Financial Models, Markets and Instruments
Postgraduate
MSc
Financial Technology (FinTech)
Salford Business School
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Course
One year
Two year
Next enrolment
September 2024
In a nutshell
International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
Our MSc Financial Technology programme is designed for you if you want to learn, work, and innovate in the contemporary financial sphere. Fintech is the edge of finance as an academic discipline and brings together technology, economics and regulation, and change management principles to the world of finance.
This is for you if you are passionate and ambitious to kick start a new career in the areas such as data analytics, deployment of cloud technologies and machine learning applications in predictive finance. Fintech is designed with inputs from our students and industry expert and vigorously focuses on applied teaching and learning. As our student, you will learn Python and Power BI from scratch and apply these tools to financial data and its transformation. You can also achieve free Microsoft Azure certifications and see how cloud and edge computing are transforming the business computing landscape. You will also learn how marketing, regulation, economic policy, and financial governance contribute to your essential knowledge.
Five good reasons to choose Salford Business School:
- Real-world learning from guest lectures and practical business cases offered by our industry advisors
- Study in Greater Manchester, the Northern FinTech Capital and recently named 'one of the world's top FinTech cities'
- Put your learning into practice on the FinTech Practical Project
- Beautiful campus just minutes from Manchester city centre
- Our Launch@ Salford Incubator 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 softwares
To find out more, register for one of our Postgraduate Open Days or learn more about our master's courses in business, finance and law.
You will:
- Work on an industry-briefed project addressing gaps arising from the fast growth of technological transformation in financial services and markets
- Learn the latest market trends and needs around risk, insight, creation and how technology better serves FinTech companies
- Look at developments including blockchain, cryptocurrency, crowdfunding, regtech, insurtech, fintech lending and crime detection
- Gain the expertise to develop disruptive FinTech innovations
- Consider how digital innovation helps make financial services more inclusive, accessible, streamlined and better aligned with consumer values
- Learn a range of established Big Data and analytics techniques to critically analyse information and propose solutions
Placement
options available
International
students accepted
This is for you if...
1.
You are looking to understand how technology is reshaping the financial industry
2.
You want to learn cutting-edge technologies in the financial workplace
3.
You wish to explore and learn from the success and failure stories in FinTech
4.
You aspire to a career in FinTech companies, digital banking, entrepreneurial finance, crowdfunding, regtech, insurtech, international payments and cryptocurrencies
5.
You want to learn about the regulation, competition, trends and environment that are impacting the financial innovation space
6.
You want to explore technological innovation / transformation in finance for a business idea or for implementation within your organization
All about the course
The course is delivered across two semesters of 15 weeks each, with semester 3 dedicated to your FinTech Project. In semesters one and two, you will have nine hours of teaching each week plus one hour of Supporting Student Success.
In addition, you will also undertake independent study in your own time with online support through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
The FinTech Practical Project module accounts for the final 60 credits of your degree. This industry-focussed project gives you the opportunity to put your learning into practice and enhance your professional experience.
"The faculty all felt really knowledgeable. I’d especially like to commend the employability team, who were so supportive and helped me learn the skills needed to get a great job." - Ahsen Noor Malik, MSc Financial Technology
Read more of Ashen's experience studying MSc Financial Technology
"My tutors are thorough and the best thing about them is their engaging teaching style. My lecturers’ drive and passion to impart their knowledge have made me more informed than I ever thought I would be." - Olufemi, MSc Financial Technology
Read more of Olufemi's experience studying MSc Financial Technology
Modules
The module aims to equip you with an advanced understanding of financial markets, financial assets, and digital assets. The prime focus of this module is to enable you to understand digital assets, digital currencies, and technology-based financial market solutions. Moreover, the module assesses your ability to establish the link between these advancements and established financial techniques and methods. The module contents blend quantitative, analytical, and theoretical components.
FinTech Fundamentals
Fintech Fundamental will set the foundations of the entire degree programme. You will study and get an introduction to Python and gain an understanding of the basic terminologies operating in the FinTech domain. You will also have a chance to get free Microsoft Azure certification.
As part of this module, you will also undertake the qualitative research methods study and learn how to do a literature review.
Economic and Regulatory Environment
This module aims to develop your understanding by asking how favourable the economic and political environment influences the development and performance of Fintech firms. The module focuses on discussing the external factors affecting fintech businesses, with an aim to extract lessons learned and provide broad reviews of economic determinants and regulatory policies e.g. regulatory uncertainty, transparency, fraud and self-regulation, standardisation, and data.
Innovation in Finance
This module will equip you with the skills to interpret how disruptive fintech innovations are developed using appropriate tools and techniques. It discusses the future of money, the economy and financial marketplaces. It provides a practical and theoretical understanding of how the financial services industry has been transformed by adopting and using digital innovation and information technologies. More specifically, the module will examine blockchain, cryptocurrency, payment infrastructures, the digital economy, the fintech ecosystem and crime detection, and forensic analytics.
Assessment: 100% portfolio
Data Visualisation
In this module, you will learn Power BI, a powerful data visualisation/business analytics service from Microsoft. In Power BI, you can import and merge data from multiple sources, including the cloud, and construct interactive, rich, dynamic visualisations and dashboards with an intuitive interface. Features on Excel are extended in Power BI, hence more advanced visual approaches are possible without having any coding skills. The module will provide hands-on Power BI training so you can extract insights from big data from multiple sources using graphs, tables, and maps and make interactive dashboards.
Assessment: 100% assignment
FinTech Data Analytics
Fintech companies heavily depend on machine learning, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and data science to simplify financial decision-making and optimise solutions. In this module, you will learn Advanced Python tools for Big Data and analytics, understand computational models underpinning artificial intelligence and predictive analysis, and work on a group project. You will also study quantitative research methods as part of this module.
Assessment: 10% individual assessment, 60% group project, 30% group video presentation
After completing the core modules, you will then undertake a 60-credit project, choosing from the following:
Practical Project (Internship)
The Practical Project is your opportunity to consolidate your learning in the field of Fintech through a substantive and original piece of research, which is informed by theory, research and/or practice that is at the forefront of the discipline.
In the first two trimesters, you will attend weekly classes to develop your qualitative and quantitative research skills. In the final trimester, you will complete a three-month internship (paid or unpaid) with a client on a project related to technological transformation in financial services and markets. At the end of the internship, you will submit a reflective report on the application of your skills within the internship.
Assessment:10,000 - 12,000 word final report
Practical Project (Placement)
The Practical Project placement gives you an opportunity to work for 6 months on a full-time basis. You can work with an organisation located regionally, nationally, or internationally, as agreed with Salford Business School. You will be assigned an academic supervisor who will guide the entire process. You will submit a report that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken during your internship. The report should explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data-gathering activities undertaken, the impact achieved, and an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 10,000 - 12,000 word final report
Practical Project
The Practical Project is your opportunity to consolidate your learning in the field of FinTech through a substantive and original piece of research, which is informed by theory, research and/or practice that is at the forefront of the discipline. The project may be an analysis of Big Data or the transformation of the financial services industry through the adoption and use of digital innovation and information technologies, for example.
Assessment: 12,000 - 15,000 word final dissertation
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Why Choose Salford Business School?
Situated at the heart of Greater Manchester's £5 billion-pound business, finance and digital sector, Salford Business School stands as a dynamic hub for the development and exchange of knowledge. We combine cutting-edge learning with strong industry connections, preparing you to lead change in the fast-paced world of business and finance.
Our expert-led and industry-informed programmes provide highly practical teaching enriched with real-world learning opportunities. Most of our programmes offer various work placements locally, nationally, and internationally, allowing you to practice and develop your learning.
Throughout your journey, we will equip you for a fulfilling life and professional career, fostering curiosity, adaptability, and confidence to tackle 21st-century challenges.
Business: Science or art?
Our postgraduate degree award is a Masters of Science (MSc), reflecting our commitment to data-driven, evidence-based business decisions, even in innovative and creative endeavours.
At the beating heart of it
You will study at our green Peel Park campus, just a short five-minute journey from central Manchester with close transport links, and our state-of-the-art campus at MediaCity is just a short bus ride away.
Our dedicated student hub on the sixth floor of the Maxwell Building provides areas for collaborative and independent study and break-out spaces. Additionally, here you can find our in-school progression and careers teams to support your journey.
Getting here
Our campuses are easily accessible, with Salford Crescent train station at the centre of our Peel Park campus. Whether travelling to us by bus, rail, bike, car, or plane, our campus is easily reached from all over Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and beyond. For international students, Manchester Airport is a short ride away and offers regular flights from London and many international airports.
Dedicated support
Starting or continuing to study at university is a big decision, and we are committed to supporting you throughout your time with us.
Our in-school Student Progression Assistants address programme and workload matters, whilst the Careers and Employability team, along with in-school advisors, offers personalised career support. The Library provides diverse learning support beyond your course, and for non-course matters, our university-wide support service, askUS, assist with topics from financial management to wellbeing.
If entrepreneurship appeals to you, Launch @Salford, our start-up incubator, offers expert insight and support. Additionally, our Business School's Postgraduate Mentoring Scheme connects new master's students with existing ones, providing valuable guidance during your transition.
These integrated support methods aim to help you seamlessly transition into your postgraduate course and ensure success during your time with us.
A global community
Salford Business School is home to a diverse global student-staff community. Our teaching team consists of active researchers, academics, and industry experts who offer the latest in theory, research, and industry expertise.
Furthermore, our diverse student community brings together individuals from various backgrounds and experiences, providing you with a well-rounded perspective, knowledge, and friendships that will shape you into a future leader and global citizen. This equips you to thrive in life and your career, instilling curiosity, adaptability, and confidence to confront the digital, ethical, and sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
PROGRAMME LEADER
Dr Zeeshan Syed has over five years experience working as a lecturer and course leader. He is passionate about teaching and learning, always striving for the best outcome for his students. He has a particular interest in skills-oriented subjects such as Corporate Finance, Python for Finance, Blockchain and Crypto Currency Economics, Fin-Tech, and Introductory Econometrics.
What about after uni?
This qualification will equip you for a broad range of career opportunities in, for example, fintech companies, digital payment companies, new trading firms, security protection firms, risk management and regulatory compliance, credit management, etc.
Opportunities are growing in areas such as Compliance, which has seen steady job growth since the financial crisis; and cyber security where a report by Cybersecurity Ventures recently estimated that cybercrimes will triple the number of job openings in the next five years and it is estimated that there will be at least 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2021.
Career Links
The University of Salford grew out of the institutes of the late 19th century that provided a talented, technically proficient and professional workforce to support the UK’s rapidly growing industries. In the 21st century, this still holds strong. Whilst industry has changed significantly, the need for industry-focused education is equally relevant today.
We teach the skills that employers need and as a result, our graduates enjoy excellent international career prospects.
The curriculum across our postgraduate courses balances academic teaching and professional experience. Our industry partners give us their input into the curriculum so that the teaching reflects industry’s current and future needs and you develop the skills that employers want. The Industry Collaboration Project, which forms the final third of your study, is designed to give you real-world experience so you can apply the theory you have learned.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
This course is perfect if you are looking for a master’s level of FinTech program to enhance your understanding of how technology reshapes the financial industry, creates revenue, strengthens security and adds value.
The programme is designed for graduates with an academic background in financial management accounting, economics, computer science, management or business studies. Alternatively, sufficient and suitable work experience will also be considered.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is proof of this. If you need to improve your written and spoken English, you might be interested in our English language courses.
Find out about dedicated support for international applicants.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
Normally a minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent in business, finance, economics or a numerate subject, such as engineering, computing, maths or informatics. A wide range of professional qualifications are also accepted, either in partial or complete fulfilment of entry requirements.
International students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,550.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,560.00per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. For more information please see our funding section.
International applicants
If you are applying from overseas and are accepted onto the programme with placement, there will be additional costs associated with visa extensions. These include:
- Extending your student visa fee (visit gov.uk for more information). Please note, this is in addition to your original student visa fee.
- Tier 4 biometrics enrolment fee.
- Immigration Health Surcharge 12 month fee (visit gov.uk for more information).
Visit Immigration and Visa FAQ and read the section on extending your Tier 4 visa for further information.
International scholarships
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our international scholarships.
All set? Let's apply
Still have some questions? Contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545