Ready to harness cutting-edge financial technology skills, from blockchain to investment analysis, for a career in the rapidly evolving finance industry?
Delivered by the triple-accredited Aston Business School, our MSc Financial Technology programme merges finance fundamentals with the dynamic field of financial technology. It enhances your analytical and quantitative skills, preparing you to navigate the complexities of modern finance.
Focused on financial markets, investment strategies and emerging technologies like blockchain, the course strikes a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. You will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software and benefit from our dedicated trading room, setting you up for competitive career paths.
The programme is led by experienced academics who have industry backgrounds, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. It equips you for a variety of fintech careers and prepares you for the CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst) Level I exam.
“I learned a wide range of financial topics, from trading to blockchain. The blockchain module was particularly interesting, as it's a new career path in the growing fintech field and wasn't too technical, focusing more on its application in finance.”
Aston University is an Affiliated University of the CFA Institute
Clear academics
100% of students agreed that staff were good at explaining things (Finance programmes; PTES, 2023)
Recognised for quality
Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation
Safe in our hands
Ranked top 10 in the UK for ‘graduate prospects – on track’ (Accounting and Finance; Complete University Guide, 2024)
Gain the advantage
Get ahead of the competition with the Aston Global Advantage professional development module
66th in the world
We’ve been ranked as 66th in the world for business and management studies (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024)
Le's story
Finance student Le shares her reasons for choosing Aston University, her favorite module, and advice she would give to future students.
We're serious about employability
As a postgraduate student, you will have access to dedicated careers guidance with specialist support from our experienced team of careers consultants
Gain a competitive edge
As well as opening doors, an Aston University postgraduate degree builds on your experience, develops your skills and gives you a competitive edge in a crowded job market.
Course description
MSc Financial Technology
Our MSc Financial Technology programme combines advanced financial theory with practical applications in fintech, preparing you for a diverse range of careers in the global financial sector and beyond.
What we will provide Expert-led education at our triple-accredited business school, enriched with research-based content and interactive teaching. The Aston Global Advantage module is designed to enhance your employability through robust industry connections and key placement opportunities. Experience hands-on learning, including access to Bloomberg trading terminals, for practical insights into the field.
We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.
What you will provide It is important to learn how to adopt a growth mindset in your studies, understanding that intelligence and success stem from applying yourself, willingness to learn and having ambition and drive to excel.
What skills we teach The MSc Financial Technology programme hones essential skills for navigating complex financial technology scenarios. It emphasises quantitative analysis, effective decision-making, and hands-on experience with the latest fintech applications. The programme will foster your ability to work in teams and enhance your practical understanding, equipping you for various financial environments after graduation.
Career prospects As an Aston University Financial Technology graduate, your expertise will open doors to opportunities in fintech firms, banking, technology and consulting. This paves the way for a versatile career trajectory in the rapidly evolving financial landscape, encompassing areas like digital finance and blockchain technology.
How you will learn
Our MSc Financial Technology programme has been carefully designed to align with the demanding standards and dynamic nature of the global financial industry. This programme is tailored to equip you with an extensive understanding of financial technology, combined with practical skills and analytical prowess, setting you up for a successful and rewarding career in the financial technology sector.
This programme has a strong practical element. You’ll gain hands-on experience working with real-time financial, accounting and economic data, thanks to our dedicated trading room facility and industry leading software. This exposure will give you the confidence and technical capability to gain a competitive edge in the job market.
In the Aston Global Advantage module, you will enhance your employability and global citizenship through experiential learning and reflective practice. Dedicated employability support, skill-building workshops and diverse learning streams will prepare you for both academic and professional success.
At the start of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who can offer individual study advice and guidance. You will also benefit from access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals.
Gain the advantage
Our flagship professional development module provides a range of opportunities to apply your learning and increase your employability.
Our MSc Financial Technology programme explores the intersection of finance and technology, focusing on the design, development and implementation of fintech solutions. You will gain a rigorous education in the latest financial technologies and their applications in the modern financial landscape.
In the taught stage, you will delve into advanced financial technology concepts, critically evaluating decisions and strategies at the firm level. You will develop analytical skills for tackling complex fintech challenges and learn to communicate these insights effectively.
In the dissertation phase, you will complete a research project on a financial technology topic of your choice, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research with a clear consideration of ethics, theory and methods.
This course offers an Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway, meaning you can spend an additional year at one of our international partner institutions. If successful, you will graduate with two masters degrees.
Professional experience
Oliver Wheeler valued the Aston Global Advantage module for providing a scholarship and a virtual internship with a London-based private equity fund.
Equips you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to design, develop and implement financial technology solutions.
Provides you with an intellectually rigorous and up-to-date education in financial technology.
Enables you to critically evaluate financial technology decisions, policies and implementation strategies at the firm level.
Develops your analytical and problem-solving skills, enabling you to tackle complex financial technology challenges.
Develops your skills to communicate finance and finance related quantitative analysis and their conclusions in a clear and precise manner to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Prepares you for careers in financial technology, including roles in technology firms, financial institutions and consulting firms.
In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:
Module Title
Credits
Investment Management This module addresses key concerns for individual and institutional investors, offering fundamentals and techniques in investment management. It covers capital markets, portfolio theory and applied portfolio management as practiced by industry professionals.
15
Foundations of Financial Market and Technology You will be introduced to the financial system, its markets, instruments and concepts, including financial intermediaries and their products. It also covers the basics of financial technology and its current developments, applying these to real-world questions and policy.
15
Emerging Topics in FinTech In this module, you will delve into advanced financial technology and its emerging applications, analysing their impact on real-world scenarios and policies, as well as their contribution to society. You will also critically examine the associated risks and limitations of these technological advancements.
15
Blockchain and Fintech This module offers theoretical and technical insights into blockchain technology, a key driver in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. You will learn about its architecture, advantages and the security challenges it presents in financial markets, including payments, insurance, lending and fundraising.
15
Corporate Risk Management Gain advanced insights into risk sources for financial and non-financial firms, mastering foundational models for risk measurement and control, while understanding the limitations and regulatory environment of financial technology.
15
Python for Finance Designed for finance students, this module provides practical data analysis skills to solve financial problems using Python, preparing you for advanced Python programming in the workplace.
15
The Aston Global Advantage The Aston Global Advantage is our professional development programme that runs throughout all MSc programmes at Aston Business School. Focusing on professional development and employability, this integrated module gives you the opportunity to identify, develop and apply the key transferrable skills you will gain throughout the year.
15
Ethics in Academic Practice This module provides an introduction to the Academic Offence framework. By completing the resources you will understand the key principles underpinning the submission of academic assignments.
0
Total
105
You will choose one of the following optional modules:*
Module Title
Credits
Trading Techniques You will gain detailed insight into financial market operations and factors influencing market prices. You will also learn to interpret real-time news and macroeconomic data, assessing their impact on foreign exchange rates, stock indices and commodities, and use critical reasoning to evaluate financial asset performance.
15
International Finance In this module, you will explore the challenges faced by organisations in the global marketplace. You will focus on how the international financial environment impacts firm strategies and risk management practices, such as hedging against currency fluctuations.
15
Financial Econometrics This module delves into the latest econometric techniques for modelling financial markets. Building on linear regression analysis, it introduces time series models for asset returns and financial market volatility.
15
*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.
Dissertation stage modules
In the dissertation stage you will study the following core modules:
Module Title
Credits
Research Methods This module will bring you up to speed with the key statistical analysis techniques used for analysing data. The skills set you will develop will not only be relevant to draw inferences from various types of data for making policy recommendations or investment decisions but will also lay the foundations for studying advanced econometric techniques.
15
MSc FinTech Research Project You will carry out an original piece of work applying material that you have learnt in the taught element of your degree. Specific requirements will be explained relating to different degree programmes but in summary you must demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of your chosen area of specialism.
45
Total
60
Programme outcomes
On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:
Identify and evaluate advanced financial technology concepts, theories, tools and prospects.
Demonstrate the technical skills needed to design, implement and evaluate financial technology solutions, analysing the impact of financial technology on the financial industry and its various stakeholders.
Evaluate critically the impact of advancements in financial technology on financial markets.
Explain and appraise various applications of financial technology, including cryptocurrencies, blockchain, fintech and digital payments.
Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of finance, econometric and statistical models when these are applied under some specific market conditions to infer suitable models for analysis and evaluation.
Understand the regulatory, ethical and security considerations related to financial technology.
Demonstrate communication (oral, written, and presentation skills) and communicate technical analysis and its results to different audiences.
Develop and demonstrate employability skills, such as leadership in problem-solving, negotiations, market awareness and motivational skills.
Demonstrate awareness of ethical and sustainability issues within the field of finance, as well as wider social and management issues and cultural diversity within a global context.
Undertake independent research by formulating research questions.
We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.
Entry requirements
One of the following:
2:1 (upper second-class honours) degree or equivalent
Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University (see international students tab below for more information)
We encourage applications from those with a background in economics, engineering, finance, mathematics, statistics or related disciplines. However, if you do not hold a degree in one of these subjects, you may still be eligible for the programme if you can evidence prior studies in mathematics or statistics within your degree or at A Level for home students. Prior studies in mathematics/statistics/quantitative modules should be at a minimum grade of 50%.
You will also need to provide:
A professional reference
If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
A completed application form.
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study but also a great place to live.
Qualifications in your country
For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:
Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.
Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.
Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.
We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.
The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications.
Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
Speak to our Admissions Team
If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:
The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.
Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.
At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.
You will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations and practical assessments.
Career prospects
The transferable skills that our finance programmes provide mean that our graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles such as:
Fund manager
Banker
Operations executive
Commercial accountant
Investment banking analyst
Financial analyst
Financial consultant
Foreign investment specialist
Auditor
Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as J.P.Morgan Chase, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, Ernst and Young, GE Healthcare, Industrial Commerical Bank of China, JDX Consulting, Morgan Stanley, Infosys and Amazon.
Persistence pays
Paras Khistriya proves that hard work pays off, advising others to “keep going until you hit the jackpot and always have positive people around you”.
Our graduates achieve amazing things all over the world – whether it’s setting up their own businesses, landing jobs with high profile organisations, or making real differences within their communities.
Why study Financial Technology at Aston University?
Studying Financial Technology at Aston University offers a unique blend of cutting-edge theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for the burgeoning fintech sector.
Aston Business School, renowned for its innovative approach and industry links, provides an environment where you can immerse yourself in the latest digital finance trends, from blockchain to cryptocurrencies.
Our MSc Financial Technology programme is meticulously designed to equip you with the tools to design, develop and implement fintech solutions, making you highly desirable in the job market. The programme emphasises real-world applications, ensuring that you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the ability to apply it effectively.
With a focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, Aston University prepares you for the complexities of finance in a digital world, opening doors to careers in technology firms, financial institutions and consulting.
What is the ‘Aston Global Advantage’?
Embedded in all our masters degrees, this assessed, year-long credit-bearing module aims to develop professional and personal transferrable skills relevant to any workplace and create a bridge between the degree and the world of work.
Why should I study my postgraduate degree at Aston University?
There are lots of benefits of studying a postgraduate degree at Aston University.
Watch this video from MBA student, Monique, who talks about just a few of them:
Is Birmingham a good place to study?
Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.
Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.
We understand how important it is to know your timetable in advance for planning around work, childcare, or other responsibilities. Here's some basic guidance on what to expect regarding your student timetable.
Full-time programmes
As a rough estimate, full-time postgraduate students in the College of Business and Social Sciences should expect to spend about 12-15 hours per week in lectures and on-campus seminars. This is in addition to independent study, and there may be additional guided learning activities during certain weeks. The exact distribution of these hours will vary depending on your course and module choices.
Part-time programmes
Part-time students will have fewer weekly on-campus hours compared to full-time students. This reduction is proportional to the number of modules you're enrolled in.
Timetable availability
Complete timetables are usually released shortly before the start of your programme. This timing is necessary to ensure that we accommodate all course requirements and that rooms are allocated based on the number of students likely to enrol on each programme. We aim to provide these timetables as early as possible, to assist you in your planning.
As your induction week approaches, you will be sent more information about your timetable via email, and you will be able to access your timetable by logging into MyAstonPortal. For any further queries or information regarding your timetable, you can reach out to your programme director or the Student Support team.
Online/distance learning programmes
The above information also applies to students enrolled in online/distance learning programmes. Please note that both full-time and part-time distance learning students are still required to attend scheduled synchronous learning sessions.
What can I get involved in at Aston Business School?
At Aston Business School, you will dive into a dynamic blend of innovative learning and hands-on experiences. With our acclaimed triple-crown accreditation, we offer you academic excellence and a track record of producing successful graduates.
Located in Birmingham, the UK's vibrant second city, Aston Business School provides you with a culturally rich environment and superb connectivity. You will benefit from real-world business engagements, international study opportunities and entrepreneur support programmes like BSEEN and Pitchfest.
You can also engage in practical consultancy at the Aston Business Clinic and collaborate with global peers in events such as the Maastricht Case Competition or the Universities Business Challenge. Our partnership with The Prince’s Trust, alongside a range of student clubs including TEDx and Enactus further enriches your learning experience.
