Why choose MSc Financial Technology at Warwick Business School

Choosing the right Master’s degree is a major decision, especially in a field as fast-moving as finance and technology. Andres Gutierrez Gonzalez, a current MSc Financial Technology student at Warwick Business School, shares why he chose the course, what his experience has been like so far, and his advice for future students considering a career at the intersection of finance and technology.

Studying at WBS

While studying for my bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance, one thing became increasingly clear to me across all my modules: technology is disrupting every aspect of the financial industry. This realisation motivated me to pursue the MSc Financial Technology, as I wanted to be part of this evolution rather than simply observe it.

When researching business schools offering an MSc in Financial Technology, Warwick Business School stood out immediately. Initially, I was drawn to its strong academic reputation and recognition as one of the most targeted universities by employers.

However, as I looked deeper into the course, what truly captured my interest was its practical focus. The programme is designed not just around theory, but around applying concepts and building skills that are directly relevant to the workplace.

One of the most appealing aspects of the course for me was the flexibility of the capstone module. Unlike many Master’s programmes that limit students to a traditional dissertation, the MSc Financial Technology at WBS offers multiple options, including a thesis, the FinTech in Practice route, or an internship. I found this particularly attractive, as I strongly believe the best way to learn is through practical application in real-world settings.

I was also excited by the opportunity to engage with the Gillmore Centre, a WBS research centre focused on the intersection of finance and technology. The existence of such a centre demonstrated to me how committed WBS is to financial technology research and innovation and reinforced my decision to choose this programme.

MSc experience

Having completed my first semester at Warwick Business School, I can confidently say that my experience has been both challenging and rewarding. I have met incredible people from diverse academic and professional backgrounds and engaged with material I had never studied before.

Coming from a finance background, I had very limited experience with programming and computer science. Learning these concepts for the first time was undoubtedly challenging. However, the professors at WBS are excellent at explaining complex ideas clearly and are always willing to provide additional support when needed. This made the learning process far more approachable and encouraging.

What has stood out most to me is how practical the assessments are. In two of our modules, we worked in groups to design a fintech company that addressed a specific problem and then presented our solution to the class. These projects were not only a great way to apply theoretical concepts but also an excellent opportunity to collaborate with classmates and learn from each other.

My favourite experience so far has been the Programming and Big Data Analytics project, where we built a machine learning model from scratch based on a real business case. As someone with no prior experience in this area, this project was challenging but incredibly rewarding, and it significantly helped me develop my technical and programming skills.

MSc Financial Technology advice

For anyone considering or starting the MSc Financial Technology at Warwick Business School, I have three key pieces of advice.

Firstly, make the effort to get to know your cohort. This is an intensive, year-long programme, and building strong relationships will make the experience far more enjoyable. Financial Technology attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds, and this diversity is a real strength. Those with finance experience can support students from more technical backgrounds, and vice versa.

Secondly, start thinking about your capstone module as early as possible. Whether you are interested in completing a thesis, the FinTech in Practice route, or an internship, early planning is essential. This is particularly important if you are considering the internship option, as opportunities can open as early as September, and applying early can significantly improve your chances.

Finally, make the most of the networking opportunities available on campus. From careers fairs to employer presentations and talks from industry leaders, there is always something happening at Warwick that can help you learn more about the industry and enhance your employability.

Overall, my time at Warwick Business School has been a rewarding mix of challenge, learning, and personal growth. I am confident that anyone who chooses to join the MSc Financial Technology programme will find it to be a valuable and enriching experience.