Financial Technology (FinTech) MSc

Overview

Financial Technology (FinTech) is one of the major revolutions in financial markets, with technology enhancing or replacing traditional financial methods in the delivery of financial activities.

Investment in the FinTech sector is rapidly increasing, and the FinTech industry, especially start-ups, faces technological, legal and regulatory challenges and unexpected events. Therefore, FinTech professionals are required to have analytical and critical thinking skills which help them find creative solutions to such problems.

This new MSc degree in FinTech will equip you with the tech skills, finance skills, and soft skills you'll need to build a career in the rapidly expanding financial technology field. As a graduate you will have the knowledge and understanding required to respond to the evolving requirements of employers within the wide range of industries related to financial technology.

Career prospects

In recent years investment in the FinTech sector has remarkably increased. According to KPMG (2019), global investment in FinTech companies hit $111.8 billion with 2,196 deals in 2018, which is almost double than 2017 in terms of volume of transaction. Also, the UK’s investment increased to $20.7B, up from $5.6B in 2017, accounted for the majority of FinTech funding for Europe.

FinTech has dramatically changed the financial service landscape. Financial institutions including banks are now offering an array of digital self-services, such as online banking and trading apps as well as digital tools for financial planning via social media and smartphones. Therefore, it is crucial for company’s personnel to stay up-to-date and relevant with cutting-edge technologies.

As FinTech gains momentum year-on-year, there is a huge demand for professionals with specific FinTech skills. These skills can be classified into three categories of tech skills, soft skills and finance skills.

Tech skills include ability in programming, solid understanding of databases, and working with big data etc. According to the World Economic Forum, data analysts and scientists, and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning specialists, are the major emerging specialisms required by business in all sectors. Other key technological abilities needed in the FinTech sector in the short and long term include:

• Machine learning and cognitive computing
• Digital currencies and blockchain
• Big data analytics, optimisation and fusion
• Distribution systems, mobile payments and peer-to-peer applications

Finance skills required in the FinTech sector include understanding of financial markets, financial institutions, financial instruments, risk management, asset pricing and valuation.

However, a FinTech professional cannot succeed on the back of their technical or financial skills alone. You will also need to build a robust portfolio of soft skills to achieve long-term success in this industry, such as:

• People skills: emotional intelligence, communication & empathy
• Creativity & problem-solving Skills:
• Adaptability & flexibility

This programme has been designed to give you these skills. You will graduate as a well-rounded, critically-aware professional, able to pursue a career in this fast-growing and diverse sector.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

AWS Academy program from Amazon Web Services (AWS)

The School of Management has joined the prestigious worldwide AWS Academy program from Amazon Web Services (AWS). All students will be given an opportunity to enhance their employability skills, helping to make them ready for the world of work.

AWS Academy is a global program that provides educational institutions with access to cloud computing content to support student learning in a competitive digital workplace. As a member of the AWS Academy, the University of Bradford will help students become proficient and certified in the use of AWS technologies and ready to join the dynamic cloud IT workforce.

All learners will have the opportunity to seek professional certification with the skills gained through AWS Academy content, delivered by University staff that are AWS Academy accredited.

Career Booster

During your time studying at the Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences you will have the opportunity to take part in our distinctive career booster programme throughout the duration of your course. The programme is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and graduate attributes to be job-ready when seeking employment with leading innovative organisations. The Career Booster Programme (PDF, 2.8 MB) offers you the opportunity to gain certificates in:

• The European Computer Driving License (ECDL) - the benchmark for digital literacy
• Sage 50 Accounting and Sage 50 Payroll - training that will allow you to develop leading accounting and payroll software skills
• Project Manager Professional certificates - giving you the edge when seeking to become a Certified Project Manager
• Big Data analysis and reporting skills - using Software and Services (SAS) that will lead to certification.

In addition, the programme will also include activities to promote teamwork, confidence, communication and many other skills sought by employers.

Developing a portfolio of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificates will demonstrate to employers that you are not only ambitious but also take responsibility for your own professional development.