MSc Financial Technology

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 cyber security.

All modules below are worth 20 credits, except your Individual Project, which is worth 60 credits. Unless indicated otherwise the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2024.

Core modules

You must take the following modules.

• Big Data Management in Finance
• Block Chain Technologies, Financial Applications and Cyber Security
• Corporate Finance
• Portfolio Theory and Investment Analysis
• Programming for Data Science
• Individual Project

Optional modules

Choose one of the following:

• Private Equity and Venture Finance
• Risk Management in Financial Markets
• Visualisation

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Assessment Methods

Assessments focus on real-world challenges and help you to develop self-confidence to deal with the global investment and finance communities. Assessment methods include a combination of case studies, participative exercises, interactive lectures, presentations, written exams and group projects.

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.

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.

Excellent career prospects

Graduates will leave Birmingham perfectly placed to take up key FinTech roles in banks, investment institutions, insurance companies, pension funds, government institutions and consultancy. We also provide ongoing career support for international students who wish to work in the UK after graduation.

Top jobs in FinTech include:

• Blockchain developer
• Apps developer
• Financial analyst
• Product Manager
• Compliance expert
• Cybersecurity analyst
• Quantitative analyst
• Business development manager
• Data Specialist

We pride ourselves on our graduates’ high levels of employability. We will help you to plan, manage and achieve your career goals, giving you a competitive edge when it is time to start job hunting.

Many employers visit the Business School to run seminars for our students. Companies such as IBM, HSBC, and Deloitte are just a few of the organisations that see these sessions as an opportunity to look for suitable candidates for internship programmes and graduate training schemes.

BBS Careers and Careers Network

As a Birmingham Business School student, you will also benefit from two award-winning Careers teams.

Careers Network is the University of Birmingham careers and employability team offering: career fairs, employer events with top firms across the UK, start-up and entrepreneurial activities, and support. Internships and bursaries are also available exclusively to University of Birmingham students.

BBS Careers is a dedicated service for Birmingham Business School students. The team provides guidance, support, and work experience opportunities, tailored to business school students, to help them succeed during and after university. We offer workshops, alumni and employer events, and 1-to-1 consultations. These will help you to develop your skills and learn how to submit high-quality internship and graduate applications.

BBS Careers is one of a few, if not the only business school career service to offer life-long support.

We are here to support you! Whether you are applying for a postgraduate end-of-study internship, a graduate job, or applying for a management role five years after graduation.