Master of Business (Economics and Finance Stream) at Waterford Institute of Technology

The Master of Business (Economics and Finance Stream) is a challenging one-year taught programme aimed at preparing graduates for a career in finance or in economics.The course was developed in response to demand from financial service companies for specialist graduates with advanced  skills and knowledge in areas such as econometrics, financial derivatives, data analytics and advanced financial analysis and interpretation.The course was developed in collaboration with companies in the financial services sector with the aim of producing high quality graduates with quantitative and analytical skills who would have a capability to work in specialist roles in economics and finance.

The delivery of the programme incorporates lectures, workshops by leading financial experts, a dedicated seminar programme on topics relating to finance and economics and visits to financial services companies. Additional practice-based training is provided in key skills areas such as econometrics, derivatives, analytics and corporate financial interpretation. Students receive specialised training in quantitative financial methods, business simulation and monetary economics and use the full range of financial software that is available to students within the Business School including Thomson One Banker, StockTrak and Financial Times. 

Career Opportunities

The course addresses a clear need for graduates skilled in the application of specialist financial techniques including econometrics and data analysis techniques. The programme provides graduates with practical and quantitative skills in financial analysis, corporate financial interpretation, financial derivatives and risk management  The learning and assessment approach in heavily informed by industry with participation from leading financial service companies in the delivery of th e programme. The MBS (Economics and Finance Stream) is closely linked with the AIB Centre for Finance and Business Research, the Centre provides updates to students on current ideas, thinking and employment opportunities in the financial services industry. WIT also has a well established Careers Centre and website providing support and advice to students.

In our recent survey of graduate employment, 85% of graduates are now in employment in positions such as investment banking, corporate banking, trading/dealing, portfolio management, asset pricing, treasury, capital markets (equity, money, bond, FX and derivatives markets), risk management and financial analysis. There is a growing demand from a cluster of financial service companies in the south east for finance and economics graduates and the relevance and transferability of the skills developed on the programme ensures that graduates are in demand from  companies outside the region such as Barclays Capital (London), Accenture (London), UBS (London). 

A graduate may also apply for further post gradute Level 10 studies, such as a PhD by Research in WIT or to other third level institutions, either nationally or internationally.