Managing the transformation of traditional finance through financial technology (FinTech).
The Professional Services sector is one of the biggest employers in the UK. If you are looking for a financially rewarding and a professionally satisfying career, the MSc FinTech Management course is a fantastic stepping stone to achieving this goal.
The fluidity and fast pace that comes with a career in the financial services and FinTech industries is unparalleled. The course has been designed to ensure that the theory you learn is relevant to the modern dynamic environment. You will explore areas such as financial theory, products and markets, corporate governance and ethics, behavioural finance, regulation and compliance, project management, business analysis, financial technology, and much more.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
You will be enabled to critically evaluate new ideas and assess developments within the financial services' technological environment. You will develop an awareness of the international financial and professional services environment and gain an appreciation of professional ethical standards and conduct. By learning to analyse financial problems critically, rationally and rigorously, and to creatively and systematically apply knowledge and understanding of finance concepts to complex issues, you will graduate ready for a diverse range of opportunities in financial services, technology, and consultancy. You will also develop a capacity for logical reasoning, creative thinking, adaptability, resilience, and effective communication; all important skills that employers are seeking.
Depending on meeting eligibility criteria, you may have the opportunity to take this degree as part of a Higher Level Apprenticeship Scheme. For more information contact the Course Director (see contact section).
For the exit award of Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert), 60 credit-points (four specified compulsory modules) are required; Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) 120 credit-points (eight specified compulsory modules) are required; and for the award of the MSc 180 credit-points (ten specified modules plus either the Dissertation module or Work-based Project module).
Part-time students normally take one year to obtain the Postgraduate Certificate, two-years to obtain the Postgraduate Diploma and three-years to complete with Masters. You may take up to two-years maximum to obtain the Postgraduate Certificate, four-years maximum to obtain the Postgraduate Diploma and five-years maximum to complete with Masters.
Part-time students normally do two modules each semester, although may choose to do just one. The course is delivered by blended learning over the course of a 12-week semester with there being face-to-face classes that typically takes place in the evenings on the Belfast campus.
The programme is taught through blended learning with there being face-to-face classes that typically takes place in the evenings on the Belfast campus. All the programme’s modules are 100% coursework. You will have the option to complete your Masters either by dissertation or work-based project.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.
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The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the regulatory compliance issues critical to a role in financial services in the 21st Century.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of project management and project management methods. The module covers four integrated components: principles; themes; processes; and project environment.
Year: 1
Status: C
Through studying this module there will be an understanding of the impact of FinTech and where the future is heading for financial services. This will also provide the understanding of how data science is at the core of transformation of the financial sector.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module aims to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of theoretical and empirical limitations of traditional finance theory and presents the foundations of behavioural finance. Students will have the opportunity to explore the opportunities for behavioural investing and systematic trading model design and be able to evaluate different trading models.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module covers key financial principles and products in-depth including assets and markets, equities, bonds, derivatives, investment funds and taxation, investment wrappers and trusts. It explores the broader economic environment in which the financial services industry operates and looks at how economics activity is determined and managed in different economies and political systems. The module offers an introduction to financial services regulation and ensures an understanding of ethical behaviour and acting with integrity.
Year: 2
Status: C
Through the analysis of lessons to be learned from failures, this module informs and equips students to effectively respond to the challenges that the financial services industry face today. The module aims to investigate the key components for securing the highest standards of effective application of standards of best practice, conduct and ethics.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module is to address the range of concepts, approaches and techniques that are applicable to Business Analysis. This is to help develop skills and knowledge to support successful business change programmes within an organisation.
Year: 2
Status: C
The primary objective of this module is to provide an introduction to econometric theory and techniques, especially linear regression analysis, hypothesis testing and application with financial time series. With extensive use computer packages such as Python or Microsoft Excel students will be able to use real data to analyse financial models.
Year: 3
Status: C
The module will have as its main objective an exploration of the contemporary issues that confront FinTech.
Year: 3
Status: C
The main aim of the module is to provide the foundation for further investigations, with a focus on big data, in order to extract the essential management information that is pertinent to the financial services and FinTech sectors.
Year: 3
Status: C
The Dissertation module integrates and further develops the knowledge and skills acquired within the taught element of the programme. The module specifically allows the student to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to undertake a research-dissertation investigating a topic relevant to the financial services sector and of interest to the student. The topic will vary, depending on the interests of the student and expertise of staff.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
The Work Based Project module integrates and further develops the knowledge and skills acquired within the taught element of the programme. The module specifically allows the student to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to undertake a project relevant to the financial services sector and of interest to the student. The project topic will vary, depending on the requirements of the financial services organisation that instigates the project.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
Applicants must:
(a) have gained
(i) a second class honours degree or better from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or
(ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification;
and
(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).
In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b), where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
In this section
The course has been designed to provide you with an academically challenging and intellectually stimulating study of the subjects and disciplines associated with career opportunities across a broad range of areas, such as financial services, FinTech, consultancy, and business analysis.
You will graduate with an in-depth knowledge of the core finance principles and a practical understanding of how theory informs professional practice, in preparation for a career in FinTech Management.
Whether you want to work in commercial banking doing credit analysis or compliance, be part of a consulting team or acting as the bridge between financial services and technology, there are a diverse range of options in this exciting and dynamic industry.
If you complete this course as a Higher Level Apprenticeship, via an employer, it will enable you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real life organisational setting providing you with invaluable work experience. It will enhance your employability and career prospects by building your confidence in a business environment, providing you with tangible experience and allowing you to network and showcase your skills to potential employers.
[Note: The University does not source apprenticeship opportunities for students].
There is no work placement or study abroad element to the programme although there is an optional work-based project as part of the MSc qualification.
The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.
For modules commenced in the academic year 2023/24, the following fees apply:
| Credit Points | NI/ROI/GB Cost | International Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | £186.65 | £440 |
| 10 | £373.30 | £880 |
| 15 | £559.95 | £1,320 |
| 20 | £746.60 | £1,760 |
| 30 | £1,119.90 | £2,640 |
| 60 | £2,239.80 | £5,280 |
| 120 | £4,479.60 | £10,560 |
| 180 | £6,719.40 | £15,840 |
NB: A standard full-time PGCert is equivalent to 60 credit points per year. A standard full-time PGDip is equivalent to 120 credit points per year.
Are there payment options available?
Depending on meeting eligibility requirements, funding support may be available through the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme. Contact the Course Director (see contact section) for more information.
Can I take this programme without the apprenticeship funding?
Yes, the MSc FinTech Management is available part-time.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
