Economics and Finance

Economics and finance together provide a rigorous understanding of how wealth is created, distributed and managed at both the level of individual decision-makers and the wider economy. Economics examines the forces that drive growth, inflation, unemployment, trade and inequality, using both theoretical models and empirical evidence to understand how markets, governments and institutions shape economic outcomes. Finance applies economic principles to the management of money, investment and risk, examining how financial markets price assets, how corporations raise and deploy capital, and how individuals and institutions manage their financial affairs.

At the University of Winchester you will study for three years full-time, exploring macroeconomic drivers of wealth creation at national and international levels alongside the microeconomic analysis of how economic units make decisions. You will develop knowledge of financial concepts, theories and quantitative methods alongside an understanding of how economic and financial forces interact in practice. The programme includes a sandwich year in professional practice and a placement component, giving you direct professional experience in a finance or economics context that strengthens your employability considerably.

Economics and finance graduates work across a wide range of careers, including banking, investment management, financial consulting, economic research, the civil service, corporate finance, insurance and public policy. The combination of economic reasoning and financial knowledge is valued in roles that require understanding both the broad forces shaping markets and the specific mechanics of financial instruments and institutions. Many graduates pursue professional qualifications in finance, accounting or investment analysis, or go on to postgraduate study in economics, finance, business or public policy, where the quantitative and analytical foundations the degree builds provide a strong platform.