Financial Technology (FinTech) MSc/PGDip/PGCert/
Study level: PostgraduateStudy an innovative and interdisciplinary course that aims to offer the most in-demand skills relevant in the Financial Technology (Fin Tech) industry to enable graduates to deliver meaningful social and economic impact.
Year of entry
2024-25
Location
Coventry University London (City of London)
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
1 year full-time
18 months Extended Professional Practice
Course code
LONT069
LONT070 (with Professional Practice)
Start date
September 2024
January 2025
Course overview
FinTech is at the heart of the new digital ecosystem emerging across financial services. With the development of fast-growing financial technologies and the fact that businesses are becoming more consumer-oriented, there is a pressing need for experts who possess a wide range of FinTech skills.
- Obtain the skills required in the intersection of financial services and technology in an ever-changing technology-driven and technology-enabled financial ecosystem.
- Develop technical computing/software engineering skills by building end-to-end projects, alongside elements of entrepreneurship, innovation, regulation, critical thinking and decision making.
- Study the 18-month Extended Professional Practice route, to gain more practical insights and in-depth experience. See the module section for more details.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesTeaching excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldEmployability
Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeedWhy you should study this course
Industry-standard technology
Technical competence is an intrinsic requirement of a career in FinTech, which is why we've embedded technological elements into every module. You'll receive exposure to widely used financial analysis software4, including Bloomberg Terminals, S&P Capital IQ, STATA and Python, and will have access to economic and financial database services like Kaggle, Quantopian and Yahoo Finance.
London location
Study in the Square Mile, the heart of London’s financial district where you’ll be in close proximity to the Silicon Roundabout and some of the biggest FinTech companies in the UK. You’ll study on the doorstep of the industry, with potential opportunities for placements/employment2, and the chance to continue your development with FinTech employers.
Industry insight
This is a professionally focused course which has been devised to provide a hands-on approach where students have the opportunity to develop end-to-end industry-like projects. You’ll be taught by experienced academics with sound FinTech knowledge, who are qualified academically and professionally (please note staff may be subject to change).
Real world experience
For more in-depth experience, you can also choose to study this course over 18 months which includes a period of Extended Professional Practice. You will explore what you’ve learnt in more detail through professional experiences with a host organisation or in a campus-based professional experience2.
Prepare for your future
Potential opportunity for talks by experts which in the past have been from academia, the FinTech sector and the real world of entrepreneurship2.
Immerse yourself in Coventry University London's global community and emerge as a talented, career-ready graduate with an international outlook.
Most of the financial courses teach you the same things over and over, whereas FinTech is different from other financial courses. My expectations were to grab the basics of technology and to know more about the sector as it successfully challenged the institutions which have been here for more than 100 years.
Chanda Zahid, January 2021 cohort MSc Financial Technology, quoted in September 2021
Building industry experience
Meney studied on our MSc Financial Technology with Extended Professional Practice, meaning that she had the opportunity to undertake an internship as part of her studies.
Read Meney’s storyWhat you'll study
Your main study themes are:
- Research inspired teaching
Opportunities to become involved in research (for example, a group projects linked to a current research question; research-led seminars; applied case studies). Research skills and understanding is a developmental activity that will both support you throughout the course and transform your approach to problem-solving. You are encouraged to access current research and move towards greater independent learning.
- Embedded employability
You will extend your knowledge, skills, experience and attitudes through professional practice. The course is designed to improve your individual, collaborative, and professional skills and attributes. You will seek to improve your flexibility and expertise to succeed across a range of employment futures. You will aim to enhance your employability skills by applying conceptual knowledge to real organisations and contemporary issues, carrying out independent study and synthesising conceptual understanding within a range of complex situations. You will look to develop a sound judgement, personal responsibility and initiative in complex and unpredictable professional environments, and engage in networking and collaborating with industry and commercial sectors2.
- Creativity and enterprise
Creative learning activities will foster your creativity, critical enquiry, reflective practice and understanding of the tools to independently manage your own continuous learning. You will be expected to demonstrate originality and self-direction in your application of relevant knowledge to new and complex situations.
- Intercultural and international engagement
You will find an emphasis on intercultural engagement and group working that will foster intercultural competency, strong sense of local, national and global community, and awareness and respect of intercultural values, languages and belief systems.
- Community contribution and responsibility
You will exhibit an awareness of sustainability and well-being issues, and the need to adopt responsible and ethical practices.
- Innovation and digital fluency
You will engage with new technologies, teaching aids and software innovations, increasing your innovative practices and exposure to the latest learning technologies available. You will rely on technologies to support innovation in learning, and to critically evaluate sources of information and apply these in complex and unpredictable situations. You will look to attain a significant level of digital fluency that you can apply in your professional practice.
- Originality, independent learning and critical thinking
You will be expected to show originality in the application of knowledge. Critical thinking is a meta-skill – that is, a skill that subsumes and enhances many other skills that competent professionals possess. You will seek to develop positive and critical attitudes towards leadership, recognising when to challenge the status quo, developing a new form of ‘learning how to learn’, enabling you to take greater control of your own learning. You will be at the centre of your own learning and you should become confident in sourcing and filtering information, prioritising activities and demonstrating creative problem solving skills.
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
Placement experiences
Our strong global business connections provide students with access to real-life work experience, so you can put your skills into practice and make connections in the world of work.
How you'll learn
The teaching approach on this course is shaped and driven by Coventry University London’s objective of “delivering career-ready, global enterprising graduates through a real business and professional experience that is tailored to your talents and future career ambitions”. The ability to understand the current state of the global FinTech market and apply relevant technical skills to create innovative solutions to real problems is the most desirable skill required to enter a career in the transforming and differentiating FinTech market. The ability to conduct sound research, computer literacy, capacity to use relevant software, professionalism and presentation skills are some of the attributes that our graduates will look to possess at the end of the course.
The teaching and learning approach is based on the following points:
- The course curriculum and its modules have been approved as career-relevant by external subject specialists.
- Learning success is enhanced by the clear communication of course and module learning outcomes that underpin all learning and assessment activity.
- Academic and business technology is employed where it assists in the achievement of the learning outcomes.
- All modules feature problem-based learning where students develop their skills in collecting, evaluating, and synthesizing resources as well as in critical and creative thinking as they first define and then propose a solution to complex problems.
- To ensure students gain the most from contact hours, active and flipped learning is utilised so that students have sufficient time to engage with the subject knowledge according to their own personal needs, and to prepare for seminars and team work.
- The course and its modules are internationally orientated to develop participants’ intercultural fluency as a reflection of the growing importance of international business.
- Assessment is also career-relevant in its style and format.
Assessment
Assessment methods may include:
- Phase tests
- Group work
- Presentations
- Reports
- Projects
- Coursework
- Exams
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.
Teaching contact hours
You will typically receive around 12 hours of contact teaching per week. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and tutorials. In addition, you will be expected to undertake 62 hours of self guided activities per module.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
International experience opportunities
This course takes a globalised approach to the curriculum, placing your learning in the context of international challenges, opportunities and regulatory frameworks. It aims to prepare you for working globally, whether overseas, or for a multinational, or for a firm which trades internationally.
You may get the opportunity to work with international students, learning from the perspectives they bring while developing your own ability to work cross-culturally. You could also arrange to do either a consultancy project2 or an internship2 (as part of your final major project) overseas.
Coventry University Group aims to give you the global opportunities needed to become a truly global graduate, enhancing your employability on a global scale. Choose from language classes, studying or working abroad, international field trips, summer schools, leadership development or work experience.
Innovation has always been important in the financial sector but to be able to respond to the current pace and impact of change in FinTech, our students will obtain the skills required in the intersection of financial services and technology in a technology-driven and technology-enabled financial ecosystem. These are the skills most in-demand in the FinTech industry, and the course will be of interest to students looking for a Master’s level FinTech course that is structured around this broad market and highly in-demand skill-set.
Luis Goncalves de Faria, MSc Financial Technology Course Director, quoted in 2021
Entry requirements
Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.
Fees and funding
2024/25 tuition fees.
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | £15,400 | £21,250 (extended prof. practice) | Not available |
EU | £15,400 | £21,250 (extended prof. practice) per year with EU support bursary** £20,050 | £21,250 (extended prof. practice) per year without EU support bursary** |
Not available |
International | £20,050 | £21,250 (extended prof. practice) | Not available |
If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.
For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Fees and Finance page.
We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.
The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:
- Additional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
- Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).
*Irish student fees
The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.
**EU Support Bursary
Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.
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How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.
If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.
Facilities
Our students have access to a wide range of facilities4 to help you become proficient with some of the leading technology in the FinTech industry, and prepare for the world of work.
Take a virtual tour of our campus to explore all of the facilities available to you.
Standard & Poor Market Intelligence Suite (S&P)
The S&P Suite contains some of the same software used by Wall Street. Its databases and tools can help you track performance, identify investment ideas, and keep up with industry news and insights.
The Talent Team
Our dedicated Talent Team are on hand to help. They can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate level jobs and offer skills development workshops2. They also organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts.
Careers and opportunities
On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Compare the main pillars of FinTech relating to the structure, transformation, disruption, risk and regulations.
- Evaluate current technological problems, developments and/or new insights within the financial industry.
- Argue about the economic, political, regulatory and social environments in which FinTech operates and the ethical considerations embedded in these global and societal operations.
- Evaluate various finance theories and techniques and practical skills of interpreting models to apply them to different asset classes in the context of FinTech.
- Select sources and content of financial data and evidence and independently use appropriate programming, statistical and econometrics skills for sound decision-making.
- Evaluate financial innovative ideas by blending the business knowledge and technical skills required in a range of areas in FinTech.
- Select effective, rigorous and reflective skills of self-management and independence in terms of planning, behaviour, motivation, individual initiative and enterprise.
- Evaluate a range of complex and pervasive issues with the use of quantitative and qualitative research and techniques in a systematic, creative and innovative manner.
- Graduates will emerge with a set of highly employable behaviours, attitudes and competencies which are in high demand among employers and are indispensable qualities within the FinTech industry.
Typical career routes for graduates from this course will include:
- Banking and regulatory bodies professionals
- Innovation experts
- Entrepreneurs
- Consultants for challenger banks
- Financial analysts
- Data scientists
- Corporate analysts
- Working for international financial and government institutions
- Academia, including further PhD study
Where our graduates work
Previous graduates of our MSc Financial Technology course have gone on to work at Barclays, Ribbon and CFTE to name a few.
Further study
As part of the journey of professional and role development, students are encouraged to continue on their academic journey through access to a range of higher degrees, including PhD and other taught doctorates.
The course has really been insightful, I remember going "oh wow I did not know that" on so many occasions during my studies. The basic idea I had about what FinTech is was replaced by an extensive overview in the first term and then an even more focused perspective into the technological aspects in the second. I have been able to think and be analytical in ways my technical colleagues are not able to and vice versa, and it has been a refreshing experience learning from these different viewpoints and working together to improve ourselves.
Sydney Budu-Manuel, January 2021 cohort MSc Financial Technology, quoted in September 2021
How to apply
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UK students
To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University London, you can apply online.
For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form.
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International students
Students applying to start in September should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for an postgraduate degree view our International hub.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team.
Complete our contact form.
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Disclaimers
Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.
1Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.
For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.