial transactions are recorded and verified, while cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin challenge the very foundation of central banking systems. Fintech innovations, such as peer-to-peer lending platforms and robo-advisors, are also reshaping the financial landscape by offering alternatives to traditional banking services. Topics such as “The Role of Blockchain Technology in Transforming Financial Markets” or “How Cryptocurrencies Are Challenging Traditional Financial Systems” allow students to delve into how financial technology is changing the way financial markets and institutions operate.

Behavioral finance is another emerging area of interest within financial economics. Unlike traditional finance theories that assume rational behavior, behavioral finance considers the psychological factors that influence investor decisions. Cognitive biases, such as overconfidence and herding behavior, can lead to suboptimal investment decisions, contributing to market inefficiencies. Thesis topics like “How Cognitive Biases Affect Investor Behavior” or “The Role of Behavioral Finance in Explaining Market Anomalies” provide students with the opportunity to explore how human behavior challenges traditional economic theories and contributes to phenomena like market bubbles and crashes.

Future Directions in Financial Economics

As financial markets continue to evolve, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are expected to play an increasingly significant role in financial analysis and decision-making. AI-driven algorithms can process vast amounts of data more efficiently than humans, enabling financial institutions to make faster, more informed decisions. These technologies are also being used to predict market trends, optimize portfolios, and manage risks. Topics such as “How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Financial Market Predictions” or “The Role of Machine Learning in Financial Risk Management” offer students the chance to explore the potential of AI to revolutionize the financial sector.

Another future direction in financial economics is the rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) . As digital currencies gain popularity, central banks around the world are exploring the possibility of issuing their own digital currencies to complement or even replace traditional fiat currencies. CBDCs could have significant implications for monetary policy, financial stability, and cross-border payments. Thesis topics like “The Future of Central Bank Digital Currencies and Their Impact on Global Finance” or “How CBDCs Will Shape the Future of Monetary Policy” allow students to investigate how digital currencies could transform the global financial system.

Finally, sustainable finance is likely to become even more important in the future, particularly as climate change poses increasing risks to the global economy. Investors and regulators are expected to put more pressure on companies to adopt sustainable business practices, and financial markets will need to adapt to this new reality. The integration of ESG factors into financial decision-making will continue to influence asset pricing, risk management, and investment strategies. Topics such as “The Role of Financial Markets in Addressing Global Climate Challenges” or “How Sustainable Finance Is Shaping the Future of Financial Markets” provide students with the opportunity to explore how financial markets will evolve in response to the growing demand for sustainability.

The field of financial economics offers a broad range of thesis topics, from traditional issues like asset pricing and market efficiency to recent trends such as fintech innovations and sustainable finance. By selecting a relevant and timely topic, students can contribute to the ongoing discourse in financial economics and gain a deeper understanding of how financial markets operate and evolve. Whether focusing on current challenges, like managing financial risk, or exploring future directions, such as the role of AI in financial decision-making, students have the opportunity to produce meaningful research that can help shape the future of the field. As financial markets continue to change, driven by technological advancements and global challenges, the study of financial economics will remain critical for understanding how these changes impact the economy and financial systems worldwide.

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Financial Economics BSc (Honours) 2025 entry

The BSc (Hons) in Financial Economics provides a structured, cumulative and rigorous foundation of economic concepts, principles, analysis, techniques and knowledge. You will develop your analytical and decision-making abilities through training in quantitative and model-based methods of analysis. Over the course of study, students engage with specialist topics including portfolio management, asset pricing and corporate finance. 

“The academics and the support they give to students is so important – there is a great culture of aiding students’ wellbeing in the School. I also liked being able to pick my modules in the first two years, which confirmed that I had made the right decision with this degree, while also giving me a wider skill set to use after graduation.”

Entry requirements

The University offers different entry requirements, depending on your background. Find out more about Standard, Minimum and Gateway entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator .

For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject-specific entry requirements as outlined on their pages.

SQA Highers

Gce a-levels, general entry requirements.

All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.

SQA qualifications

SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:

• Computing science
• Applications of Mathematics
• Mathematics
• Psychology.

GCSE qualifications

GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:

• Computing Science

Other qualifications

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes. Please see our entry requirements for more information.

More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements web page .

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

No previous knowledge of this subject is required, but advanced school mathematics is an advantage, and an ability to learn mathematical skills is essential.

Alternative study options

Students interested in this course may also be interested in the following:

Master of Arts 

Financial Economics is available as both a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and a Master of Arts (MA) degree. The content of the subjects is the same irrespective of Faculty . Two particularly useful joint combinations for future careers are 'Financial Economics and Management' and 'Financial Economics and Mathematics'. Students who have a background in the sciences or who wish to study Financial Economics alongside Science subjects at St Andrews should apply for the BSc. For those interested in studying Financial Economics alongside Arts subjects , the  MA in Financial Economics may be of interest instead. The entry requirements are the same for all single Honours Financial Economics degrees, and the chance of receiving an offer is the same for each of these degrees.

Study abroad

Financial economics students can apply to participate in the University-wide St Andrews Abroad programme. You may also have the opportunity to participate in the School Abroad exchange programme. For information about study abroad options, please see the study abroad site .

International applicants

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. Find out more about approved English language tests and scores for this course .

Course details

The BSc (Hons) in Financial Economics is a four-year course run by the University of St Andrews Business School.

In the first two years, you will acquire a solid foundation in general knowledge of economics. This includes an introduction to the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics; an insight into quantitative techniques; and developing an understanding of economic relationships and the techniques necessary for their analysis. 

Alongside financial economics, in the first year of your studies you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year you will usually carry on at least one of these subjects, sometimes two. Find out more about how academic years are organised .  

At Honours level, you may select modules from a range of options on specific topics. These provide an analytical understanding of key aspects of finance, economics and government policy formation. 

The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure web page.

In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours) you will take the required modules in financial economics alongside modules in at least one other subject. 

Typically, you will take a total of three modules per semester each year.

• Second year

Students will take all the following compulsory first-year modules: 

• Macroeconomics : introduces the study of economics at the national and global level. 
• Microeconomics : explores the basics of the market system and consumer and producer behaviour.

Students with a school qualification in economics may take a more advanced first-year module in economics which assumes prior knowledge. 

Students will take all of the following compulsory second-year modules:

• Intermediate Macroeconomics : explores theories of the determinants of long-run economic growth and theories of the causes of short-run “business-cycle” fluctuations. 
• Intermediate Microeconomics : deepens the general understanding of microeconomics gained in first year. 
• Statistics for Economists : introduces statistical methods and regression analysis.
• Mathematics for Economists : covers calculus and algebra to provide indispensable mathematical tools for modern economists.

If you decide to take financial economics in your third and fourth years, you must take four compulsory modules: 

• Econometrics : introduces the application of statistics to study economic data. 
• Financial Economics: Asset Pricing : provides a critical understanding of essential components of modern finance theory and a rigorous grounding in analytical economic models about the determination of risks and returns in financial markets. 
• Financial Economics: Corporate Finance : investigates the problem of how a collection of corporate liabilities is affected in value by corporate actions. 
• Financial Economics: Portfolio Management : develops knowledge and understanding of key issues in asset allocation and portfolio composition and management at an intermediate level. 

In addition, you may choose from a wide variety of advanced options. Here is a sample of Honours modules which have been offered in previous years: 

• Behavioural Economics: Individual Decisions and Welfare  
• Development and Finance  
• Economic Fluctuations  
• Economics of the Environment  
• European Macroeconomics  
• Game Theory  
• Health Economics  
• Incentives, Contracts and Markets  
• Innovation Economics  
• International Trade  
• Mathematical Economics 
• Monetary and Financial History  
• Practical Financial Modelling

The modules above are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course. Please see the module catalogue for more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment.

• Teaching format

First and second year modules generally involve a series of lectures (200 to 450 students), laboratories and small-group tutorials (15 to 20 students) designed to facilitate effective interaction. 

At Honours level, modules are taught through lectures (10 to 140 students), laboratories and smaller group tutorials (10 to 20 students). Students typically attend six hours of lectures and an average of one to two tutorials or labs per week. 

When not attending lectures, tutorials and laboratories, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve: 

• working on individual and group projects 
• undertaking research in the library 
• preparing coursework assignments and presentations 
• preparing for examinations. 

Progress is monitored through tutorial assignments and assessment is by a combination of graded work and examinations. Almost all of the modules are assessed by at least 50% written exams with the balance of assessment made up by coursework. 

Examinations are held at the end of each semester during a dedicated exam diet with revision time provided beforehand. 

Coursework takes the form of essays, along with other kinds of assessed work including oral presentations and class tests.  

The School aims to provide feedback on every assessment within three weeks to help you improve on future assessments. 

Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews must achieve at least 7.0 on the St Andrews 20-point grade scale to pass a module. To gain access to Honours-level modules, students must achieve the relevant requisites as specified in the policy on entry to Honours and in the relevant programme requirements . To find out the classification equivalent of points, please see the common reporting scale.

You will be taught by a research-led teaching team with expertise and knowledge of financial economics. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of tutorials under the supervision of the module leader. 

The University’s Student Services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long-term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities web page.

Scotland £1,820

England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland £9,250

Channel Islands, Isle of Man £9,250

EU and overseas £31,670

More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.

Joint Honours degrees

You can also take Financial Economics as part of a joint Honours degree in which you will take core modules of your chosen subjects.

Additional joint degree options are available for students who take the MA in Financial Economics .

"With" degrees

You can take Financial Economics as part of a "with" Honours degree in which the majority of the course deals with the first name subject. St Andrews offers the following "with" degrees in Financial Economics:

• Master of Arts (Honours) Economics with German (With Integrated Year Abroad) - UCAS code L1RF
• Master of Arts (Honours) Economics with German - UCAS code L1R2
• Master of Arts (Honours) Economics with Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) - UCAS code L1RR
• Master of Arts (Honours) Economics with Russian - UCAS code L1RT
• Master of Arts (Honours) Economics with Social Anthropology - UCAS code L1L6
• Master of Arts (Honours) Economics with Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad) - UCAS code L1RL
• Master of Arts (Honours) Economics with Spanish - UCAS code L1RK

"With" degrees taken with German, Russian, Spanish are also available 'With Integrated Year Abroad'.

Graduates with a degree in financial economics have some highly sought-after skills and pursue careers in a wide variety of fields. A degree in financial economics will greatly enhance your analytic and decision-making abilities. You will significantly improve your quantitative abilities and greatly enhance other transferable skills highly valued by employers. 

Popular career destinations among recent graduates include: 

• economic consulting 
• management consulting 
• accountancy 
• business intelligence analysis 
• broadcasting and journalism 
• risk management 
• research analysis 
• financial services analysis 
• stockbroking 

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

What to do next

Online information events.

Join us for one of our information events where you can find out about different levels of study and specific courses we run. There are also sessions available for parents and college counsellors.

Undergraduate visiting days

We encourage all students who are thinking of applying to the University to attend one of our online or in-person visiting days.

Department of Economics (Business School) website

Discover Uni

Discover Uni provides official statistics about higher education courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities and colleges about all their students. You can use this data to compare information for different degree programmes to help you make a decision about what and where to study.