MSc Financial Technology
Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham
Key Information
Campus location
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 18,360 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* international students: £31,030 | home students: £18,360
Introduction
Be part of the next generation of professionals in big data management, computer programming and key theories in finance with our cutting-edge Financial Technology MSc.
The Financial Technology (FinTech) sector has expanded rapidly in recent years and continues to disrupt established business models and processes. Firms across the world are looking for ways to adapt to these changes and make the most of opportunities and innovations in this area. Our MSc Financial Technology has been designed to help you future-proof your career and help you play a key role in the future of FinTech.
Why study this course at Birmingham?
Birmingham is the second-largest city in the UK for finance companies. The Midlands has been identified as a major growth hub for FinTech and is already thriving, with new investments making the West Midlands the UK’s largest business hub outside London. Our strong relationships with key employers in the financial sector give you the chance to meet and network with leading global organisations. We are the 4th most targeted university of top UK employers (High Fliers Research 2022).
- You will be part of a small cohort on this competitive specialist programme, allowing you to develop a closer relationship with experts, staff and fellow students.
- You can work on real-time industry projects which combine theory with intensive practice and industrial engagement. Example projects include: the setting up of crowd-funding platforms, application of blockchain services in reducing currency frauds, development of algorithmic-trading applications and development of financial services applications.
- Our Sustainable Finance and Innovation Centre provides opportunities for you to undertake client-based projects with firms, working with our research experts to gain hands-on experience with the latest financial tools and application-development software.
- You have the opportunity to take part in the award-winning Future Leaders Certificate. You can work on an exciting virtual live project set by a multi-national company, giving you a clear understanding of the impact technology is having on the business world and the implications for your own career.
- This course focuses on real-world investment challenges with an emphasis on ethical and sustainable business practices. Find out how we are working for a responsible future in Birmingham.
Admissions
Curriculum
Modules
This course will give you essential hands-on experience and knowledge of corporate finance, asset pricing and project completion using real-time data from our databases, including Bloomberg, DataStream, WDRS, Compustat and more.
You will work with leading academics within programming, technology and finance. You will be taught by industry experts, gaining hands-on and theoretical experience in Big Data Management, machine learning and Blockchain Technology.
You will learn computer programming using Python, and you will gain a deep, critical knowledge of blockchain and other forms of distributed ledger technology and their possible uses in finance. You will be able to critically apply a range of techniques, including Deep Learning Techniques and Reinforcement Learning, to manage Big Data, and be well versed in regulatory and social responsibility issues around cyber security.
All modules below are worth 20 credits, with the exception of your Individual Project, which is worth 60 credits. Unless indicated otherwise the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2023.
Core modules
You must take the following modules.
- Big Data Management in Finance
- Block Chain Technologies, Financial Applications and Cyber Security
- Corporate Finance
- Portfolio Theory and Investment Analysis
- Programming for Data Science
- Individual Project
Optional modules
Choose one of the following:
- Private Equity and Venture Finance
- Risk Management in Financial Markets
- Visualisation
Please note: The modules listed here for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event, we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.
Scholarships and Funding
At Birmingham Business School we offer a wide variety of scholarships for our new MSc students in 2023.
These awards are available to both the UK and international applicants and range in value from partial to full tuition fee support, as well as awards of up to £10,000 for our alumni.
Accreditations
Ideal Students
Who is this course for?
Our MSc in Financial Technology has been created for talented graduates and professionals with experience in financial services, treasury management, science and technology. The course will be especially relevant to:
- top-performing graduates in finance, economics, science and engineering;
- those currently employed in finance and FinTech who wish to develop their expertise;
- those with a related academic background who wish to develop their skills in this sector.
Career Opportunities
Birmingham is the second-largest city in the UK for finance companies, and the West Midlands is home to major hubs for firms such as Specialist Computer Holdings, IBM, CGI, Advanced, Lombard Risk and Reynolds & Reynolds. Our proximity to London, the global financial capital, and ever-growing relationship with key employers in the financial sector will provide you with the opportunity to meet and network with leading global organisations.
Excellent career prospects
Graduates will leave Birmingham perfectly placed to take up key FinTech roles in banks, investment institutions, insurance companies, pension funds, government institutions and consultancy. We also provide ongoing career support for international students who wish to work in the UK after graduation.
Top jobs in FinTech include:
- Blockchain developer
- Apps developer
- Financial analyst
- Product Manager
- Compliance expert
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Quantitative analyst
- Business development manager
- Data Specialist
We pride ourselves on our graduates high levels of employability. We will help you to plan, manage and achieve your career goals, giving you a competitive edge when it is time to start job hunting. The University of Birmingham has ranked in the top 5 Universities Targeted by the Largest Number of Top Employers in the UK for the past 5 years, according to the Highfliers.co.uk Graduate Market reports (2017-2022).
Many employers visit the Business School to run seminars for our students. In fact, companies such as IBM, HSBC, and Deloitte are just a few of the organisations that see these sessions as an opportunity to look for suitable candidates for internship programmes and graduate training schemes.