MSc Financial Technology (Finance)

Program Overview

The MSc Financial Technology (Finance) from Essex Business School is a one-year, full-time program designed to equip individuals with a foundation in coding, economics, or finance with the skills to work in the financial services sector. The program explores innovative technologies like blockchain, machine learning, and cryptocurrencies, and provides hands-on experience with industry-standard facilities like a Bloomberg virtual trading floor. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in financial analysis, management, and other related fields, and benefit from career support and networking opportunities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc Financial Technology (Finance) is a one-year, full-time program designed for individuals with a basic understanding of coding, economics, or finance. It is particularly suitable for those seeking careers in the financial services sector, especially in areas focused on developing and growing new technologies for financial applications.

• Blockchain technologies
• Machine learning
• Artificial intelligence
• Application programming interfaces
• Cryptocurrencies
• Mobile banking and electronic payments
• P2P lending
• Crowdfunding resources
• Big data in finance
The program is taught at Essex Business School on the Colchester Campus, offering a global learning environment with contemporary issues and professional practice. Students benefit from industry-standard facilities, including a Bloomberg virtual trading floor.

Outline:

Year 1

• Component 01: CORE (40 CREDITS)
• Dissertation:
This component culminates in a 10,000-word independent research project where students apply their knowledge to a specific finance problem or issue. Students generate an original idea, analyze literature and current knowledge, and develop a coherent argument demonstrating their ability to relate theory to practice.
• Component 02: COMPULSORY (20 CREDITS)
It covers topics such as auction design, market microstructure of the stock market, liquidity provision in electronic financial markets, capital adequacy of centralized clearing platforms, complexity economics of self-organization, network modules, and strategic proteanism.
• Component 03: CORE (20 CREDITS)
It assumes no prior coding experience and progresses from simple single-line code to more complex code development. Students will have the opportunity to experience code relevant to their course and develop code useful within their degree context.
• Component 04: CORE (20 CREDITS)
• Big Data in Finance:
This module explores the analysis of big data in financial organizations, covering areas such as predictive analytics, risk modeling, corporate finance, and the application of data analytics in high-frequency finance, fraud, and personal finance.
• Component 05: COMPULSORY (20 CREDITS)
It covers topics such as P2P lending, crowdfunding, credit evaluation tools, trading, robo-advising, cryptocurrencies, new payment tools, InsureTech, and the ethics and regulation of FinTech.
• Students can choose from a list of optional modules to gain in-depth specialization and understanding across various banking and finance topics.
• Component 08: COMPULSORY (0 CREDITS)
• Postgraduate Mathematics Preparation:
This module covers topics in mathematics required for Masters-level finance courses at the University of Essex, focusing on linear algebra, differential calculus, optimization, and dynamics.

Assessment:

• Regular assessment is conducted through coursework, presentations, case studies, group work, tests, and examinations.
• Students undertake an individually supervised research project (dissertation) involving an in-depth study of a specific finance problem or issue.

Teaching:

• The program offers a flexible course structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules and optional modules.
• Teaching combines academic and industry expertise, with lectures from City experts.
• Students have access to specialist facilities, including a Bloomberg Financial Data Trading Floor, XTrader and Matlab software, and modern lecture theatres with "listen again" recording.
• The program utilizes dynamic blended learning provision, including engaging online lectures with virtual guest speakers.
• Students benefit from study skills support provided by the Essex Business School Learning Team, networking opportunities with visiting businesses and careers events, and access to quantitative analysis software such as MatLab, Stata, and Eviews.

Careers:

• Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in financial analysis, management, public administration, and accountancy.
• The program helps students develop vital skills for the workplace, including the ability to analyze real problems through an academic lens.
• The Essex Startups team supports budding entrepreneurs in getting their business ideas off the ground.

Other:

• The program is based at Essex Business School, the first zero carbon business school in the UK, demonstrating a sustainable approach to business.
• The program is located on the Knowledge Gateway, home to exciting enterprises in the science, technology, and creative sectors, providing potential networking and career opportunities for students.
• The University of Essex is a welcoming and inclusive student community, offering a wide range of support to individuals and groups of students.
• The program is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field of financial technology.
• The University will inform and engage with students if their course is to be discontinued and will provide options in line with its Compensation and Refund Policy.

Home/UK fee £14,300 International fee £22,400