MSc Financial Technology (Fintech)
Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A 2:2 or equivalent from a recognised university, including at least one mathematical / quantitative module at 2:1 or equivalent. |
|---|---|
| UCAS code | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years full time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A 2:2 or equivalent from a recognised university, including at least one mathematical / quantitative module at 2:1 or equivalent. |
|---|---|
Why study MSc Financial Technology (Fintech) at Exeter?
- Gain an education in finance and economics so you can use technology to design and manage financial products and services
- Get ahead of the competition through an enhanced understanding of advancing technologies and business innovations, and explore the latest thinking with our FinTech Society
- Learn from The University of Exeter Business School’s existing expertise in Bitcoin and Blockchain, alongside the University’s wider expertise in economics, finance, data science, cyber security and law
- Develop practical skills like coding during our unique ‘Hackathon’ module and a variety of other innovative teaching methods
- Take part in group work throughout our modules to develop practical team working and employment ready skills.
Triple accredited Business School
AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
Learn creative problem solving skills in our new CQ makerspace
Opportunity to learn from experts in our FEELE Lab
A well-established laboratory for research in experimental economics
Top 15 in the UK for Economics
11th in the Complete University Guide 2026 and 12th in The Guardian University Guide 2026
Entry requirements
A 2:2 or equivalent from a recognised university, including at least one mathematical / quantitative module at 2:1 or equivalent.
We do consider all applications where there is evidence of exceptional performance in modules relevant to the programme of study, significant relevant work experience or professional qualifications.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B1.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
We offer you an exciting interdisciplary experience that emphasises group work and applying theory into real applications using the latest technology.
Jack Rogers
Programme Director
Course content
This programme is available for study 12 months full-time over three terms and is University-based throughout this time.
The taught components of the programme are delivered in the first two terms, leaving the third term to complete the practical Hackathon module. The programme in its entirety runs from September to September.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
- During the programme you will study modules (including the dissertation) totalling 180 credits.
- Please note that programme structures may be subject to change.
105 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Banking and Financial Services | 15 | |
| Financial Modelling | 15 | |
| Applied Econometrics 1 | 15 | |
| Fundamentals of Financial Technology | 15 | |
| Advanced Financial Technology | 15 | |
| Hackathon Project | 30 | |
BEAM033: Banking and Financial Services
Summary:
Banks and financial institutions facilitate transactions between savers and borrowers, enabling the efficient allocation of financial resources without the need for direct interaction. This module examines the process of financial intermediation and the evolving financial services through which it takes place, including commercial banking, insurance, pensions, and mutual funds. Theoretical and applied concepts are used to develop an understanding of how financial institutions operate, their economic significance, and their role in financial stability. Contemporary developments in financial innovation, digitalisation, and sustainable finance are integrated throughout. There are no pre- or co-requisites, although prior knowledge of introductory finance would be an advantage.
Additional Information:
Internationalisation
Students engage with up-to-date examples from international banking and financial markets, enabling them to apply concepts across different regulatory, institutional, and economic contexts globally.
External Engagement
The module features guest speakers from industry. Previous contributors have included the South West Agent of the Bank of England and financial services practitioners.
Employability
BEAM046: Financial Modelling
Summary:
This module equips you with the knowledge and tools to implement financial models using Excel or other statistical packages. The module covers a range of topics in finance drawn from corporate finance, portfolio theory, fixed income analysis, risk management and international finance. The emphasis of the module is on the practical application of finance theory, with lectures on each topic followed by in-depth practical classes, in which you will work through real world problems using Excel or other statistical packages.
Additional information:
Employability
This is an applied module that covers the implementation of quantitative financial models that are widely used in financial institutions such as investment banks, mutual funds and hedge funds, and in non-financial corporations.
Internationalisation
The content of this module is relevant to the finance industry in an international setting, with examples drawn from a number of global financial markets.
Sustainability
The sustainable operation of financial markets relies on the fact that security prices reflect the fair value of the future cash flows that they promise to pay. The fair valuation of security prices is maintained by the actions of investors, who exploit deviations from fair value through the implementation of financial models such as those covered in this module.
Research in Teaching
BEEM011: Applied Econometrics 1
Applied econometrics employs statistical methods to real-world data to give a quantitative description of the relationship amongst variables around us and a measure of how precise this description is. In this module, we will briefly review probability theory and fundamental statistics, which will cover topics like hypothesis testing and confidence intervals. We will then proceed to regression analysis, which is the workhorse of applied econometrics. We will also attempt to cover more advanced topics in regression analysis such as, but not limited to, panel data methods and nonlinear functions.
The module aims to provide students with an applied econometric foundation necessary in order to conduct a high-standard empirical analysis of economic data.
BEEM061: Fundamentals of Financial Technology
This module provides a foundational, interdisciplinary core for the cutting edge Exeter MSc Financial Technology (FinTech) programme. You will examine how innovations in digital money, blockchain systems, programming, and artificial intelligence are transforming financial services and the wider economic infrastructure in which they operate.
You will start the module by exploring what is actually meant by ‘FinTech’ and how far recent technological developments represent genuine disruption to traditional financial activity. You will analyse money and payments, and examine how developments like bitcoin/blockchain, open banking, and digital platforms fit into the broader history of financial innovation. Then, you will look at the technical foundations of blockchain systems using an accessible conceptual framework used to explore real world examples.
You are then introduced to core programming concepts relevant to FinTech, including Python and basic web technologies, enabling you to work with financial data, APIs, and simple interactive applications. You will then conclude the module with an introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning methods used in the context of financial forecasting.
Throughout the module, you will connect theoretical ideas to contemporary industry practice through case studies, practical exercises, and engagement with current developments in financial markets and regulation. No prior programming experience is required.
BEEM062: Advanced Financial Technology
This module builds on BEEM061 Fundamentals of Financial Technology by developing a deeper analytical and technical understanding of how blockchain systems, digital infrastructure, and machine learning methods are reshaping global finance.
You will begin examining current developments in FinTech by considering competition, decentralisation, and regulation. You will explore how concepts such as network effects, APIs, and platform modularity influence the structure of financial services and the distribution of market power. Contemporary debates surrounding stablecoins, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and the governance of artificial intelligence are used to help you explore the evolving institutional landscape of digital finance.
You then undertake a detailed study of blockchain protocols and underlying economic incentives. Topics include mining economics, consensus mechanisms, UTXO versus account based systems, scripting and programmable transactions, and the implications of proof of work versus proof of stake and other consensus mechanisms. These foundations are used to evaluate competing blockchain architectures and emerging applications such as micropayments, smart contracts, and secure identity systems.
BEEM063: Hackathon Project
This module will start with an intense short course delivered with input from industry leaders. It is designed to give you the opportunity to consolidate your inter-disciplinary learning on the MSc FinTech programme into a real FinTech project. You will tackle a problem defined by a real business, and use an applied research approach to investigate, prototype, and evaluate a FinTech solution to a real organisational challenge working in a team with defined roles. By experiencing the realities of working with a live business, you will have the opportunity to display the skills you have learned during the taught part of the programme in a way that maximises your employability.
The main aim of this module is to allow you to put into practice all the skills learned on the MSc FinTech programme in to a consolidated set that completes your training as a FinTech specialist. These skills include: working in a team, project planning, programming, report writing and presenting. Each student will be supported throughout the project by a FinTech academic, and the best performing projects will have the opportunity to present their ideas to industry leaders.
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Financial Instruments | 15 | |
| Derivatives Pricing | 15 | |
| Fundamentals of Financial Management | 15 | |
| Corporate Governance and Finance | 15 | |
| Health Economics | 15 | |
| Applied Econometrics 2 | 15 | |
| Economics of Public Finance | 15 | |
| Behavioural Finance | 15 | |
| Law for FinTech | 15 | |
| Smart Contracts | 15 | |
| Environmental Economics and Sustainability | 15 | |
| Research in Practice: Study Design | 15 | |
| Marketing Strategy | 15 | |
| Digital Transformation | 15 | |
| Entrepreneurship: New Venture Creation | 15 | |
| Programming for Business Analytics | 15 | |
| Service Design and Innovation | 15 | |
| Marketing Technologies | 15 | |
| International Banking and Fintech Law and Regulation | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
60 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Choice 1 | ||
| Career Management Skills for "with Industrial Experience" Students | 0 | |
| Business School Industrial Experience | 60 | |
BUSM005: Career Management Skills for "with Industrial Experience" Students
This module is designed to support the employability and personal development skills needed to explore career opportunities and to source and apply for an industrial placement. Delivery is through subject-based lectures and workshops, interactive e-learning resources and personal guidance. An understanding of the key elements of the selection and recruitment process, raising self-awareness of key skills and competencies and developing the reflective skills required for Continuous Professional Development and future career management will be provided.
Following this module, you are required to participate in an approved work placement (BUSM002/004), organised by yourself, for a minimum of 33 weeks + annual leave. Ultimate responsibility for finding and scheduling a placement lies with you; however, there will be advice and support from the Careers and Employability team, particularly on how to approach employers and identify suitable opportunities. International placements are acceptable but must be approved by the Careers and Employability Team before starting the placement. It is important that all placements are deemed at a 'degree' level, for you to gain useful experience for the future. Low-level part-time jobs will not be approved.
This non-credit-bearing module will enable you to study a dedicated career management module whilst undertaking tasks and activities related to finding and securing a suitable degree-level work placement (minimum 33 weeks).
BUSM006: Business School Industrial Experience
This module allows you to undertake and to learn from an extended work placement as an additional year of your eligible Business School Masters programme.
To progress to this module, you will have:
- Completed the BUSM003 Postgraduate Career Management Skills for ‘With Industrial Experience' module.
- Found a suitable placement for a minimum of 33 weeks.
- Passed the academic progress checks after the January and June Exam Boards.
Having developed the careers management skills necessary for a competitive graduate labour market, this is an invaluable opportunity to put the theory learned into practice in the workplace and to focus on your professional skills development.
During your “industry” year you will be supported by an academic WIE tutor and the Employability team.
Additional Information:
Internationalisation
You can undertake a work placement in the UK, Europe or elsewhere in the world. Overseas placements will be considered on a case-by case basis
External Engagement
The placement provides the chance for you to develop professional relationships with new colleagues, and connections within your placement organisation and with other stakeholders. You will have the opportunity to research and examine the context of your placement organisation in assignment 2.
Employability
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
- £14,900 full-time
- With Industrial Experience (second year): £2,980 full-time
International fees per year:
- £26,900 full-time
- With Industrial Experience (second year): £5,380 full-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
Teaching and research
Our postgraduate taught programmes utilise a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Lectures
The aim of lectures is to give you information on ideas that are central to the module and to help you in developing your understanding of complex ideas. Many of the teaching materials for lectures are made available to you electronically to accompany the notes you take during the lecture. Lectures are given by a range of staff members, including leading professors, who integrate their latest research findings into the teaching that you receive. Guest lecturers, including members of industry, also contribute to some modules.
Seminars and tutorials
Seminars and tutorials involve an in-depth exploration of the issues covered in lectures as well as giving you the opportunity to discuss various concepts and theories and receive feedback on your written assignments. As a postgraduate students in the Department of Economics you will be able to participate in the established Economics Seminar Series.
Assessment
Modules are assessed through a mixture of group work, coursework, project work and examinations; the weighting of each of these components will vary according to the academic requirements of the module. Examinations are normally held at the end of the module, in January and May/June.
Guest talks with industry experts
You’ll have the opportunity to grow your industry network by attending a number of guest talks from prominent figures in FinTech, especially in the Bitcoin/Blockchain space.
Research-led teaching
Our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
Our programmes are designed to be flexible, whilst also giving you the opportunity to specialise if you wish. You will explore not only traditional economic models, but the latest application of economy theory including behavioural and experimental economics, giving you world-relevant knowledge.
We draw upon the internationally rated research undertaken within the department, and the experience of our academics in developing economic policy at organisations such as the Bank of England, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations.
Economics research
We are a research-intensive faculty and our world-leading research is actively shaping the world around us, and we combine this with innovative teaching techniques, unique to our Business School. You can also participate in experiments contributing to this cutting-edge research through our state-of-the-art research laboratory FEELE (Finance and Economics Experimental Laboratory at Exeter).
Taught by leading experts
You will be taught by internationally respected academics who are at the forefront of their research. We draw upon disciplines across the social sciences and give emphasis to the dynamic nature of enterprise, global connectivity and the management and leadership of the global challenges that lie ahead.
The Business School is home to the following research centres:
- Centre for Innovation in Business Education
- Centre for Responsible Innovation (CRI)
- Centre for Simulation, Analytics and Modelling (CSAM)
- Exeter Centre for Leadership (ExCL)
- Exeter Centre for Social Networks (ECSN)
- Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre (ESF)
- Initiative in the Digital Economy at Exeter (INDEX)
- Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute (LEEP)
- Research Methods Centre
- Tax Administration Research Centre (TARC)
- The Exeter Centre for Circular Economy (ECCE)
Careers
Preparing you for success
This Masters degree is designed to prepare you for a successful career, wherever in the world you plan to work. We’ll prepare you for your career by teaching you advanced communication and technical skills, team-working and independent research, project-management and the very latest specialist knowledge.
Develop employer-valued skills
This programme is ideal for students from a variety of backgrounds with mathematical / statistical experience, who are looking to launch a career in this exciting industry.
As well as the academic knowledge you'll gain, you will develop practical skills required including coding though our unique ‘Hackathon’ module and a variety of innovative teaching methods.
Career paths
Graduates can look forward to working in a diverse range of roles within:
- Banking and Finance
- Technology
- Regulation Technology (RegTech)
- Strategic and security planning
- New ventures
Developing your skills and career prospects
The University of Exeter Business School provides a range of support to help you develop the skills employers require. Visit our postgraduate Business School careers service web page for more information.
