Overview
Financial technology, or fintech, is new technology that improves and automates financial services.
Join a thriving global fintech market
The global fintech market is booming. Valued at £92.72 billion ($115.34 billion) in 2021, it’s projected to soar to £752.79 billion ($936.51) billion by 2030. In the UK alone, the fintech sector is on track to reach £692.83 million ($862 million) by 2025.
Scotland is a hub of fintech innovation. It’s embraced this momentum with a forward-thinking ten-year sector roadmap. This ambitious strategy aims to generate up to 30,000 jobs in the country (source: Investment Monitor).
Fintech is a disruptive technology and is revolutionising the financial landscape. It is leading innovation in how banks, insurance companies, and other institutions operate. We can help you lead this change, with support for creating new applications and building better business models. Many fintech companies are small start-ups, so the business and entrepreneurial skills you’ll gain on this course will be invaluable.
Enhance your employability
The MSc Fintech prioritises employability. We developed the course in collaboration with global firms like HSBC, Sainsbury’s Bank, JP Morgan, and MBN. It benefits from strong industry ties, offering student projects, guest lectures from partners like FinTech Scotland, and networking opportunities through The Data Lab innovation centre.
Scotland is the UK’s second-largest fintech hub after London. It employs over 160,000 financial services professionals. Edinburgh ranks second among UK cities for fintech opportunities. Government-backed initiatives like Fintech Scotland support the industry.
Stirling, with a strong financial services heritage, is becoming a key digital technology hub. The establishment of Codebase, the UK’s largest tech incubator, reinforces its status as a centre for innovation and growth.
Gain cutting-edge fintech skills
Our fintech Masters degree helps you build advanced skills in both finance and technology. This combination makes you a highly sought after graduate.
You’ll study the latest developments in:
- manipulating data and scripting in Python,
- blockchain technology,
- digital currencies,
- internet computing platforms,
- data analytics,
- machine learning.
You'll also delve into:
- financial theory,
- ethical and regulatory frameworks,
- start-up planning,
- managing disruptive technology.
Gain practical experience
A third of the curriculum is dedicated to hands-on learning through a large project. Many of these projects are done in collaboration with industry. Organisations range from innovative start-ups to established corporations. Examples of past projects include:
Energy Optimisation Model - NatWest Group
Developed a model to optimise on-site operations.
Blockchain-Enabled Qualification Validation - RIBr Ltd, a Scottish digital consulting firm
Designed an app and smart contract for distributed validation of qualifications.
Understandable Analytics for Customers - Tesco Bank
Created a system to explain how advanced analytics (ML and AI) assign scores and make decisions affecting customers.
Financial Health Tool - Qpal, a digital payment solutions company
Built a tool using the Open Banking API to guide users towards stronger financial health.
Top reasons to study with us
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research overview
The MSc in Fintech, one of the first in Scotland, is rooted in the Mathematics and Computing Science division, drawing from its research on data analytics, blockchains and cryptocurrencies, security and mobile technologies.
It is also supported by the University of Stirling Management School. In REF 2021, 80% of our research impact in Business and Management Studies was classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
The course is accessible to students with both a computing/engineering and financial/economics background.
Typically (for instance for UK students), a minimum of a second class Honours degree or equivalent, in either a numerate subject such as maths, computing and engineering, or a business and finance subject is required.
Some experience of computer programming is also required. It may take several forms such as Python, Java, C, C++. If you don’t have these formal qualifications but have relevant work or life experience, you’re still encouraged to apply, and specific cases can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
For students interested in a January start, the duration of the course will be 21 months. For example, students starting in January 2025 will graduate in November 2026.
Modules
Course Details
Teaching
You'll learn from lectures and practical labs during the first two semesters from September to April, or January to August, depending on your start date.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed by a variety of assessment strategies, including written assignments, exams, individual projects, collaborative and group work, lab work, presentations and reports and a dissertation project. Assessment will be tailored to students’ special needs, where appropriate.
Classroom hours
A semester consists of 60 credits, with full modules of 20 credits and half modules of 10 credits. Depending on the organisation of each module, classroom hours may consist of lectures, tutorials, lab, group work or presentations, and vary in number.
Course director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are for candidates from developing Commonwealth countries, looking to study selected postgraduate Masters courses.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
A Fintech degree offers diverse career opportunities, ranging from traditional industries to cutting-edge or disruptive sectors including:
- Banking
- Insurance
- Investment
- Blockchain technologies
- Cryptocurrencies
- Mobile banking and institutions
- Open banking and finance
- Crowd funding
- Micro credit
The average fintech salary in the United Kingdom is £62,500 per year. Entry level positions start at £45,000 per year. Most experienced workers make upwards of £82,885 per year (source: Talent.com)
Roles that our MSc Fintech graduates hold include:
- Chief Technology Officer
- Financial Analyst
Graduate careers requiring expertise in fintech and data science are extremely varied. Beyond fintech companies, graduates are working in banks, the NHS, marketing companies, the oil industry and in government.
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