MSc Financial Technology (Fintech)

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MSc Financial Technology (FinTech) at the University of Exeter is designed for students who want to explore how technology is reshaping the finance sector through digital banking, blockchain, financial innovation, and data-driven financial services. The programme is ideal for graduates aiming to build careers in the growing FinTech industry by developing a combination of financial knowledge, technological understanding, and practical problem-solving skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – FinTech Foundations and Industry Applications

Students begin the programme by building a strong understanding of modern financial technology through core modules such as Banking and Financial Services, Financial Modelling, Applied Econometrics 1, Fundamentals of Financial Technology, and Advanced Financial Technology. These modules introduce students to financial systems, quantitative methods, financial modelling techniques, and the role of emerging technologies in transforming financial services.

Students develop their practical skills through the Hackathon Project, a major 30-credit module where they apply FinTech concepts to create innovative solutions for real-world challenges. They can also choose optional modules such as Smart Contracts, Law for FinTech, Programming for Business Analytics, Digital Transformation, Financial Instruments, and Derivatives Pricing to specialise according to their career interests.

The programme also allows students to explore wider areas of financial innovation through modules such as International Banking and Fintech Law and Regulation, Marketing Technologies, Entrepreneurship: New Venture Creation, and Service Design and Innovation. These subjects help students understand the impact of technology on global finance, business models, regulation, and customer-focused financial solutions.

Focus Areas

Financial technology, digital banking, blockchain, Bitcoin technologies, financial modelling, applied econometrics, banking services, smart contracts, financial regulation, digital transformation, programming for business analytics, sustainable finance, and financial innovation.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will develop the ability to apply emerging technologies to modern financial challenges and understand how digital innovation is transforming financial services. Students will gain skills in financial analysis, technology-driven decision-making, blockchain applications, data analysis, and designing innovative FinTech solutions for industry needs.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc Financial Technology (FinTech) is designed to provide industry-relevant skills by combining knowledge from finance, economics, data science, cyber security, and law. Through practical learning activities such as the Hackathon Project, group-based work, and industry-focused teaching, students develop the technical and analytical abilities required for careers in the rapidly growing FinTech sector.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The programme benefits from the University of Exeter Business School’s expertise in finance and technology, with teaching informed by research areas including blockchain, digital finance, and financial innovation. Students learn from academics across finance, economics, data science, cyber security, and law while gaining exposure to industry perspectives through talks and insights from FinTech professionals.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Exeter, the FinTech MSc isn’t just about lectures — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and putting your skills into action. You’ll get plenty of opportunities to work on real projects, use industry-standard tools, and collaborate with peers in ways that mirror the fast-paced world of digital finance. From hands-on hackathons to networking events and innovation hubs, you’ll gain experience that prepares you for a career in financial technology from day one:

Hackathon Project: In your final term, you’ll take part in the Hackathon Project, working in teams to create real financial technology solutions — a chance to put coding, analysis, and problem-solving skills into practice.
FinTech Society & Networking: Join the University of Exeter FinTech Society to attend workshops, talks, and events with industry guests, helping you stay ahead of trends and build connections.
Specialist Facilities: Learn in spaces like the Business School’s Xfi Building and Creative Quadrant (CQ), designed for collaborative work, innovation, and hands-on problem solving.
Finance & Economics Experimental Lab (FEELE): Access cutting-edge software and research-ready computers in the FEELE Lab, ideal for experiments, data analysis, and fintech projects.
Careers Support: The Business School’s dedicated Career Zone provides guidance, workshops, and employer events to help you translate your experience into internships and graduate roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing the MSc Financial Technology (Fintech) at Exeter opens the door to a variety of exciting careers where finance meets technology. Graduates often step into roles such as FinTech Analyst, Blockchain Consultant, Risk/RegTech Specialist, or Financial Data Specialist, working for innovative startups, global banks, tech companies, or consultancy firms. The program equips you with both technical and analytical skills, giving you the confidence to tackle real-world challenges and make an impact from day one:

Here’s how Exeter helps you succeed:

Tailored Careers Support: The Business School Career Zone provides workshops, one-to-one guidance, mock interviews, and employer events designed specifically for postgraduate students.
Connections with Employers: Platforms like Handshake link you with thousands of employers offering internships, placements, and graduate roles across finance, technology, and consulting.
Industrial Experience Option: If you choose the MSc with Industrial Experience pathway, you’ll spend an additional year gaining real-world experience, making professional connections, and applying your skills in a workplace setting.
Strong Employability Track Record: Exeter graduates are known for being highly skilled and work-ready, particularly in finance, tech, and business roles.
Global Accreditation Value: The Business School’s triple accreditation (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS) is widely recognised by employers worldwide, giving your degree lasting credibility.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re inspired to continue your studies, you could move on to research or doctoral programmes in fields like PhD Economics, Finance & Technology, Data Science, or interdisciplinary areas such as Cybersecurity and FinTech Policy. Exeter’s research centres, including the Finance and Economics Experimental Laboratory (FEELE), provide excellent support for building a research portfolio and preparing for academic or research-focused careers.