Financial Economics and Banking

Financial economics and banking addresses some of the most consequential questions in the modern economy: how do financial systems function, what role do banks play in creating and allocating capital, how do financial markets price risk, and what can economics tell us about the stability and instability of the financial system? These are not merely academic questions. The financial crisis of 2008 demonstrated with devastating clarity what happens when financial systems are poorly understood or poorly regulated, and the study of financial economics and banking has real policy and professional significance.

At the University of Leicester this three-year, full-time programme takes you through the fundamentals of economics, developing both microeconomic and macroeconomic understanding before applying these frameworks to the specific dynamics of banking, financial markets, and monetary policy. You will study how banks operate, how financial markets price assets, what drives exchange rates and interest rates, and what economic theory tells us about the relationship between financial systems and the broader economy. A sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities are all built into the programme, giving you professional experience in financial environments and the chance to broaden your perspective through international study.

Graduates of financial economics and banking are well placed for careers in financial services, banking, investment management, financial analysis, economic consultancy, and central banking. Many move directly into graduate roles in retail or investment banking, asset management, fintech, insurance, or economic policy roles in government and regulatory bodies. The combination of economic rigour and financial sector knowledge is particularly valued by employers who need people who can think clearly about the relationship between financial markets and the real economy.

Further study at Masters level in economics, finance, financial economics, or banking is available for those who want to develop deeper expertise or move into research.