Introduction
Be part of the next generation of professionals in big data management, computer programming and key theories in finance with our cutting-edge Financial Technology MSc.
COVID-19
Please rest assured that we will make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.
Information for future students and applicants
The Financial Technology (FinTech) sector has expanded rapidly in recent years and continues to disrupt established business models and processes. Firms across the world are looking for ways to adapt to these changes and make the most of opportunities and innovations in this area. Our MSc Financial Technology has been designed to help you future-proof your career and ensure you play a key role in the future of FinTech.
Who is this course for?
Our MSc in Financial Technology has been created for talented graduates and professionals with experience in financial services, treasury management, science and technology. The course will be especially relevant to:
Top-performing graduates in finance, economics, science and engineering.
Those currently employed in finance and FinTech who wish to develop their expertise.
Those with a related academic background who wish to develop their skills in this sector.
Why study this course at Birmingham?
Birmingham is the second-largest city in the UK for finance companies. The Midlands has been identified as a major growth hub for FinTech and is already thriving, with over 100 firms currently operating in the sector. London, the global financial capital, is less than 2 hours away. Our strong relationships with key employers in the financial sector give you the chance to meet and network with leading global organisations.
You will be part of a small cohort on this competitive specialist programme, allowing you to develop a closer relationship with experts, staff and fellow students
You can work on real-time industry projects which combine theory with intensive practice and industrial engagement. Example projects include: setting up of crowdfunding platforms, application of blockchain services in reducing currency frauds, developing algorithmic-trading applications and development of financial services applications
Our Sustainable Finance and Innovation Centre provides opportunities for you to undertake client-based projects with firms, working with our research experts to gain hands-on experience with the latest financial tools and application development software.
You have the opportunity to take part in the award-winning Future Leaders Certificate. You can work on an exciting virtual live project set by a multi-national company, giving you a clear understanding of the impact technology is having on the business world and the implications for your own career
This course focuses on real-world investment challenges with an emphasis on ethical and sustainable business practices.
"The new Masters in Financial Technology at Birmingham Business School will be an exciting addition to the burgeoning FinTech ecosystem here in the West Midlands. There is a tangible and an inclusive need for professionals who are highly trained in these technologies, and with such momentum currently behind Financial Services in the region, there has never been a better time to develop these skills in Birmingham."
Joel Blake OBE, CEO, GFA Exchange
Modules
This course will give you essential hands-on experience and knowledge of corporate finance, asset pricing and project completion using real-time data from our databases, including Bloomberg, DataStream, WDRS, Compustat and more.
You will work with leading academics within programming, technology and finance. You will be taught by industry experts, gaining hands-on and theoretical experience in Big Data Management, machine learning and Blockchain Technology.
You will learn computer programming using Python, and you will gain a deep, critical knowledge of blockchain and other forms of distributed ledger technology and their possible uses in finance. You will be able to critically apply a range of techniques, including Deep Learning Techniques and Reinforcement Learning, to manage Big Data, and be well versed in regulatory and social responsibility issues around cybersecurity.
Compulsory modules
Corporate Finance
Portfolio Theory and Investment Analysis
Programming in Python
Big Data Management in Finance
Blockchain Technologies, Financial Applications and Cyber Security
Individual Project
Optional modules
Choose one of the following:
Data Analysis and Visualisation
Private Equity and Venture Finance
Risk Management in Financial Markets
The optional modules listed for this programme may unfortunately occasionally be subject to change. As you will appreciate key members of staff may leave the University and this necessitates a review of the modules that are offered. Where the module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you make other choices.
How to apply
1 July 2021 is the application deadline for international students applying through the student route who wish to study in the United Kingdom. We are not able to consider applications for 2021 made after this date. The deadline for UK students is 31 August 2021.
Our selected admissions process
A staged admissions process is in place for this programme. This means that when you apply, your application will be considered with all others that have been submitted before the deadline. Therefore you might not hear from us with a decision on your application until a few weeks after the deadline has been reached. This enables us to ensure that all applications are considered fairly and equally. When you apply please ensure that you submit all of your supporting documents including an English language proficiency certificate (if English is not your first language) if you have one.
Entry requirements
Our standard requirements
A good Honours degree (2:1 or higher) or postgraduate diploma from a UK university or equivalent in a highly quantitative subject (such as Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, Finance or Science).
You must have obtained good grades in mathematical, quantitative or statistics related modules at the undergraduate level, or GCE A-Level grade A or overseas equivalent in Mathematics. Good programming skills, using languages such as C++, SQL, Java, R or Python, and/or two years relevant work experience in the field of science and technology, financial services or treasury management, are not strict requirements but will add weight to your application.
Places on this programme are limited, so you may be asked to attend an interview as part of a competitive application process.
International Students
Standard English language requirements apply (IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band).
IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band is equivalent to:
TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any band
Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE Academic 67 in all four skills
Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced or Proficiency – minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
If you are currently studying at a Chinese university, please view our specific entry requirements including our list of acceptable universities for further study at Birmingham.
Employability
#2 in the UK for being most frequently targeted by the country’s top employers (High Fliers Research 2020)
Top 10 for graduate employability (THE World University Rankings 2020)
Excellent career prospects
As a graduate of the Financial Technology MSc, you will benefit from a wide range of career options, ranging from careers in investment institutions, banks, insurance companies, pension funds, government institutions and consultancy.
Our graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of industries, in organisations such as Accenture, Deloitte, PWC, Ernst and Young, KPMG, Arcadia Group, Cisco Systems, Nissan, Ford, BP, Cadbury, P&G, and a whole host of smaller companies and public sector organisations.
Strong industry links
Birmingham is the second-largest city in the UK for finance companies, and the West Midlands is home to major hubs for firms such as Specialist Computer Holdings, IBM, CGI, Advanced, Lombard Risk and Reynolds & Reynolds. Our proximity to London, the global financial capital, and ever-growing relationship with key employers in the financial sector will provide you with the opportunity to meet and network with leading global organisations.
Future leaders certificate
The postgraduate Future Leaders Certificate, run by the Business School’s Careers in the Business team, is an extra-curricular programme designed to prepare you for the potential impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). You will gain the skills you need to stand out and succeed in this increasingly competitive market. As part of this, you will be encouraged to increase your awareness of responsible business and ethical considerations.
The Certificate culminates in our Gold Award, where you will receive expert coaching, mentoring and industry insight, and work on a group project set by multi-national companies which places high importance on their social and corporate responsibility.
Careers in Business
Careers in Business is a dedicated service for postgraduate Business School students. We’ll help you in all aspects of your career management, from planning your job-seeking strategies, applying for jobs, preparing for interviews and assessment centres and developing your essential employability skills. At the start of your programme, you will receive an email from our team, giving details of how you can access Careers in Business Online. Please get in touch to find out how our Careers in Business team can support you.
Career development advice
Our consultants offer an individual advice service, which includes:
Career review and objective setting
Job-seeking strategies
CV review
Application advice
Interview and selection advice
Working in the UK
International work enquiries
Skills coaching
Employers aren’t just looking for great qualifications. They want to see high-quality personal skills too, such as team working, leadership, presentation and interpersonal skills. Our Skills Development Consultants offer individual appointments to help you shape and hone these qualities.
Keeping you up to date
Our Employer Liaison Team regularly undertakes initiatives to attract employment/ project opportunities into the Business School. You can find information about vacancies and other openings on Careers in Business Online and on Business School noticeboards, as well as through the Careers and Employability Centre vacancy database.
Careers events and workshops
This is your chance to find out about employment opportunities, develop your skills and network with industry professionals. Our range of career management, personal development and employer events are a great opportunity to discover what’s open to you upon graduation – just sign up to the events to take part.
Using the Careers and Employability Centre
Postgraduate students in the Business School are very welcome to use the services provided by the Careers and Employability Centre such as online vacancy listings, employer presentations and fairs and accessing online careers information. You can use the Careers in the Business team for individual appointments, CV checking, mock interviews and other job search-related activities.
