MSc Financial Technology with Data Science

Overview

From crowdfunding to cryptocurrencies, and from automated trading to Alipay, recent innovations in financial technologies have revolutionised the way we spend, save, borrow, and invest. Companies in the financial services sector are now able to intelligently harness data to provide tailored products and services; big technology corporations offer financial services to customers through their social media accounts; and disruptive technology start-ups have quickly scaled to challenge the dominance of traditional banks by developing new forms of finance from the ground up.

This MSc offers an opportunity to join the financial technology revolution. You will learn the key design features of a number of financial technology applications and will develop skills to implement, assess and engineer these technologies. You will also develop an understanding of the computational, statistical and machine learning principles necessary for insightful large-scale data analysis used in data-driven finance.

Hosted by a world-leading engineering faculty, this is a technology-focused MSc and not a finance or accounting programme that is traditionally provided by a business school. Therefore, we expect applicants to have a strong background in computer science, engineering, or a numerate science; a background in economics or finance is not expected or required.

This MSc is likely to appeal to applicants looking to start or advance their careers in data-driven finance and technology. The UK is a world leader in financial technology and the Bristol region has a flourishing fintech ecosystem. The programme has been co-designed with industrial partners and will offer opportunities to engage with industry on real-world commercial projects

Programme structure

On entry, you will take one of two foundational units, depending on your previous experience. Students without software development experience will take a 20-credit unit in Software Development, Programming and Algorithms; alternatively, students with software development experience will take a 20-credit unit in Statistical Computing and Empirical Methods. When you arrive, your unit choice will be decided, based on your previous experience, in consultation with your personal tutor.

The remainder of the programme consists of compulsory units in Large-Scale Data Engineering (20 credits); Introduction to Financial Technology (20 credits); Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (10 credits); Introduction to Data Analytics (10 credits); Advanced Financial Technology (20 credits); and Financial Technology Group Project (20 credits).

All students will complete their studies with a 60-credit individual research or implementation project of their choosing from a selection proposed by project supervisors. This unit will provide students with first-hand experience in planning, running, documenting, and presenting a substantial piece of original work in the field of financial technology. The aim of this unit is to give students a substantial opportunity to integrate material from all taught units that they have studied as part of the programme, to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their learning on the MSc.

Please visit the programme catalogue for full details of the MSc Financial Technology with Data Science.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of an upper-second class honours degree (or international equivalent) in numerate science, computer science,or engineering.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Admissions Statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time: £16,400 per year
UK: part-time (two years): £8,200 per year
UK: part-time (three years): £5,467 per year
Overseas: full-time: £30,500 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2023/24

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

This programme has been co-designed with industrial partners to ensure that graduates are equipped with highly in-demand analytical, statistical and programming skills suitable for a range of technology careers in the financial services sector, as well as data scientist and data engineer roles in other non-finance industries. Graduates will also be prepared for careers in research and development; while more entrepreneurial-minded graduates may go on to launch a fintech startup.

How to apply

Apply via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.

Application deadline

Due to high demand we will be closing MSc Financial Technology with Data Science to applicants from China on 21 March 2023 and to remaining applicants from outside of the UK on 31 July 2023.

Please find out more information by reading our guidance for when to apply.

Home applicants: 4 August 2023.

Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from October 2022 until all places are filled. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment.

Apply now