Overview

The MSc in Financial Technology will provide you with a comprehensive grounding in the various analytical methods of financial technology, or 'FinTech', as well as knowledge of how these methods are utilised in practice in financial markets. The content will combine finance theory with extensive applications through to practical issues using real-world data. The programme includes units addressing the latest technological developments that have transformed many aspects of the finance industry such as big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, process automation, cryptocurrencies and blockchain, alongside units that cover the underpinning theory and practice of finance.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are reshaping the financial services sector and are being used across a range of applications including trading, portfolio construction and evaluation, risk management, financial intermediation and corporate finance. You will gain a broad, high-level overview of the impact that technology is having in reshaping many aspects of financial services. You will also develop specific practical skills in programming, statistical analysis and financial modelling, which will enable you to apply these technological innovations in a variety of contexts. This may include algorithmic trading, robo-advising, peer-to-peer lending, mobile payments, crowdfunding and digital currencies.

The MSc Financial technology offers the opportunity to closely work with industry partners through undertaking applied projects. The teaching will be research-led and undertaken by subject experts, involving a mixture of lectures and small-group tutorials as well as computer lab-based sessions for the completion of data-based case studies and applications. Industry-relevant skills are embedded in the units throughout the programme, which are practical in nature without compromising academic rigour.

Programme structure

The compulsory units in term 1 cover core material in asset pricing, corporate finance, and quantitative techniques for financial analysis with a range of applications. You will also learn about cryptocurrencies and the blockchain. You will develop vital industry skills in the handling and analysis of large and complex datasets, undertaking empirical applications of machine learning techniques using a programming language such as Python.

In term 2, you will further develop your knowledge of financial technology and how it is applied to develop, implement, and evaluate trading strategies. You will also receive further training in quantitative techniques and support for the skills required to successfully conduct empirical research in the area of financial technology. Two modules can be chosen from a wide range of options that will enable you to focus on any of the distinct sub-areas of finance in which the impacts of financial technology have become prominent (green and sustainable finance, investment management, corporate finance, and banking).

The dissertation will allow you to draw on all the material that you have covered in the taught components and will provide you with an opportunity to execute a piece of original research on a topic of your choosing related to finance or financial technology. There may also be the opportunity to conduct your dissertation in partnership with an external organisation on an Applied Project.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc Financial Technology.

Entry requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree (60% or higher) or an international equivalent in:

Computing (including Computer Science and Data Science); Economics; Engineering; Finance; Mathematics or Physics.

OR

If your degree subject is not listed above, you must have evidence of an upper second-class honours degree (60% or higher) which includes three different units of mathematics (see Maths qualification requirements) with 60% or above (or international equivalent) in each unit.

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.

We will also consider your application if your grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if you have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant (minimum of two years in a paid role) relevant work experience in sectors such as Finance, Accounting, Economics, Investment.
  • a postgraduate qualification or professional qualification (eg CFA, FRM, ACCA).

If this is the case, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications. Specific module requirements would still apply, which can be met in either the undergraduate or postgraduate qualification.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level G.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

If your degree subject is not listed in the main entry requirements, you must have evidence of an upper second class honours degree which includes three units of mathematics with 60% or above (or international equivalent) in each unit. Examples of acceptable units include:

  • Advanced Maths (introductory maths does not count towards maths unit requirements)

  • Algebra
  • Calculus
  • Financial Maths
  • Maths
  • Pure Maths
  • Business Mathematics
  • Business Statistics
  • Computer Science (including programming/algorithms)
  • Data Mining/Data Science/ Data Analytics
  • Derivatives
  • Econometrics
  • Financial Modelling
  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Investment Analysis
  • Probability
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Quantitative Research Methods
  • Statistics/Statistical Methods/Statistical Analysis

Fees and funding

Home: full-time
£19,500 per year
Overseas: full-time
£39,000 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and scholarships

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

The programme will provide a first-rate educational foundation to develop your career in any aspect of the financial services sector with a focus on financial technology. This could be in 'fintechs' themselves, or in more traditional investment management, corporate finance, or banking firms.

Successful graduates from the programme will have a combination of conceptual knowledge in finance, an understanding of financial markets and instruments, and skills in data analysis and programming. These attributes are of considerable demand in the industry given the rapid and continuing growth in this area in recent years and the reported lack of suitably qualified individuals. The programme, and in particular the skills imbued through the dissertation, will also provide an excellent springboard for progression to doctoral study.