MSc in FinTech: a competitive advantage for Scotland

Recently named Times Higher Education (THE) Business School of the Year for our innovative and entrepreneurial outlook, Strathclyde’s MSc in Fintech is our latest postgraduate offering. Accounting and Finance lecturer Daniel Broby looks at the details. 

Our new Masters in Financial Technology (MSc FinTech) should be another step in further establishing Scotland as a leader in financial innovation. The programme combines finance, programming and data analytics and is taught jointly by the Department of Accounting and Finance and the Department of Management Science – and we believe it is one of the first such programmes in the UK.

The intensive 12 month programme, due to start in September 2017, will offer students a rigorous core academic curriculum combined with the entrepreneurial and innovative elements of the “fintech revolution”. It includes a selection of financial method, programming, data analytics and regulations and technology, and will introduce the applications of blockchain and distributed ledgers.

This MSc takes a holistic view of the financial ecosystem from the perspective of where it is headed. Graduates of this programme will be highly employable and have the relevant skillsets for future careers in capital markets. We’re confident the course will help students to fast-track into a successful career in the finance sector.

Fintech is a multi-disciplinary area and this plays well to Strathclyde’s strengths: programming code, data analytics and the theory of financial markets are all core teaching modules and areas of research excellence for us.

The Masters in Fintech curriculum is based on fundamental pillars that will combine front office theory with middle and back office practice in the fields of operations, clearing and settlement. The first semester is designed to provide the students with the fundamental understanding of finance and analytical methods. Core courses focus on the principles of finance and quantitative and business analytics. The MSc will teach students how to be become effective technology analysts. It will also give them an understanding of regulations and technology (Reg Tech) that shape the financial markets.

The second semester is designed to integrate programming and big data techniques as well as extend the students’ core skills in finance and enhance understanding of financial markets. Big data and the method of its analysis are becoming increasingly important for banks and other financial institutions. We aim to teach these to our graduates so they are better equipped for careers that combine finance and technology.

As with all Strathclyde Business School programmes, it has business at its heart, with real industry experience a key component. One class is led by industrialists in partnership with academics, allowing students to experience the practical reality of applying analytical methods in financial technology business.

The MSc in Fintech has received letters of support from Scottish Investment Operations (SIO) and the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) as well as a number of leading financial institutions.

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About Daniel Broby

Daniel Broby has enjoyed a successful career in both academia and practice. His knowledge of financial theory and markets have had important practical application. He has held a number of senior executive positions in the Fund Management industry, including Chief Executive, Chief Investment Officer, and Chief Portfolio Manager. His practical skill set includes financial modelling, portfolio construction, accounting analytics and investment process.