MSc Financial Technology

Programme structure

The MSc Financial Technology course combines core and optional modules across the three terms of your one-year course.

Our modules

In your three terms at WBS you will study seven core modules, plus two optional modules. You'll need to select Research Methods as one of these optional modules if you wish to choose Research Paper as your capstone module.
 

How you'll be assessed

Assessment is a mix of individual assignments, group work and examination, and you'll complete your course with either a Research Paper, self-sourced Internship or FinTech in Practice module. 

FinTech: Digital Currencies and Decentralised Finance

We'll discuss the emerging areas of Digital Currencies and Decentralised Finance (or DeFi). By utilising blockchain and smart contract technologies, DeFi provides a new platform for programmable, automated finance services that remove the reliance on central trust and intermediaries.

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Generative AI and AI Applications

In this module, we will demystify Generative AI and illuminate its crucial impact on finance. You will gain insights into various generative models and hone Python and TensorFlow skills, with a focus on financial data management.

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Foundations of Finance

The main aim of this module is to introduce students to Finance in general and in particular to modern theories and practices of Asset Pricing and Financial Management.

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FinTech for Consumer Financial Services

This module will provide insights into the ongoing Financial Revolution in the consumer financial services and to showcase how digitalisation transforms the existing financial sector by providing opportunities for new contenders and incumbent actors.

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Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies

The main aim of this module is to introduce you to technologies behind distributed ledgers in general, and blockchain in particular.

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Programming and Big Data Analytics

This module is specifically designed to establish a robust programming skillset. This immersive and hands-on module will provide a comprehensive understanding of the Python programming language, with a specific focus on its applications in data analysis and machine learning.

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Cybersecurity in Business

The main aim of the module is to provide knowledge and strategic practice in how cybersecurity impacts and is managed in an organisational context.

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These are indicative optional modules which may vary year-on-year.
Entrepreneurship and Business Venturing

This module aims to develop an understanding of entrepreneurs and the firms they create and manage.

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Digital Business Services

Focus on how digital technologies enable organisations to offer digital services that aim at improving customer experience as well as firm performance. You'll be prepared to engage with technology-related conversations in the modern workplace.

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Case Studies in Data Science & Economics

The module aims to provide training in applying data science methods to contemporary economic problems by looking at case studies.

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Financial Analytics

Gain an introduction to financial analytics by applying various techniques, including analytical, statistical, and mathematical, to financial market and investment portfolios

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Alternative Investments

Explore today’s complex investment management environment and gain the insights needed to make well-informed decisions.

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Algorithmic Trading and Robo Advising

The first part of the module will provide a background in market microstructure, upon which algorithmic trading is introduced and examined in detail. It will cover topics such as trading strategies, electronic markets, market participants, algorithmic and high-frequency trading, and order types.

 

The second part of the module will provide a comprehensive understanding of the current market landscape and regulatory situation of robo-advising, the benefits and drawbacks of using robo-advisors, and a practical understanding of how robo-advisors operate and how they can be used to manage wealth.

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Research Methods

If you select the Research Paper route, Research Methods becomes a compulsory module for you and it gives you the academic skills to confidently approach your dissertation topic.

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Our online platform

Our unique online learning platform my.wbs will act as the hub for your learning experience, hosting all of your teaching materials, key information from your CareersPlus and Programme Teams, and our online classroom: wbsLive.

Your learning experience

Your course will be taught through an exciting mix of face-to-face and online learning, utilising the format most suitable to the content, and in a way that helps you balance your workload and make the most of opportunities for extra-curricular activities.

Teaching and assessment will vary to fit the subject being studied. Our faculty have designed your learning experience to fit the subject being studied, with a variety of teaching and assessment styles. 

Your teaching will take the form of lectures and webinars, supported, where relevant, by guest speakers from industry to balance theory and practice. 

Your learning will be assessed by a mix of exams, group work, project work, and tests. Group and project work will enable you to collaborate and gain new perspectives from your international cohort, preparing you for working in teams within a global work environment. 

Choice of Research Paper, Internship or FinTech in Practice route

Research Paper

The Research Paper route offers the opportunity to synthesise, apply and extend your knowledge gained during the course, with a 6,000 word final dissertation. Students choosing this route must select the Research Methods optional module.

Internship route

You can organise a self-sourced internship over 6 to 12 weeks, after all other modules are completed. You'll conduct a critical evaluation of your experience during your placement, reflecting on challenges, development and skill acquisition.

FinTech in Practice route

Apply and refine new skills through our unique FinTech in Practice module, addressing practical industry challenges in conjunction with leading FinTech practitioners and businesses. This module provides an opportunity to explore a project of practical relevance in financial technology together with the Gillmore Centre for Financial Technology, or one of its industry partners. This will give you the chance to finetune the skills learned on the course in a realistic, situational format.

This module involves three trips to The Shard, London. The first two trips are four days each, students will be exposed to presentations of FinTech companies presenting their business models and current challenges. The last trip will be a three-day event where students present their solutions to faculty and industry representatives.

Learning facilities

You will have access to our outstanding learning facilities, including a Postgraduate-only Learning Space and IT suite, as well as all other University facilities. Studying on a Finance-based MSc also means that you gain access to our Bloomberg terminals, Eikon terminals, and financial data via the Wharton Research Data Services.  

Foreign Language Study

One of the great benefits of this course is that it offers optional free foreign language study in the evenings across all three terms. This is an opportunity to develop the basics of a new language. There is a choice of six different languages, all at beginner-level (please note we are not able to offer classes at intermediate/advanced level).