Triangle

Course overview

Recent development in big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and machine learning have fundamentally shifted the way in which financial institutions operate, innovate, strategise, and compete, allowing more financial transactions to be conducted online. In addition, Financial Technology (FinTech) start-ups are dealing with a range of consumer financial services, including mobile payments, (peer-to-peer) lending, and financial advice in the investment industry (robo-advisers).

Driven by this emerging trend, the demand for hybrid experts in both finance and technology has drastically increased. Our MSc Financial Technology provides progressive learning towards the frontiers of knowledge in finance, information technology, and how the two intertwine.

You will study modern finance theory, financial markets, information technology and its application in finance. This will help prepare you to become a hybrid expert in the finance and the technology industries, enhance lifelong learning skills and personal development to contribute to society at large.

You also have the option to take industry-recognised digital qualifications by Microsoft and SAP alongside your course, which will develop your digital skills and help you stand out to future employers.

Why choose this course?

Top 100

in the world and top 20 in the UK

QS World University Rankings: Masters in Finance Rankings 2023

Triple accredited

Part of an elite group of business schools worldwide to gain ‘triple crown’ accreditation

EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB accredited

Gain digital skills

Business School students have the opportunity to gain digital skills with industry-recognised Microsoft and SAP certifications

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More than 27,000

Business School alumni connect you to a powerful global network of business contacts

83% of our research

ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent

Research Excellence Framework

Course content

The course is made up of 120 credits of core and optional taught modules, plus a 60-credit dissertation on a subject of your choice.

You will take core modules relating to financial technology and choose from optional modules that allow you to focus on topics most closely associated to your career aspirations.

Programming skills in Python and/or other programming languages (e.g., Java, R) are not essential. Experience in any programming language is not required but is helpful. Python will be taught from the beginning; however, students are expected to have the motivation and determination to study Python.

Dissertation

In the summer, you will undertake a dissertation, with one-to-one support from an expert academic supervisor. You can use the dissertation to concentrate in-depth on a financial technology topic according to your individual interests and career goals. Alternatively, you can choose to work on a company-based dissertation, depending on the availability of suitable projects.

Modules

Core modules

Semester one

Financial Markets and Instruments

The module examines how the major financial markets operate and how financial instruments that are traded in these markets are priced. Specifically, the module covers markets for equities, debts, foreign exchange, and derivatives. It also covers the key theoretical models of modern finance, key market conventions, trading mechanisms, and the management of risk management using financial derivatives.

It also provides you with a knowledge and understanding of the key financial instruments such as money market instruments, bills and bonds, forwards, futures, swaps, and options. It equips you with the essential techniques applied in financial calculations.

Programming for FinTech

The module covers important concepts in Python. These include:

  1. data types
  2. operators and expressions
  3. conditional and unconditional loops
  4. data structure
  5. functions
  6. exception handling
  7. file handling

You will learn how to use Python to analyse data, design trading algorithms, back-test trading strategies, and construct portfolios. The module also covers estimation of econometric models and pricing derivatives using Monte Carlo simulations using Python.

Quantitative Research Methods for Finance and Investment

The module provides you with a good understanding of econometrics tools covering topics such as statistical distribution theory, multiple regression analysis for cross-sectional data, time series analysis, panel data and qualitative response models with finance related applications.

Semester two

Data Analytics and Machine Learning for FinTech

The module covers important concepts of:

  1. relational database design
  2. data management and manipulation in Python
  3. regression analysis (single, multiple, and logistic) 
  4. decision trees
  5. naïve Bayes and K-NN
  6. clustering
  7. dimensionality reduction
  8. support vector machines (SVM)
  9. introduction to deep learning and neural network
FinTech Regulation and Data Protection

The module covers the following topics: 

  1. Financial regulation and its role in the protection of consumers and markets
  2. Financial regulation at the national and the international levels
  3. Financial regulation specific to the FinTech industry
  4. RegTech and how it can be used in the monitoring, reporting, and compliance of FinTech firms
  5. How data are collected, managed, stored, and monetised by FinTech firms
  6. Compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  7. Cyber-crime and cyber-security
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency

The module focuses on the following topics: 

  1. The concept of open distributed ledger
  2. Public and private, permission and permissionless ledgers
  3. Hash functions and their use in creating a blockchain
  4. Mining
  5. Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies
  6. Applications of the blockchain technology in the financial services industry

Summer

Financial Technology Dissertation

The module aims to allow you to synthesise, apply and extend the knowledge you have gained in the taught component of the programme. The investigation of a current research topic will help to develop your theoretical and practical understanding of current problems in your area, as well as your research and communication skills.

Business Project

The Business Project requires students, working as groups, to undertake research in a topic which is relevant to business, management, marketing, finance, accounting, or information system. You must choose their research topic that is relevant to your named degree programme. The specific topic is subject to a formal approval process.

The module is intended for you to apply knowledge, concepts, skills, and techniques, acquired during the taught stage of your programme to real-world, business scenarios. You will be presented with real-word business problems for which you are required to review relevant literature, conduct research, analyse data, and formulate viable solutions.

Optional modules

Two from:

Information System Design and Development

This module covers:

  • designing information systems: tools of the trade
  • systems analysis and design
  • interface design
  • relational databases and SQL in practice
  • alignment of IS development and business strategy
  • technology, organisation and change
Digital Marketing

Lecture topics may include digital marketing definition and concept, digital marketing media, digital marketing communication strategy, digital advertising, social media marketing, email marketing, mobile marketing, content marketing, e-commerce vs digital vs internet marketing.

Venture Capital and Private Equity

Venture capital and private equity provide risk capital to firms at various stages of their life-cycle. This involves selecting early-stage and late-stage investment opportunities, due diligence, structuring deals, valuation, managing portfolio firms, and exit.

International Finance

This module examines:

  • exchange rates and FX markets
  • FX market efficiency
  • real exchange rate and purchasing power parity
  • exchange rate determination
  • exchange rate forecasting
  • FX predictability: Statistical significance and economic value
  • FX volatility strategies
  • global equity analysis
  • global performance evaluation
Central Banking Theory and Practice

This module covers the following:

  • International finance and globalisation
  • Exchange rates regimes: to float or not to float?
  • In search of an international monetary system
  • Central banks and monetary policy
  • Bank vs. market based economies
  • Economics of bond markets and interest rates
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 24 May 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials

Classes are in the form of either two- or three-hour teaching/learning sessions, including some small group teaching.

Digital professional skills certifications

We offer the opportunity for you to take industry-recognised Microsoft and SAP certifications alongside your degree programme. This will enhance your digital capability, differentiate your CV and help you stand out to future employers. Find out more on our digital professional skills website.

How you will be assessed

  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Examinations
  • Project work
  • Coursework

Contact time and study hours

10-credit taught modules will consist of 100 student learning hours, of which around 22 hours are associated with lectures and seminars. The rest of the time will consist of assessment preparation, class preparation, and private study.

20-credit taught modules will consist of double this time.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 (or international equivalent) With a degree in one of the following: economics, finance, banking, business/data analytics, operations management, computer science, maths and engineering. Applicants must have completed a minimum of two quantitative modules relevant to the subject area, with a 2:1 (or international equivalent) in each module, during their undergraduate study.

Applying

Please note: this is a highly competitive course and there are a limited number of places available. The school reserves the right to close applications when capacity is reached – this may be ahead of the advertised closure date for PGT courses. Early applications are encouraged to avoid disappointment.

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply
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Where you will learn

Jubilee Campus

Jubilee Campus has eco-friendly buildings, alongside green spaces, wildlife and a lake. 

This campus is home to our business, education and computer science schools, as well as a sports centre and student accommodation.

You can walk to University Park Campus in around 20 minutes or catch a free hopper bus. Nottingham city centre is 20 minutes away by public bus.

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £14,700
International £30,200

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

Funding

Business School MSc scholarships

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

Our in-house Postgraduate Careers Team provides expert advice and guidance so that you can make an informed decision about the right career path for you.

Prior to commencing your course you can take part in pre-entry careers discussions and once on programme our MSc Accelerated Career Leader Programme is complemented by one to one career coaching.

Increasingly, graduates are required to be cloud and data-ready for the workplace with 66% of employers wanting to see graduates achieve professional qualifications as well as their main degree (CMI 21st Century leaders report). The school works with some of the world’s leading business software providers including SAP and Microsoft, offering the option to take their globally recognised professional digital qualifications alongside your course. Our Digital Centre of Excellence will support you so that you can develop the digital skills necessary to pursue your chosen career and stand out to future employers.

Our support continues throughout your time at Nottingham and after you graduate. Business School postgraduates also have access to events and resources provided by the Careers and Employability Service.

Career destinations for our postgraduates include:

  • accountants
  • finance and investment analysts
  • higher education teaching professionals
  • investment bankers
  • IT business analysts
  • management consultants
  • marketing professionals
  • public relations professionals
  • university researchers

Some MSc graduates have gone on to doctoral studies, others have become entrepreneurs. Our Ingenuity Lab has supported a number of our MSc graduates in starting their own company.

Career progression

86.2% of all postgraduates from Nottingham University Business School secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £31,419.*

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

EFMD Quality Improvement System

This course is accredited by the EFMD Quality Improvement System.

AACSB accredited

The Business School is AACSB accredited. 

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates

This content was last updated on Friday 24 May 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.