Course overview
Explore topics including the fundamentals of fintech software, big data, visualisation, current financial technology and cryptocurrency. And develop your theoretical, technical and critical thinking skills in applying disruptive innovative technologies to financial services.
You explore the professional, ethical, security and social implications of future fintech technologies. And you develop the transferable skills you need to progress into industry.
- Industry links: work on live industry briefs, competitions and hackathons. Previous companies have included Cisco, Cubic Transportation Systems, Sage, TUI, Atombank, HMRC and Waterstons.
- Career-ready: our ExpoSeries allows you to showcase your skills to industry professionals who are looking to recruit new and rising talent.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Big Data and Data Visualisation
Businesses are increasingly seeking ways to gain intelligence to improve their bottom line and gain a competitive advantage.
Investigate the issues and technologies associated with big data analytics and data modelling. Learn how to visualise data and design impactful dashboards, identifying trends and patterns. Make business forecasts, taking informed decisions and presenting complex, multidimensional datasets in a clear and engaging form.
Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and Digital Entrepreneurship
Blockchain technology is disrupting the financial industry. It has many applications in payments, insurance, lending, supply chain, settling securities transactions and executive contracts. Explore what a blockchain is and how to create them using relevant software tools.
You are introduced to cryptocurrencies and the financial applications of blockchain in business innovation and entrepreneurial concepts.
Contemporary Financial Technology
Explore the emergence of the financial technology (FinTech) industry through the lenses of evolving customer needs and user experience. Consider the existing and emerging financial technologies sector focusing on user requirements, particularly for the unbanked.
Analyse user experience design for FinTech, and working in a group, use a high-level prototyping platform to develop a new FinTech service. By the end of the module, you have developed and critically evaluated a new service and reflected on its contribution.
Understand the relationship between the University or workplace and your own practice in a collaborative process of knowledge generation and use. Bring together key elements of learning to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of practice in a work-based project.
The composition, content and context of your project is unique to you. Reflect on your practice to demonstrate continual learning and development. You are taught content to help you successfully manage and complete your project.
Learn about the Python programming language and how it helps solve problems in financial technology (FinTech) and digital innovation. Consider the principles of programming, the language syntax and structure, relevant libraries and modules, and how it is incorporated in existing software tools.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You learn in group sessions that focus on practical skills supported by the academic concepts and theories. Which means you can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in smaller groups.
Your learning experiences are strengthened by sessions delivered by industry practitioners who share their valuable industry insights with you.
You demonstrate your computing skills that are directly related to the market. And you develop your teamworking skills, working together on solutions using the latest technologies in simulated industry setting.
Subject (or modules) are delivered in six-week blocks. You study one at a time, supported by online learning materials.
How you are assessed
It’s essential that you learn by doing. Which means that most of your assessed work is based around practical projects that you work on throughout. You get valuable tutor feedback to guide your work and your overall development.
As you progress through the course, you develop a portfolio of work - this is an important industry requirement. Our tutors can give you advice and guidance on which work to include.
And your final project allows you the freedom to set your own brief based on your skills, interests and career aspirations.
Entry requirements
You need to have an honours degree (at least a 2.2) ideally with significant analytical or technical elements (business, management, finance, engineering, life or physical science, computing, IT, computer games, animation, maths, technology) or evidence of your aptitude to quickly develop basic analytical skills, such as strong GCSEs in maths and science.
International applicants
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
What you need
To access the on-campus facilities you need a HTML5-capable web browser on a computer such as a Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or Linux computer. HTML5-capable web browsers that can be used include the following:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Safari
- Microsoft Edge
For some sessions you can also access sessions on the following browsers and devices:
- Chrome or Safari on an iPad (iOS 11 or later)
- Android (Android 8 or later)
- Microsoft Surface Pro (Windows 10) tablet
Don't have your own device yet?
Don't worry - we have a bank of devices available for you to loan whenever you are on campus.
You can also access Adobe Creative Cloud - a suite of 20+ world-class, industry-standard creative apps including Photoshop and InDesign.
Employability
Career opportunities
The increasing need to leverage big data has pushed so many industries to hire data scientists to predict outcomes and provide meaningful interpretations. Companies hiring data science professionals include American Express, AstraZeneca, BBC, IBM, Mastercard, Rolls Royce, Space Ape Games, Warner Bros. Entertainment, WhatsApp, and more.
As a graduate, you can expect to work in an increasing number of sectors needing specialists equipped with the cutting-edge expertise in financial and digital technologies.
You graduate prepared for a career in industry. And you have opportunities to meet and network with our industry partners through ExpoTees, our event to showcases student work to industry.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.