MSc (Fintech) [Economics and Financial Technology]

Program Overview

The MSc Fintech (Economics and Financial Technology) at the University of Galway combines finance, economics, and technology to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the rapidly growing Fintech sector. Through a blend of theoretical and applied subjects, students explore the economic impact of financial technology, learn econometrics and data science techniques, and develop a strong understanding of the financial markets and institutions. They will gain the expertise to make significant contributions to the Fintech industry, pursuing various careers in financial services including roles such as Fintech Analyst, Quantitative Analyst, Financial Data Scientist, and Risk Management Specialist.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc Fintech (Economics and Financial Technology) is a pioneering program at the intersection of finance, economics, and technology. It welcomes applications from graduates of business, economics and finance degrees, or computer science and engineering graduates with a background in economics. The program aims to equip students with a blend of economic insight and technical expertise to meet the growing demand for professionals in the Fintech sector. The program's curriculum encompasses a blend of theoretical foundations and applied subjects, covering crucial areas such as:

• The impact of financial technology on the economy
• Economic theory and econometrics
• Finance, technology, and data science
The program aims to facilitate learning and critical assessment of the economic impact of emerging financial instruments, markets, and technologies. Graduates will acquire a skillset that allows them to make an immediate and substantial contribution within the FinTech industry.

Outline:

Semester I

Core Modules:

• Financial Technology and the Economy (10 ECTS): This module explores the impact of financial technology on the economy, examining the evolution of financial markets and institutions, the emergence of new financial instruments and services, and the regulatory landscape surrounding Fintech.
• Financial Econometrics (10 ECTS): This module provides a rigorous foundation in econometrics, focusing on the application of statistical methods to analyze financial data.
Students will learn to estimate and test economic models, forecast financial variables, and evaluate the performance of financial instruments.
• Applied Portfolio Management (10 ECTS): This module delves into the practical aspects of portfolio management, covering topics such as asset allocation, risk management, performance evaluation, and investment strategies.
Students will gain hands-on experience in constructing and managing investment portfolios.

Optional Modules:

• Cybersecurity Risk Management (10 ECTS): This module examines the cybersecurity risks associated with financial technology, exploring the threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies in the Fintech landscape.
• Strategic Management (5 ECTS): This module explores the principles of strategic management, covering topics such as competitive analysis, strategic planning, and implementation.
Students will learn to develop and execute strategic plans for Fintech businesses.
• Intermediate Corporate Finance (5 ECTS): This module delves into the financial decision-making of corporations, covering topics such as capital budgeting, working capital management, and mergers and acquisitions.
• Macroeconomic Theory and Policy (10 ECTS): This module provides a comprehensive understanding of macroeconomic theory, examining the determinants of economic growth, inflation, and unemployment.
Students will learn about macroeconomic policy tools and their impact on the economy.
• Microeconomic Theory (10 ECTS): This module explores the principles of microeconomics, focusing on the behavior of individual consumers and firms.
Students will learn about market structures, pricing strategies, and the allocation of resources.

Semester II

Core Modules:

• Behavioural Finance and Economics (10 ECTS): This module examines the role of behavioral biases and psychological factors in financial decision-making.

Optional Modules:

• Contemporary Issues in FinTech (10 ECTS): This module explores the latest trends and developments in the Fintech industry, examining emerging technologies, regulatory challenges, and the future of financial services.
• Web Design and Development (5 ECTS): This module provides an introduction to web design and development, covering topics such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Students will learn to create basic websites and web applications.
• International Entrepreneurship (10 ECTS): This module explores the challenges and opportunities of starting and growing businesses in a globalized world.
Students will learn about international business strategies, cultural differences, and the legal and regulatory environment for international entrepreneurship.
• Digital Metrics and Analytics (5 ECTS): This module focuses on the measurement and analysis of digital marketing campaigns.
Students will learn about key performance indicators (KPIs), data visualization, and the use of analytics tools to optimize digital marketing efforts.
• Advanced Corporate Finance (5 ECTS): This module delves into advanced topics in corporate finance, covering areas such as valuation, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.
• Derivatives and Risk Management (10 ECTS): This module examines the use of derivatives in financial markets, exploring their role in risk management, hedging, and speculation.
Students will learn about different types of derivatives, their pricing, and their applications.
• Green and Sustainable Finance (10 ECTS): This module explores the growing field of sustainable finance, examining the role of financial markets in promoting environmental and social sustainability.
Students will learn about green bonds, impact investing, and the integration of ESG factors into investment decisions.
• Economics and the Global Economy (10 ECTS): This module explores the economic challenges and opportunities facing the global economy, examining issues such as globalization, trade, and development.
• International Finance (10 ECTS): This module focuses on the financial systems of different countries, examining their similarities and differences, and the impact of globalization on international finance.
• Financial and Macroeconomic History (10 ECTS): This module provides a historical perspective on financial markets and the global economy, examining major financial crises, economic booms and busts, and the evolution of financial institutions.
• Applied Econometrics (10 ECTS): This module provides advanced training in econometrics, focusing on the application of statistical methods to analyze economic data.
Students will learn to estimate and test complex economic models, forecast economic variables, and evaluate the performance of economic policies.

Teaching Methods:

Teaching methods will include traditional expositional lectures, immersive collaborative discussions, problem-based learning (e.g. case studies on topics in Fintech), the invitation of guest speakers to lecture on their areas of expertise (e.g. FinTech regulation). There will be teaching of practical skills in computer labs as well.

Learning Methods:

Learning methods include study of textbook material, reading and critically assessing journal articles on the state-of-the-art research, and individual and group projects.

Assessment:

Assessment will take the form of in-person exams, in-person computer-based exams, and individual and group projects.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a seamless transition to various careers in financial services, including but not limited to roles such as:

• Fintech Analyst
• Quantitative Analyst
• Blockchain Consultant
• Financial Data Scientist
• Fintech Product Manager
• Risk Management Specialist
• Financial Technology Strategist
• Investment Analyst
• Regulatory Compliance Officer
• Financial Systems Developer
• Cryptocurrency Researcher
• Algorithmic Trading Developer
• Payment Systems Architect
• Financial Technology Consultant
• Economic Policy Analyst
They can excel in diverse settings such as FinTech startups, digital banks, payments facilitator companies, insure-tech firms, digitalisation wings of traditional financial sectors, regulatory wings in the public or private sectors, and consultancies specializing in blockchain technologies.

Other:

The J.E. To be eligible candidates must have achieved a H1 (or international equivalent) in their primary degree and scholarships are offered on a competitive basis. Scholarships are awarded up to 50% of the program tuition fees.

€11,000 p.a. (€11,140 including levy) 2024/25 Fees: Non EU €19,500 p.a. (€19,640 p.a.

including levy) 2024/25