Financial Technology MSc

About this degree

A range of established and emerging technologies are disrupting the financial sector. These are constantly evolving, requiring companies to embrace innovation to remain competitive. Through this programme, you will gain an in-depth understanding of these technologies, and how to apply them to financial services. A programme spanning finance, business and technology – taught by UCL Computer Science – this is where you will place yourself at the cutting edge of technology in the world of finance.

You will learn about blockchain technologies to machine learning applications to finance, as well as innovation and strategy in finance, core finance, programming and business strategy skills. You will have the opportunity to explore quantitative finance, algorithmic trading, database technologies, policy and regulation in finance, product management and software engineering in finance, and advanced applications of machine learning.

Practical coursework assignments reflect what is happening in current workplaces, and you will undertake a project during the summer term too. This brings opportunities to work with an industry partner on a real-world problem, or to embark on an academic project supervised by one of our leading academics.

The financial services sector has changed and is being disrupted by new emerging technologies and brand-new business models. This programme aims to make you an expert in both. Our Financial Technology MSc takes a computer-science-first approach, enabling you to stay ahead of the innovations that are changing the financial services industry.

A minimum of an upper-second class UK Bachelor's degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering or a similarly quantitative subject. Programming experience in a language such as Python, C++ or Matlab is an advantage but is not mandatory. Relevant work experience is also taken into account. Some programming experience means that you have experience of working on projects deploying code or have passed modules/ assessments in your previous education with coding components. If you do not have this knowledge, there will be tutorials offered at the beginning of the programme, but you will be expected to get up to speed rapidly. A self-assessment test will be available to determine if you will need additional support for coding. A good knowledge of linear algebra, statistics and probability theory will be assumed.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 3

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

As a graduate of this programme, you could go on to work in traditional financial services, for finance institutions, or for consulting firms. You will also be well placed to work directly in technology roles in financial services firms, fintech companies or technology companies. Given the skills you will acquire in business and innovation, you will also have the background knowledge needed to enter the start-up world.