The BSc (Hons) in Financial Technology is the first of its kind in the UK and has been developed in partnership with key industry partners to meet the huge skills demand and graduate pipeline required to sustain Northern Ireland’s centre of excellence in FinTech.
Delivered as both a part-time undergraduate degree and a Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA), the new programme is designed to develop, not only the requisite skills for the future of financial services, but to also play a fundamental role in shaping it, more relevant than ever during this disruptive time when resilience is key.
William Smyth, Lecturer in Financial Services at UUBS commented:
“Technology is driving major transformation in financial services both at a local and global level, and despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, there is cause for optimism across the FinTech ecosystem. Our pioneering Financial Technology degree programme is the central educational feature in a UK FinTech National Skills Day webinar which brings together leaders from across industry, academia and government to discuss how the skills and talent agenda is being addressed in Northern Ireland.
This degree will provide students with the skills and knowledge to secure a graduate job with an above average starting salary and an exciting career path. Creating aspiring financial leaders will help ensure the region builds on its already established reputation as a global player in the development of financial technology infrastructure that is shaping the future of financial services.”
The economic and societal impacts of COVID-19 have been profound across Northern Ireland and the new programme has been widely embraced by the FinTech community. In the challenging times ahead, the resilience and adaptability of the FinTech industry will play a pertinent role in supporting economic recovery of the region.
Alex Lee, Co-founder and Director of FinTech NI said:
"One of the key factors driving Northern Ireland's emergence as a global FinTech Hub is the development of world class local skills and talent. Our local universities have been central in this through their coverage of new and advanced technologies on the curriculum. Ulster University Business School's new BSc (Hons) in Financial Technology, one of the first to be offered anywhere in the UK, will undoubtedly advance this position."
Commencing in September 2020, the BSc (Hons) Financial Technology, can be taken as a Higher-Level Apprenticeship or as a standalone qualification and is an ideal entry point to the financial services of today and tomorrow, where social inclusion and global sustainability are core components.
Ross Davidson, Ulster University Business School graduate said:
“Studying at Ulster University provided me with a brilliant opportunity to work in the FinTech sector within Northern Ireland. The FinTech sector is a fast-paced booming industry and Belfast has been ranked as the number one destination for FinTech development investment in Europe.
As part of my placement year, I worked in the FX department at Citibank Belfast which has grown rapidly since 2008. I was able to apply the theoretical and practical elements I had learned in Ulster University’s Bloomberg trading room to my job role on a daily basis. Through industry experience, I have developed key transferable skills which has led me to explore a unique opportunity to work for Bibby Financial Services in London.”