Postgraduate MSc

Financial Technology (FinTech)

Attendance

Full-time

Part-time

Course

One year

Two year

Next enrolment

September 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.

Our MSc Financial Technology programme is perfect if you want to learn, work, and innovate in modern finance. Fintech combines technology, economics, regulation and change management in finance.

You'll learn Python and Power BI from scratch and learn how to use these tools on financial data. You will have the opportunity to achieve Microsoft Azure certifications and see how cloud and edge computing are transforming the business computing landscape. You'll also learn about marketing, regulation, economic policy and financial governance.

  •  Address gaps from the rapid growth of technology in financial services and markets.
  • Understand the latest needs in risk, insight, and how technology benefits FinTech companies.
  • Study blockchain, cryptocurrency, crowdfunding, regtech, insurtech, fintech lending and crime detection.
  • Gain the expertise to develop disruptive FinTech innovations.
  • Consider how digital innovation helps make financial services more inclusive, accessible, streamlined and better aligned with consumer values.
  • Learn a range of established Big Data and analytics techniques to critically analyse information and propose solutions 

This programme is for you if you're passionate and ambitious about starting a career in areas like data analytics, cloud technologies and machine learning in finance. It includes input from students and industry experts, focusing on practical teaching and learning.

Why Salford Business School?

Situated at the heart of Greater Manchester's business, finance and digital sector, Salford Business School is perfectly placed as a dynamic hub for the development and exchange of knowledge.

We combine cutting-edge learning with strong industry connections, preparing you to lead change in the fast-paced world of business and management.

Find out more about our school and community

To find out more, register for a Postgraduate Open Days or learn more about our master's courses in business, finance and law.

Placement

options available

International

students accepted

This is for you if...

1.

You are looking to understand how technology is reshaping the financial industry.

2.

You aspire to a career in FinTech companies, digital banking, entrepreneurial finance, crowdfunding, regtech, insurtech, international payments and cryptocurrencies.

3.

You want to explore technological innovation / transformation in finance for a business idea or for implementation within your organisation.

Course details

All about the course

The course is delivered across three trimesters. The first two consist of 15 weeks each, with a total of 9 hours of teaching in each week, plus one hour of Supporting Student Success.

The final trimester is dedicated to your final practical project. This module accounts for the final 60 credits of your degree, and gives you the opportunity to put your learning into practice.

You'll also undertake independent study with online support through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.

This information relates to the full-time option. For further detail about our part-time opportunity, please get in touch.

Modules

Financial Models, Markets and Instruments

The module aims to equip you with an advanced understanding of financial markets, financial assets, and digital assets. The prime focus of this module is to enable you to understand digital assets, digital currencies, and technology-based financial market solutions. Moreover, the module assesses your ability to establish the link between these advancements and established financial techniques and methods. The module contents blend quantitative, analytical, and theoretical components.

Financial Programming and Technologies with Python

This module will set the foundations of the entire degree programme. You will study and get an introduction to Python and gain an understanding of the basic terminologies operating in the FinTech domain. You will also have a chance to get free Microsoft Azure certification.

As part of this module, you will also undertake the qualitative research methods study and learn how to do a literature review.

This module will begin from Sept 25 entry. For 2024 and early 25 entry, please speak to the admissions team.

Economic and Regulatory Environment

This module aims to develop your understanding by asking how favourable the economic and political environment influences the development and performance of Fintech firms. The module focuses on discussing the external factors affecting fintech businesses, with an aim to extract lessons learned and provide broad reviews of economic determinants and regulatory policies e.g. regulatory uncertainty, transparency, fraud and self-regulation, standardisation, and data.

Innovations in Finance

This module will equip you with the skills to interpret how disruptive fintech innovations are developed using appropriate tools and techniques. It discusses the future of money, the economy and financial marketplaces. It provides a practical and theoretical understanding of how the financial services industry has been transformed by adopting and using digital innovation and information technologies. More specifically, the module will examine blockchain, cryptocurrency, payment infrastructures, the digital economy, the fintech ecosystem and crime detection, and forensic analytics.

Assessment: 100% portfolio

Business Intelligence using Power BI

In this module, you will learn Power BI, a powerful data visualisation/business analytics service from Microsoft. In Power BI, you can import and merge data from multiple sources, including the cloud, and construct interactive, rich, dynamic visualisations and dashboards with an intuitive interface. Features on Excel are extended in Power BI, hence more advanced visual approaches are possible without having any coding skills. The module will provide hands-on Power BI training so you can extract insights from big data from multiple sources using graphs, tables, and maps and make interactive dashboards.

Assessment: 100% assignment

FinTech Data Analytics

Fintech companies heavily depend on machine learning, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and data science to simplify financial decision-making and optimise solutions. In this module, you will learn Advanced Python tools for Big Data and analytics, understand computational models underpinning artificial intelligence and predictive analysis, and work on a group project. You will also study quantitative research methods as part of this module.

Assessment: 10% individual assessment, 60% group project, 30% group video presentation

After completing the core modules, you will then undertake a 60-credit project, choosing from the following:

Practical Project (Internship)

The Practical Project is your opportunity to consolidate your learning in the field of Fintech through a substantive and original piece of research, which is informed by theory, research and/or practice that is at the forefront of the discipline.

In the first two trimesters, you will attend weekly classes to develop your qualitative and quantitative research skills. In the final trimester, you will complete a three-month internship (paid or unpaid) with a client on a project related to technological transformation in financial services and markets. At the end of the internship, you will submit a reflective report on the application of your skills within the internship.

Assessment:10,000 - 12,000 word final report

Practical Project (Placement)

The Practical Project placement gives you an opportunity to work for 6 months on a full-time basis. You can work with an organisation located regionally, nationally, or internationally, as agreed with Salford Business School. You will be assigned an academic supervisor who will guide the entire process. You will submit a report that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken during your internship. The report should explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data-gathering activities undertaken, the impact achieved, and an appropriate level of critical reflection.

Assessment: 10,000 - 12,000 word final report

Practical Project

The Practical Project is your opportunity to consolidate your learning in the field of FinTech through a substantive and original piece of research, which is informed by theory, research and/or practice that is at the forefront of the discipline. The project may be an analysis of Big Data or the transformation of the financial services industry through the adoption and use of digital innovation and information technologies, for example.

Assessment: 12,000 - 15,000 word final dissertation

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What will I be doing?

Teaching

Our teaching is designed to support your career goals. You will practice global thinking and ethical, responsible and sustainable practices, helping you become a competent leader or manager.

We use various methods to support your learning. Typically, a module includes a mix of activities, such as interactive lectures on specific topics. Your tutor introduces and explains key concepts, which are reinforced through class discussions and case study analysis to help you understand and prepare for assessments. You will be encouraged to share examples from your own work experience. At the start of each module, you will receive an outline of the syllabus and a reading list, which will guide your self-directed study.

Assessment

Your studies will benefit from a range of assessment techniques, giving you and your tutor the opportunity to assess your progress and optimise your learning. These assessments may be essays, assignments, multiple-choice tests, online tests, group reports or portfolio work.

Student support

Taking the leap from undergraduate study? Returning after a study break? Or joining us as an international student? Whatever your situation, we’re committed to supporting you throughout your studies. Find out more about our support for postgraduate students.

FAQs

What is a Masters in FinTech?

An MSc in Fintech (Master of Science in Financial Technology) is a postgraduate degree designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving financial technology sector. The programme typically covers a range of topics, including financial services and markets, technological innovations, data analytics and more.

Why study MSc FinTech?

Studying our MSc Fintech offers numerous benefits. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the financial sector, and will have ample career opportunities in the growing sector. You'll have the skills and knowledge needed for high-demand roles in innovative companies and financial institutions, having developed blend of technical and financial skills, making you versatile and valuable in the job market.

Can MSc FinTech lead to a good career?

Studying a Masters in Fintech can be a very promising career path. The industry is growing at a fast pace, meaning lots of opportunities for experts in the field. Working in fintech also allows you to be at the forefront of innovation, helping shape future business providing an exciting and rewarding career.

Programme Lead

Zeeshan Syed

Dr Zeeshan Syed has over five years experience working as a lecturer and course leader. He is passionate about teaching and learning, always striving for the best outcome for his students. He has a particular interest in skills-oriented subjects such as Corporate Finance, Python for Finance, Blockchain and Crypto Currency Economics, Fin-Tech, and Introductory Econometrics.

 

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

This qualification will prepare you for many career opportunities in fintech companies, digital payment companies, new trading firms, security protection firms, risk management, regulatory compliance, credit management and more.

A taste of what you could become

A financial analyst

A FinTech product manager

A digital banker

A cryptocurrency expert

A crowdfunding and tokens expert

And more...

Requirements

What you need to know

Applicant profile

This course is perfect if you want to understand how technology changes the financial industry, creates revenue, strengthens security and adds value.

The programme is designed for graduates with a background in financial management, accounting, economics, computer science, management, or business studies. Alternatively, relevant work experience will also be considered.

English language requirements

International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is proof of this. If you need to improve your written and spoken English, you might be interested in our English language courses.

Find out about dedicated support for international applicants.

Standard entry requirements

Undergraduate degree

Normally a minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent in business, finance, economics or a numerate subject, such as engineering, computing, maths or informatics. A wide range of professional qualifications are also accepted, either in partial or complete fulfilment of entry requirements.

International students

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.

Alternative entry requirements

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.

Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

How much?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2024/25 £8,550 per year
Full-time international 2024/25 £16,560 per year
Full-time home 2025/26 £8,550 per year
Full-time international 2025/26 £16,560 per year
Part-time 2025/26 Part time fees will be calculated on a pro rata basis

Additional costs

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. For more information please see our funding section.

International applicants

If you are applying from overseas and are accepted onto the programme with placement, there will be additional costs associated with visa extensions. These include:

  1. Extending your student visa fee (visit gov.uk for more information). Please note, this is in addition to your original student visa fee.
  2. Tier 4 biometrics enrolment fee.
  3. Immigration Health Surcharge 12 month fee (visit gov.uk for more information).

Visit Immigration and Visa FAQ and read the section on extending your Tier 4 visa for further information.

International scholarships

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our international scholarships.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply!

Still have some questions? Contact us:

By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545

Enrolment dates

September 2025

January 2026

September 2026