Financial Economics
About the major
The major in Financial Economics is focused on the economic models used in finance, and the econometric skills needed to apply these models to financial markets and other economic data. This is an area of high employer demand in a range of diverse fields. The major can be taken in conjunction with other majors offered by the School of Economics: Economics; Econometrics; Environmental, Agricultural and Resource Economics; or majors offered by the Business School, (e.g., Finance) and the Faculty of Science, (e.g., Financial Mathematics and Statistics).
Mathematics assumed knowledge
Mathematics is an essential tool in the study of economics. Students entering this major/minor are assumed to have prior knowledge of mathematics equivalent to a minimum result of Band 4 in the NSW Higher School Certificate course, Mathematics Advanced. Students who do not possess the assumed knowledge are strongly advised to enrol in ECON1003 Quantitative Methods in Economics prior to or concurrently with ECON1001 Introductory Microeconomics.
Mathematics prerequisites and Mathematics Learning Support
In 2024, some mathematics prerequisites for undergraduate students commencing in Semester 1 2025 were removed.
It has been identified that this curriculum component (Program, Major or Minor) has been affected. To ensure success, make sure you are aware of the required level of mathematics (assumed knowledge) for this curriculum component. Visit the mathematics learning support webpage, to understand your pathway to success, including the sequence of units you should complete and the support services available.
Requirements for completion
The Financial Economics major and minor requirements are listed in the Financial Economics unit of study table.
Please note: students who are NOT enrolled in the Bachelor of Economics or a Bachelor of Economics combined degree or who will not complete ECOS2001/ECOS2901 as part of a different major in economics must complete the 2000-level core unit ECOS2040 Intermediate Financial Economics rather than ECOS2001/ECOS2901.
Completion of ECOS2001 Intermediate Microeconomics or ECOS2901 Intermediate Microeconomics Honours alone will not prepare students for the 3000-level core unit in the Financial Economics major. Where a student completes ECOS2001/ECOS2901, they will also need to complete ECOS2002 Intermediate Macroeconomics or ECOS2902 Intermediate Macroeconomics Honours before undertaking the 3000-level core unit ECOS3022 The Economics of Financial Markets.
Overlapping core units of study
An overlap in core units of study occurs with certain combinations of majors. For example, the core unit ECMT1010 Introduction to Economic Statistics is common to the Econometrics and Financial Economics majors. This situation also arises between the Financial Economics major and majors offered by the Business School and Faculty of Science. For example, the 1000-level core unit in the Finance major (Business School), BUSS1020 Quantitative Business Analysis, is equivalent to ECMT1010 Introduction to Economic Statistics. Bachelor of Economics students are required to complete the core units specified for the Bachelor of Economics rather than equivalent units offered by other faculties.
- 1000 level: Up to two overlapping 1000-level core units may count towards the requirements of two majors. To make up the credit points for the overlapping unit(s), students must complete elective units as appropriate.
- 2000 level: An overlapping 2000-level core unit cannot count towards the requirements of two majors. Students are required to substitute the overlapping core unit in one of the majors with a 2000- or 3000-level selective unit from the same major.
Advanced coursework
Students enrolled in the final (fourth) year of a Bachelor of Advanced Studies combined degree are required to complete a minimum of 24 credit points of Advanced coursework. Details of advanced coursework units of study in Economics can be found on the advanced coursework units of study page.
Contacts and further information
