A unique course developed for the dynamic FinTech sector that can be taken either as a Higher Level Apprentice scheme or self-funded.
Be FutureWise. Get a job, a degree, and an opportunity to enter the growing Financial Technology industry. This course can be taken as part of a Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA), meaning you can secure a job in the finance sector, whilst studying part-time for your degree. As a Higher Level Apprentice, you will have the benefit of 'earning as you learn' and will be able to apply the skills learned in the classroom to workplace projects and vice versa leading to a rich learning experience. [This part-time programme is also available through self-funding].
This innovative programme is available part-time and includes a diverse range of modules from across the Ulster University Business School and the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. This programme is designed to produce industry focused graduates with an in-depth knowledge of core finance and technology principles and a strong practical understanding of how theory informs professional practice.
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
This programme offers an equal focus on finance and technology through extensive use of work-based learning and practical application. It aligns to the growing needs of the FinTech sector.
The Ulster University Business School has developed the BSc Hons Financial Technology, working in partnership with employers, developing a programme which offers students the opportunity to take this degree as part of a Higher Level Apprenticeship Scheme.
Recruitment to this programme for Higher Level Apprenticeship funding, is conducted through the University and jointly with employers. Otherwise, for direct entry self-funding students, recruitment is conducted solely by the University.
Real World Experience:
The programme is delivered over an academic year part-time, through lectures, seminars, practicals and independent study. Classes, though, will typically take place on a Friday during the day. Some flexibility may be necessary.
I will learn
Teaching and Assessment
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.
Over 80% of teaching staff hold Fellowship of Advance HE (formely the Higher Education Academy).
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
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 and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance 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 2022-2023.
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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
Computer programming is a fundamental skill expected of computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the foundational concepts of programming that will be used as building blocks in future modules. Students will also develop and enhance their problem solving skills as an integral part of the module.
Year: 1
Status: C
Computer programming is a fundamental skill expected of computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the object oriented concepts of programming that will be used as building blocks in future modules. Students will also develop and enhance their problem solving skills as an integral part of the module.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module develops students' quantitative skills and provides the building blocks for subsequent quantitative analysis.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is to address the range of concepts, approaches and techniques that are applicable to Business Analysis. It is to provide an overview of the role of the Business Analyst who acts as the link between business needs, stakeholders and I.T. within change initiatives.
Year: 2
Status: C
Database management is a fundamental skill expected of Computing and Business graduates. This module will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of database design, implementation, querying and management of relational database systems.
Year: 2
Status: C
To provide students with an overview of the financial system. It seeks to develop students' understanding of financial markets, institutions and the environment within which they operate.
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. This module emphasises the role of econometrics in supporting evidence-based decision making.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module is to provide students the opportunity to put their foundation-level knowledge into practice. This is to help develop skills and knowledge to support successful business change programmes within an organisation.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module is designed to enable students to acquire diagnostic knowledge and understanding of human behaviour in organisations. Additionally, students are required to become proficient in the practice of key management competencies.
Year: 3
Status: C
Human-Computer Interaction is an important topic given that there is a number of novel and emerging user interfaces being developed. More than ever, there are also user demands and expectations for intuitive and usable user interfaces. This module will provide a foundation for user experience researchers and analysts.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand the relevance and importance of functioning financial markets, develops knowledge of the global financial services industry, financial assets and investment products and to critically evaluate competing and complementary trading and investing styles.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module considers the financial inclusion and reshaping of financial instruments through disruptive technologies. The module will take a dynamic approach to allow understanding of, for example, cryptocurrency and blockchains, RegTech, the FinTech revolution, cyber-security and data protection and regulatory issues. It will also provide: an understanding of how data science is at the core of transformation of the financial sector; and an insight into AI and machine learning.
Year: 4
Status: C
In the era of cloud computing and big data, this module will provide students with the theory and practical foundations for undertaking real world data analytics.
Year: 4
Status: C
The AI module is built on the foundations in mathematics, computing and programming. It covers logic based symbolic AI, knowledge representation and reasoning, introduction to machine learning paradigms and advanced learning methods of reinforcement and deep learning, and real-world applications in different human-AI interactions. The module will answer the following three questions: (1) how to formulate AI problems conceptually; (2) how to turn the conceptual formulations into algorithms; (3) how to develop AI-focused applications. The module will also consider societal and theoretical concerns raised while designing and deploying AI solutions regarding the ability of people to understand, interpret, control, and interact with AI-based systems.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the regulatory compliance issues critical to a role in financial services in the 21st Century.
Year: 4
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: 4
Status: C
This module will serve as an integrating mechanism for all other modules on the degree programme, as well as developing powers of analysis and evaluation and project management skills. Through this module, students will also develop knowledge and skills in research methods, and consultancy tools and techniques in preparation for completion of their applied technology management project which will add real value to their host organisation.
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.
In this section
BBC; or
BCC including Mathematics
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma
Award profile of DMM.
We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (ie Diploma or Extended Certificate/Introductory Diploma/Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/equivalence
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/undergraduate-entry-requirements
112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher level). The overall profile must include English at minimum grade H6 at Higher Level or grade O4 at Ordinary level plus Mathematics at minimum H5 at Higher level or Grade O3 at Ordinary Level.
OR
104 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher level). The overall profile must include English at minimum H6 at Higher Level or Grade O4 at Ordinary Level. One Higher Level subject must include minimum Grade H4 from Higher Mathematics.
The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is grades BCCCC to include a grade B in Higher Mathematics or grades BBCCC if not completing Scottish Highers Mathematics.
The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is grades CDD to include a grade C in Advanced Mathematics or grades CCD if not completing Advanced Mathematics.
Overall profile minimum 25 points (12 points at higher level).
Overall profile of 63% (120 credit Access course) (NI Access course). To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 60% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language, plus Mathematics with a minimum grade C*/5.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
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
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
This FutureWise programme has been developed in response to the fast growing FinTech sector in Northern Ireland, to support the need for skilled financial technology graduates. It will provide you with the skills and knowledge to secure a graduate job and an exciting career path. With developments moving so fast in this sector your industry experience will make you a highly sought-after candidate for graduate jobs.
2024/25 Fees
Fees for entry in 2024/25 have not yet been set. See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2023/24 entry.
Are there payment options available?
Funding support should be available through the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme.
Can I take this programme without the apprenticeship funding?
Yes, the BSc Hons Financial Technology 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.
