Richard Bradley

Richard's Story

Studying at Stirling has been more than just further academic studies. The FinTech and Big Data courses are run in partnership with The DataLab. This brings together students from different Scottish universities to develop skills and relationships beyond our individual courses.

I have also been fortunate in being part of Stirling’s Student Enterprise Enhanced Development (SEED) initiative that provides skills and mentoring for new business initiatives. This recently included an opportunity to give three separate pitches of my business idea to external judges and receive constructive feedback about the idea and business development. This has been the culmination of mentoring we have received from professionals in the fields of marketing, accounting, finance, legal and HR.

I would be missing a significant aspect of life at Stirling University if I didn’t mention its mix of local and international students. I have been privileged to learn and work alongside students from across Europe, Africa, America and Asia. I have even learned the basics of playing Shogi (Japanese chess).

The course itself has a significant proportion of elective subjects that effectively bring together both technical and business topics required for the FinTech sector. For me this has included: data manipulation and representation using the programming language Python; Data Analytics (Predictive Analytics/Machine Learning) using Weka and the programming language R; Mobile Financial App development using JQuery and Cordova; as well as a deep-dive into Blockchain technologies; coupled with Innovation Management; Contemporary Issues in Banking; and Investment Regulation and Ethics.

When you come to Stirling, even if it is only to have a look around the university, take time to see a little bit of Scotland while you’re here. Travel into the Trossachs and enjoy what is on Stirling’s doorstep; go further if you can to the Highlands and Islands; and don’t miss out Edinburgh and Glasgow to see the vibrancy of these cities coupled with centuries of history.