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Fintech (MSc)
MSc (Fintech) [Economics and Financial Technology]
Course Overview
The MSc Fintech (Economics and Financial Technology) is a pioneering programme at the intersection of finance, economics, and technology. This programme welcomes applications from graduates of business, economics and finance degrees, or computer science and engineering graduates with a background in economics. Leveraging Galway's robust presence in both finance and analytics, this Master's degree consolidates these strengths into a single, comprehensive offering.
The Fintech sector faces a pressing need for professionals equipped with a blend of economic insight and technical expertise. A recent FSI Report (September 2023) forecasts a staggering 44% increase in employee numbers over the next three years, underscoring the acute shortage of technical talent in this rapidly growing industry.
The programme's curriculum encompasses a blend of theoretical foundations and applied subjects, covering crucial areas such as:
- The impact of financial technology on the economy
- Economic theory and econometrics
- Finance, technology, and data science
Core modules in financial technology and financial analytics are supplemented by a diverse range of optional modules. This flexibility allows students to tailor their studies to match their specific interests within the expansive realm of Fintech.
The MSc Fintech (Economics and Financial Technology) aims to facilitate learning and critical assessment of the economic impact of emerging financial instruments, markets, and technologies. Graduates will acquire a skillset that allows them to make an immediate and substantial contribution within the FinTech industry.
Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarships
J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway is committed to attracting high calibre students from around the world and offers generous scholarships across all our postgraduate programmes, including the MSc Fintech. To be eligible candidates must have achieved a H1 (or international equivalent) in their primary degree and scholarships are offered on a competitive basis. Scholarships are awarded up to 50% of the programme tuition fees. Click here to learn more.
Applications and Selections
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) with Economics to intermediate level*. However, candidates with a significantly high H2.2 honours degree and who have achieved a 2.1 average in relevant Economics modules in a business degree, will also be considered. * By "intermediate level economics" we mean courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics at a level typically done in second or third year of an undergraduate programme. Applicants with a single year of Economics and a 2.1 may be required to take an online preparatory course before registering on the programme.
As this programme covers the intersection of finance and technology, we also welcome applicants with at least a 2:1 or equivalent in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics or Technology. Such applicants should highlight their suitability for the programme in their personal statement, citing appropriate evidence (e.g. work experience, internships, extracurricular activities, etc.). Applicants without an Economics background shall be required to take an online preparatory course before registering on the programme.
IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable.
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Duration
1 year, full-time
Next start date
September 2024
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
30
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
Please view the offer rounds website.
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
90
Award
CAO
Course code
Course Outline
Semester I
Core Modules:
- Financial Technology and the Economy (10 ECTS),
- Financial Econometrics (10 ECTS)
- Applied Portfolio Management (10 ECTS)
Optional Modules:
- Cybersecurity Risk Management (10 ECTS)
- Information Technology Law (5 ECTS)
- Strategic Management (5 ECTS)
- Intermediate Corporate Finance (5 ECTS)
- Macroeconomic Theory and Policy (10 ECTS)
- Microeconomic Theory (10 ECTS)
Semester II
Core Modules:
- Behavioural Finance and Economics (10 ECTS)
- Financial Data Analytics (10 ECTS)
Optional modules:
- Contemporary Issues in FinTech (10 ECTS)
- Web Design and Development (5 ECTS)
- International Entrepreneurship (10 ECTS)
- Digital Metrics and Analytics (5 ECTS)
- Advanced Corporate Finance (5 ECTS)
- Derivatives and Risk Management (10 ECTS)
- Green and Sustainable Finance (10 ECTS)
- International Monetary Economics (10 ECTS)
- Economics and the Global Economy (10 ECTS)
- International Finance (10 ECTS)
- Financial and Macroeconomic History (10 ECTS)
- Applied Econometrics (10 ECTS)
Teaching methods will include traditional expositional lectures, immersive collaborative discussions, problem-based learning (e.g. case studies on topics in Fintech), the invitation of guest speakers to lecture on their areas of expertise (e.g. FinTech regulation). There will be teaching of practical skills in computer labs as well.
Learning methods include study of textbook material, reading and critically assessing journal articles on the state-of-the-art research, and individual and group projects.
Assessment will take the form of in-person exams, in-person computer-based exams, and individual and group projects.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for a seamless transition to various careers in financial services, including but not limited to roles such as:
- Fintech Analyst
- Quantitative Analyst
- Blockchain Consultant
- Financial Data Scientist
- Fintech Product Manager
- Risk Management Specialist
- Financial Technology Strategist
- Investment Analyst
- Regulatory Compliance Officer
- Financial Systems Developer
- Cryptocurrency Researcher
- Algorithmic Trading Developer
- Payment Systems Architect
- Financial Technology Consultant
- Economic Policy Analyst
They can excel in diverse settings such as FinTech startups, digital banks, payments facilitator companies, insure-tech firms, digitalisation wings of traditional financial sectors, regulatory wings in the public or private sectors, and consultancies specialising in blockchain technologies.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€11,000 p.a. (€11,140 including levy) 2024/25
Fees: Tuition
€
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Non EU
€19,500 p.a. (€19,640 p.a. including levy) 2024/25
Find out More
Programme Director:
Dr Féidhlim McGowan
E: feidhlim.mcgowan@universityofgalway.ie
Programme Administrators:
Charmain Byrne, Sandra Brennan
E: economics@universityofgalway.ie
AACSB - Global Accreditation
AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting students, educators, and businesses worldwide
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