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International Finance (MEconSc)

MEconSc International Finance

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Course Overview


This programme is specifically designed with dedicated courses to deepen students’ understanding of the forces driving the global economy and the operations of the international financial markets. The programme provides both a rigorous foundation in the theory of international finance and necessary technical skills used in applied financial market analysis, with a particular emphasis on fundamental tools for financial analysis such as R, Python, and Excel. 

It provides an emphasis on current issues in international economic policy and on recent developments in the areas of multinational investment flows, dynamics of exchange rates, risk management and asset pricing. Students gain a deeper understanding of both the microstructure and macroeconomic implications of these issues, and necessary technical skills for analysing financial data using computer simulation-based models.

The financial services industry, which is a part of the internationally traded services sector, has been identified by the Irish government as one of the key sectors for the delivery of high value-added jobs in Ireland and a crucial sector in the further development of Ireland’s knowledge-based economy.

The programme provides a special emphasis on current issues in international economic policy and on recent developments in the areas of multinational investment flows, dynamics of exchange rates, risk management and asset pricing.

Students gain a deeper understanding of both the microstructure and macroeconomic implications of these issues, and necessary technical skills for analysing financial data using computer simulation based models.

New Internship Option

International Finance students have the option to pursue a work placement opportunity incorporating an applied International Finance Project. Work placements are competitive and subject to the availability of suitable positions. We will source as many work placement opportunities as possible, but it is at the discretion of employers as to whether they shortlist and offer a position to applicants. Students may also self-source their own work placement subject to the approval of the Placement Office.

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Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Semester One exams: December.
Semester Two exams: April/May. 

A range of assessment methods are integrated and applied throughout the programme. These include essays, projects, reports, presentations, and computer simulation-based assignments. Students also submit a minor dissertation.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) with Economics to intermediate level.* Candidates with a significantly high H2.2 honours degree and who have achieved a 2.1 average in relevant Economics modules as their major, may also be considered. * By "intermediate level economics" we mean courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics at a level typically done in second or third year of an undergraduate programme. Accordingly people who have only studied one year of economics are not eligible for admission. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

30

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Please refer to the offer rounds/closing date web-page.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

Course code

MECS-IF

Course Outline

The programme provides a special emphasis on current issues in international economic policy and on recent developments in the areas of multinational investment flows, dynamics of exchange rates, risk management and asset pricing.

Students gain a deeper understanding of both the microstructure and macroeconomic implications of these issues, and necessary technical skills for analysing financial data using computer simulation based models.

Graduates with these skills are highly valued by commercial banks, investment banks and other financial institutions, by public institutions such as Central Banks and by multinational corporations.The Financial Services industry, which is a part of Internationally Traded Services, has been identified by the Irish Government as one of the key sectors for the delivery of high value-added jobs in Ireland and a crucial sector in the further development of Ireland's knowledge-based economy.

The programme includes such modules as:

  • Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
  • Microeconomic Theory
  • Applied Portfolio Management
  • Derivatives and Risk Management
  • Economics and the Global Economy
  • Financial and Macroeconomic History
  • Financial Data Analytics
  • Financial Econometrics
  • Global Financial Economics
  • International Finance
  • Green and Sustainable Finance

New Module: Green and Sustainable Finance

Transforming the global economy to make it more sustainable requires large investments, especially for enabling a green and low-carbon transition. The aim of this module is to introduce students to the important role of financial markets in the transition to a climate-neutral, green, competitive and inclusive economy. The module explores the requirements to mobilise financial markets to align with environmental and climate targets, and focuses on the different financial products and instruments that can power the transition. Overall, the module will consider how to embed green and sustainable finance principles and practice into financial decision-making.

International Finance Project

The International Finance Project is intended to give students the opportunity to consolidate knowledge and skills acquired during the International Finance Masters programme and undertake an applied research project. The aims of the project are to enable the student to critically evaluate research in finance and/or economics; to demonstrate independent research; to apply theoretical knowledge and applied techniques acquired; to demonstrate critical thinking skills; and, to produce a well written final project that contributes to existing knowledge. Where appropriate, the project can be linked to employment or work placement. This module involves a series of discussions and meetings with assigned supervisors, the submission of a research proposal, the reporting of progress to supervisors within agreed timeframes, and the submission of the final applied research project.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

RequiredEC506: Econometrics


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

The main aim of this module is to provide students with a thorough and practical understanding of regression analysis in order to test economic theories and measure magnitudes relevant for economic policy and other decisions. The module also aims to introduce students to a range of other econometric techniques, focussing on issues relating to causality and identification. These skills are one of the key elements in the professional training of an economist. Applied examples and practical experience are a key part of this module and, to this end, a range of interesting and relevant real-world applications and datasets are used, while the module also emphasizes examples that have implications for policy or provide evidence for or against economic theories. Weekly computer-based ‘lab’ sessions using the statistical software package Stata form an integral part of the module and will help to develop students’ applied econometric skills and their understanding of the methods presented in lectures.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Discuss the importance and methods of identification in applied econometrics research.
  2. Highlight the pitfalls of using observational data for causal analysis.
  3. Estimate and interpret a range of regression models.
  4. Use regression methods for analysis and evaluation.
  5. Summarise and critique the key results from an econometric analysis undertaken using observational data.
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (50%)
  • Continuous Assessment (50%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach (International Student Edition)" by Jeffrey Wooldridge
    Publisher: Cengage Learning (JW)
  2. "Basic Econometrics" by Damodar Gujarati
    Publisher: McGraw-Hill
  3. "Econometrics by Example" by Damodar Gujarati
    Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
  4. "Introduction to Econometrics" by James Stock & Mark Watson
    Publisher: Prentice Hall
  5. "Introduction to Econometrics" by Christopher Dougherty
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
  6. "A Guide to Modern Econometrics" by Marno Verbeek
    Publisher: Wiley
  7. "Econometric Analysis of Cross Section and Panel Data" by Jeffrey Wooldridge
    Publisher: MIT Press
  8. "Microeconmetrics: Methods and Applications" by Colin Cameron and Pravin Trivedi
    Publisher: Cambridge University Press
  9. "Econometric Methods" by Jack Johnston and John DiNardo
    Publisher: McGraw Hill
  10. "Econometric Analysis" by William H. Greene
    Publisher: Prentice Hall
  11. "Getting Started with State for Windows" by n/a
    Publisher: Stata Press
  12. "Microeconometrics Using Stata" by Colin Cameron and Pravin Trivedi
    Publisher: Stata Press
  13. "A Gentle Introduction to Stata" by Alan Alcock
    Publisher: Stata Press
The above information outlines module EC506: "Econometrics" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredEC5104: Applied Portfolio Management


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

Successful portfolio management requires the development of a broad array of quantitative and qualitative skills, involving an analysis of both the investment instruments available in the capital market and the objectives and constraints of the ultimate investor. In addition, we will explore the linkages between portfolio management and modern risk management. This involves some interaction with the Semester 2 module EC568 Derivatives & Risk Management. We will also explore how to perform some of the quantitative analysis using Excel. This will be integrated into your years work assignment. To facilitate your learning of Excel, a series of laboratory sessions will be scheduled later in the semester. Guest speakers from the financial services industry will give talks on aspects of portfolio management. Further details will be made available as the times and dates for these talks are confirmed.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Explore how to perform some of the quantitative analysis using Excel
  2. On completion of the course, students should be in a position to understand these issues in quantitative financial economics from both an academic and practitioner perspective.
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (60%)
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Investments and Portfolio Management" by Bodie, Kane & Marcus,
    Publisher: McGraw-Hill
  2. "Running Money: Professional Portfolio Management" by Stewart, Piros & Heisler
    Publisher: McGraw-Hill
  3. "Quantitative Equity Portfolio Management" by Chincarini & Kim
    Publisher: McGraw-Hill
  4. "Investments" by Cuthbertson & Nitzsche
    Publisher: Wiley
  5. "Modern Porfolio Theory and Investment Analysis" by Elton, Gruber, Brown, Goetzmann
    Publisher: Wiley
  6. "Options, Futures and Other Derivatives" by Hull
The above information outlines module EC5104: "Applied Portfolio Management" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredEC5138: International Finance Project


12 months long | Credits: 10

The International Finance Project is intended to give students the opportunity to consolidate knowledge and skills acquired during the International Finance Masters programme and undertake an applied research project. The aims of the project are to enable the student to critically evaluate research in finance and/or economics; to demonstrate independent research; to apply theoretical knowledge and applied techniques acquired; to demonstrate critical thinking skills; and, to produce a well written final project that contributes to existing knowledge. Where appropriate, the project can be linked to employment or work placement. This module involves a series of discussions and meetings with assigned supervisors, the submission of a research proposal, the reporting of progress to supervisors within agreed timeframes, and the submission of the final applied research project.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Formulate a valid applied research question in finance and/or economics and explain the rationale for this question
  2. Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise the body of knowledge pertaining to the question under investigation i.e. conduct a literature review or company/industry analysis.
  3. Review secondary data, where appropriate.
  4. Choose and apply a suitable methodology to address this question (theoretical, empirical or both).
  5. Present results and/or findings at the standard appropriate with emphasis on how the results/findings add to the current body of knowledge.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

The above information outlines module EC5138: "International Finance Project" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredEC501: Microeconomic Theory


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

The course will cover the core topics in microeconomic theory at the Masters level.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the properties of binary relations
  2. Prove the utility representation theorem
  3. Understand how to derive Marshallian and Hicksian demands using the method of Lagrange multipliers
  4. Derive the Slutsky Equation and understand the principle of duality in consumer theory
  5. Understand the central tenets of producer theory; Debreu's representation of production, profit maximisation, Hotelling's Lemma
  6. Derive a “Law of Supply”.
  7. Understand general equilibrium theory and prove existence of equilibrium using Brouwer's fixed point theorem
  8. Understand the principles of social choice and understand the reasoning behind Arrow’s Impossibility Theorem.
  9. Understand the principles of non-cooperative game theory and Nash's proof of the existence of equilibrium in these games
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (70%)
  • Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Advanced Microeconomic Theory" by Geoffrey A. Jehle & Philip J. Reny
    Publisher: F.T. Prentice-Hall
  2. "Microeconomic Analysis" by Hal R. Varian
    Publisher: W. W. Norton and Co.
  3. "Microeconomic Theory" by A. Mas-Colell, M.D. Whinston & J. R. Green
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
  4. "A Course in Microeconomic Theory" by D. Kreps
    Publisher: FT Prentice Hall
  5. "Mathematics for Economists" by C.P. Simon & L. E. Blume
    Publisher: WW Norton
The above information outlines module EC501: "Microeconomic Theory" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredEC5109: Macroeconomic Theory and Policy


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This course aims to provide an accessible masters-level introduction to macroeconomics. Organised in five Topics (each comprising roughly two-three lectures) we will: Motivate each topic by reviewing key facts and policy questions Show how macroeconomic models can be used to think through the questions and to formulate hypotheses to bring to the data Demonstrate how econometric tools can be used to improve our empirical understanding of how the macro economy functions And, finally, return to the motivating questions to debate the appropriate policy course Topic 1: Economic stabilisation and monetary policy Topic 2: Macro-finance Topic 3: Fiscal policy Topic 4: Economic growth
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Develop a modern tool-kit for macroeconomic modelling
  2. Develop an understanding of key papers in the literature on policy-relevant macroeconomic models
  3. Demonstrate a capacity to critically assess econometrics studies in macroeconomics
  4. Critically assess current developments in national and European macroeconomic policy
  5. Demonstrate a capacity to clearly present as part of a team an analysis on a policy-relevant macroeconomic topic
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (60%)
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Advanced Macroeconomics: An Easy Guide" by Filipe Campante, Federico Sturzenegger and Andrés Velaso
    Publisher: LSE Press
The above information outlines module EC5109: "Macroeconomic Theory and Policy" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredEC5119: Derivatives and Risk Management


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

• This course is an introduction to modern derivatives and risk management. We begin by exploring the basic features of futures, swaps and options with an emphasis on economic intuition and understanding, although important quantitative techniques are developed. • We use the insights developed in these topics to examine some well-known examples of derivatives mishaps and recent applications of derivatives, including credit derivatives and weather derivatives.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. To understand key concepts, equations and terms
  2. Explore the basic features of futures, swaps and options
  3. To examine some well-known examples of derivatives mishaps and recent applications of derivatives, including credit derivatives and weather derivatives
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (60%)
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Options, Futures, & Other Derivatives" by John C. Hull
The above information outlines module EC5119: "Derivatives and Risk Management" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredEC5127: Financial Data Analytics


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The aim of this module is to introduce students to financial data analytics and empirical methods used in finance. The module focuses on quantitative techniques that are used in asset valuation, portfolio management, derivative valuation, risk management and financial decision making. Different core financial models are estimated and discussed. In addition, students are introduced to machine learning techniques in finance. Overall, the module has an applied focus and students will get hands-on experience with financial data analytics based on real data. Students will also be introduced to computer programming in Python, where these financial techniques are implemented.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of different computational and analytical techniques used in quantitative finance
  2. Apply these analytical techniques to practical real world problems in finance
  3. Conduct approriate risk management analytical techniques
  4. Use machine learning methods to help analyse and prepare investment strategies
  5. Implement financial data analytics in the Python programming language
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

The above information outlines module EC5127: "Financial Data Analytics" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalEC563: International Finance


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module provides a rigorous introduction to international finance and open economy macroeconomics. Recognising that financial markets are increasingly international – with massive gross flows of international capital – the module provides analytical frameworks to help financial market participants and policymakers navigate the often challenging world of international finance. The topics covered include the relationship between the trade/current account balance and international financial flows, the determination of exchange rates, the choice of exchange rate regimes and interrelationship between macroeconomic and financial variables.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the theoretical and formal building blocks of modern international finance and open economy macroeconomics
  2. Employ macroeconomic tools and techniques for policy analysis in an open economy context
  3. Analyse monetary, fiscal, exchange rate and macroprudential policy challenges in the wider political economy context
  4. Analyse broad patterns of interaction between international financial markets and the macroeconomy
  5. Understand how international financial and macroeconomic policies can promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and productive employment and decent work for all (Goal 8, Sustainable Development Goals.)
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (60%)
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "The Shifts and the Shocks" by Martin Wolf
    ISBN: 0718197976.
    Publisher: Penguin UK
  2. "Foundations of International Macroeconomics" by *Obstfeld, M. and K. Rogoff
    Chapters: 1
  3. "Sudden Stops in the euro area" by *Merler S. and J. Pisani-Ferry
    Publisher: Bruegal. Available at: http://www.bruegel.org/publications/publication-detail/publication/718-sudden-stops-in-the-euro-area/
  4. "World Economic Outlook" by International Monetary Fund
    Publisher: http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2014/02/
    Chapters: 4
  5. "“The Breakup of the Euro Area,” In Europe and the Euro, Alberto Alesina and Francesco Giavazzi, editors" by Eichengreen, B.
    Publisher: The University of Chicago Press.
  6. "Foundations of International Macroeconomics" by Maurice Obstfeld and Kenneth Rogoff
    Publisher: The MIT Press: Cambridge, MA
The above information outlines module EC563: "International Finance" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalEC5124: Economics and the Global Economy


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The aim of this module is to increase students’ understanding of economics and economic issues in the global economy. Topics include the scope of economics, global economic issues, methodology and economic models, role of economic policy and policymakers, economic performance: measurement and analysis, and the economic and business environment.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the scope of economics
  2. Assess global economic issues
  3. Knowledge and application of methodologies and economic modelling
  4. Appraise economic policy and the role of policymakers
  5. Interpret and analyse economic performance
  6. Evaluate the economic and business environment
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (80%)
  • Continuous Assessment (20%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Principles of Economics" by Turley, G., Maloney, M. and O'Toole, F.
    Publisher: Gill and Macmillan
The above information outlines module EC5124: "Economics and the Global Economy" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalEC5137: Green and Sustainable Finance


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Transforming the global economy to make it more sustainable requires large investments, especially for enabling a green and low-carbon transition. The aim of this module is to introduce students to the important role of financial markets in the transition to a climate-neutral, green, competitive and inclusive economy. The module explores the requirements to mobilise financial markets to align with environmental and climate targets, and focuses on the different financial products and instruments that can power the transition. Overall, the module will consider how to embed green and sustainable finance principles and practice into financial decision-making.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which financial markets can support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
  2. Identify the key policy and regulatory frameworks supporting green and sustainable finance.
  3. Explain the tools of how capital can be raised for green and sustainable projects.
  4. Assess the importance of climate related and environmental risks and their impact on the finance sector.
  5. Integrate responsible and sustainable factors into investment decision-making.
  6. Evaluate the role of financial technology in supporting green and sustainable finance.
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (70%)
  • Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

The above information outlines module EC5137: "Green and Sustainable Finance" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalEC5153: Applied Behavioural Economics and Finance


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Behavioural economics brings psychological insights to bear on economic phenomena. In this module we examine applications of behavioural economics to policy issues in the domains of finance, environment and health. For instance, how do we help people save adequately for retirement while respecting individual freedoms? How can households learn to effectively reduce their carbon footprint, at minimum financial cost? In health, how can behavioural evidence help design effective policies to encourage healthy diets, regular exercise, and demand for preventative healthcare? Students study some of the pillars of behavioural economics – e.g. prospect theory, social norms, present bias, bounded rationality (i.e. limited attention and limited understanding, overoptimism information-avoidance – and how these are relevant to policy problems. How can we measure whether these interventions lead to better outcomes, when there is no rational benchmark? In the second half of the module, an additional focus on methodology is added as we examine the various methods used to generate behavioural evidence for policy. We focus on laboratory experiments and randomised controlled trials in the field. Students learn to assess the pros and cons of each method and how to decide which method is most suitable for a given policy problem.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Analyse ways in which behaviour departs from the rational actor benchmark
  2. Critically examine the role of behavioural biases in policy problems
  3. Critically examine how to measure whether behaviourally informed changes lead to ‘better’ outcomes
  4. Design an experiment to diagnose the role of a psychological mechanism in an observed behaviour and test a proposed intervention
  5. Critically assess the internal and external validity of experimental evidence
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (60%)
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "The Foundations of Behavioural Economics Analysis" by Dhami
The above information outlines module EC5153: "Applied Behavioural Economics and Finance" and is valid from 2025 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates with the skills taught in this programme are highly valued by commercial banks, investment banks and other financial institutions, by public institutions such as Central Banks and by multinational corporations. Employers of graduates of this programme include Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, First Derivatives, European Central Bank, and Central Bank of Ireland. 

As a graduate of this programme, you will combine your knowledge, skills and competences to evaluate investment opportunities, carry out research to develop financial solutions, and leverage your numerical and analytical skills to communicate technical information in a simple format to your clients, employers, and public sector agencies. This programme can also be a stepping stone to a PhD programme.

Special emphasis is given to current issues in international economic policy and to recent developments in cross-border investment, exchange rates, risk management and asset pricing. Graduates with these skills are highly valued by banks and other financial institutions, by public institutions such as central banks and by multinational corporations.

Develop a Career Path

The programme is your passport to the exciting and rewarding world of financial services. This postgraduate qualification opens up a wide variety of career opportunities in the financial services industry, both in Ireland and abroad. From Galway to Singapore, from New York to London, financial services businesses such as banks, insurance companies, stockbrokers and investment funds, as well as government agencies, central banks and multinational corporations all put enormous value on the skills taught in this programme

Education to the highest international standards

The programme aims to deepen students’ understanding of the forces driving the global economy and the operations of international financial markets. The programme is designed to provide students with a rigorous analysis of the theory of international finance and the essential technical skills for using frontier methods of applied financial analysis. The programme offers students’ hands-on training of computer-based simulation models for both business analytics and the analysis of financial data.

New Internship Option Available from September 2023

International Finance students have the option to pursue a work placement opportunity incorporating an applied International Finance Project. Work placements are competitive and subject to the availability of suitable positions. We will source as many work placement opportunities as possible, but it is at the discretion of employers as to whether they shortlist and offer a position to applicants. Students may also self-source their own work placement subject to the approval of the Placement Office.

New Partnership with GARP (Global Association of Risk Professionals)

GARP's Academic Partnership Program was created to help colleges and universities improve their risk management course offerings. The program offers a wide range of benefits for academic institutions, and combines rigorous instruction with practitioner-driven insight to ensure that students are prepared for the demands of the global financial industry. By aligning with GARP, our programme joins a network of the world’s top risk practitioners and academics, allowing them to create better curriculums that reflect the latest international standards.

New Module: Green and Sustainable Finance

Transforming the global economy to make it more sustainable requires large investments, especially for enabling a green and low-carbon transition. The aim of this module is to introduce students to the important role of financial markets in the transition to a climate-neutral, green, competitive and inclusive economy. The module explores the requirements to mobilise financial markets to align with environmental and climate targets, and focuses on the different financial products and instruments that can power the transition. Overall, the module will consider how to embed green and sustainable finance principles and practice into financial decision-making.

International Finance Project

The International Finance Project is intended to give students the opportunity to consolidate knowledge and skills acquired during the International Finance Masters programme and undertake an applied research project. The aims of the project are to enable the student to critically evaluate research in finance and/or economics; to demonstrate independent research; to apply theoretical knowledge and applied techniques acquired; to demonstrate critical thinking skills; and, to produce a well written final project that contributes to existing knowledge. Where appropriate, the project can be linked to employment or work placement. This module involves a series of discussions and meetings with assigned supervisors, the submission of a research proposal, the reporting of progress to supervisors within agreed timeframes, and the submission of the final applied research project.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€11,640 p.a. (including levy) 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€11,500 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€20,500 p.a. (€20,640 including levy) 2025/26


For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

What Our Graduates Say

Anthony Patrick

Anthony Patrick Saoud |   3M Data Analyst, Canada

The MEconSc (International Finance) at University of Galway equipped me with advanced quantitative tools and techniques, which allowed me to standout and work in a competitive Fortune 500 company. The program exposed me to several fields in finance and quantitative research that enabled me to think outside the box and adapt to a variety of sectors.
Mohit

Mohit Agrawal |   ‎Ph.D. Candidate in Economics, Yale University

As a Master’s student in Economics, I was impressed by NUI Galway’s students, faculty, and facilities. The program size was small, allowing me to learn from and become friends with my fellow students in a collegial atmosphere. The faculty were fully dedicated to students, easy to talk to, and well-versed in their fields. Meanwhile, the facilities at NUI Galway were top-notch, with great computer labs, libraries, and social spaces. Lastly, I enjoyed living in Galway, with its historic city center and scenic seaside promenade; Galway was a perfect launching pad for trips across Ireland and Europe. During my time in Galway, I gained a unique understanding of economic policy in the context of Ireland and the Eurozone. I strongly encourage international students to consider study at NUI Galway.

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