Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
MSc Financial Technology (FinTech) with Industrial Experience
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Financial Technology (FinTech) with Industrial Experience | Programme code | PTS2SBESBE18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The MSc Financial Technology with Industrial Experience programme at Exeter uniquely draws together a multi-disciplinary and practical approach to understanding the rapidly emerging and disruptive suite of technological innovations in financial services. The programme consists of core Financial Technology (hereafter FinTech) modules that consolidate your learning from a range of compulsory modules in Finance, Economics & Law.
Practitioner experience comes from a growing hub of real FinTech industry connections that come from Exeter Alumni, as well as our growing student-led FinTech Society, and a range of guest speakers from our successful undergraduate module ‘Bitcoin Money & Trust’. In the summer, you will embark on an exciting real project called a ‘hackathon’ led by an academic working closely with people in real firms who are involved in both the design and assessment. Additionally, the Industrial Experience placement year will give you the chance to put what you have learnt to practical advantage, providing valuable insight into the interplay between the theoretical skills and understanding acquired during your year at Exeter and the practicalities of using your skills and knowledge in a real world setting.
Exeter’s unique programme is designed to provide you with all the tools you need to succeed in any FinTech-associated career pathway. You will understand both existing paradigms in technology, as well as open-source approaches that utilise javascript, R, and Python to deliver seamless, efficient and aesthetically pleasing financial services to consumers.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
- To understand finance and finance-relevant technology
- To equip students with practical skills required in FinTech, including programming and data analysis
- To develop uniquely inter-disciplinary understanding of the FinTech industry
- To provide strategic insights into how technological progress, the international regulatory environment, and the growing demands from consumers are rapidly changing the nature of competition in financial services
- To enable students to work effectively as team members in groups defined by diversity in culture and skills that reflect real FinTech startups and incumbent FinTech hubs
- To provide opportunities for learning that is enriched by exposure to people of diverse cultural backgrounds and fields of study.
4. Programme Structure
The MSc Financial Technology programme is a two-year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned a number of credits. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
http://business-school.exeter.ac.uk/study/masters/modules/
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 and most of the summer to research, write and submit your Hackathon assessment.
During the programme you will study modules (including the Hackathon) totalling 180 credits. Please note that all options are available timetable permitting and may change
Academic Requirements for Progression onto “with Industrial Experience”:
?Each PGT “with Industrial Experience” student will have their academic progress checked after the Year 1 January and June Exam Boards. In order to progress onto the placement portion of the programme students need to have passed a minimum of 135 credits by July in Year 1 including all non-condonable modules.
Stage 1
105 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEEM061 | Fundamentals of Financial Technology | 15 | No |
| BEEM011 | Applied Econometrics 1 | 15 | No |
| BEAM046 | Financial Modelling | 15 | No |
| BEEM062 | Advanced Financial Technology | 15 | No |
| BEAM033 | Banking and Financial Services | 15 | No |
| BEEM063 | Hackathon Project | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
75 credits of optional modules.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Financial Technology optional modules 25-26 | |||
| BEAM031 | Financial Instruments | 15 | No |
| BEAM035 | Derivatives Pricing | 15 | No |
| BEAM047 | Fundamentals of Financial Management | 15 | No |
| BEAM052 | Corporate Governance and Finance | 15 | No |
| BEE3072 | Econometrics: Cause and Effect | 15 | No |
| BEE3077 | Health Economics | 15 | No |
| BEEM012 | Applied Econometrics 2 | 15 | No |
| BEEM154 | Economics of Public Finance | 15 | No |
| BEEM157 | Behavioural Finance | 15 | No |
| BEEM159 | Law for FinTech | 15 | No |
| BEEM161 | Smart Contracts | 15 | No |
| BEEM163 | Research in Practice: Study Design | 15 | No |
| BEMM148 | Marketing Strategy | 15 | No |
| BEMM178 | Innovation Management | 15 | No |
| BEMM190 | Digital Transformation | 15 | No |
| BEMM263 | Innovation and Technology Policy | 15 | No |
| BEMM394 | Entrepreneurship: New Venture Creation | 15 | No |
| BEMM458 | Programming for Business Analytics | 15 | No |
| BEMM786 | Service Design and Innovation | 15 | No |
| LAWM183 | International Banking and Fintech Law and Regulation | 15 | No |
| BEEM162 | Environmental Economics and Sustainability | 15 | No |
| BEMM827 | Marketing Technologies | 15 | No |
Stage 2
60 Credits of compulsory modules
a You must choose either BUSM002 or BUSM004, you cannot choose both
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUSM002 | Business School Industrial Experience UK | 60 | No |
| BUSM004 | Business School Industrial Experience Abroad | 60 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Understand principles and practices relevant to Financial Technology | BEEM061 Fundamentals of Financial Technology: The lectures and tutorials are designed to approach real Financial Technology case studies from a variety of discipline perspectives (ILOs 1-3). BEEM062 Advanced Financial Technology: The lectures and tutorials are designed to approach real Financial Technology case studies from a variety of discipline perspectives (ILOs 1-3). BEAM046 Financial Modelling: Practical Lab classes cover understanding and practice in finance (ILOs 1-3). BEAM046 Banking & Financial Services: Develops critical thinking alongside practical insights from guest lecturers (ILOs 1-3). BEEM063 Hackathon: The short course consolidates students’ learning on core modules, adding training in how to work through projects reflectively and professionally (ILOs 1-3). BEEM011 Applied Econometrics 1: Includes Lab Classes that prepare students for submitting real data analysis (ILOs 1-3). | Subject-specific skills (ILOs 1-3) will be assessed through assignments, written examinations and a hackathon project.
BEEM061 Fundamentals of Financial Technology: Assignment and examination (ILOs 1-3). BEEM062 Advanced Financial Technology: Assignment and examination(ILOs 1-3). BEAM046 Financial Modelling: Exam and Group assignment (ILOs 1-3). BEAM033 Banking & Financial Services: Exam (ILOs 1-3). BEEM063 Hackathon: Individually assessed written group project (ILOs 1-3). BEEM011 Applied Econometrics 1: Written examination and real data project (ILOs 1-3). |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
4. Develop practical programming, data manipulation and model building skills commonly utilised in the FinTech industry | BEEM061 Fundamentals of Financial Technology: Teaching material is informed by practitioners and includes case studies, as well as practical programming classes (ILOs 4-7). BEEM062 Advanced Financial Technology: This module builds on beem061 with similar activities (ILOs 4-7). BEAM046 Financial Modelling: Practical Lab classes include data manipulation in Excel & VBA (ILOs 4,6). BEAM046 Banking & Financial Services: Lectures cover key financial products, and include critical appraisal of developments since the financial crisis (ILOs 5-7). BEEM063 Hackathon: The actual project includes an element of real programming and analysis, including business strategy (ILOs 4-7). BEEM011 Applied Econometrics 1: Grounds students in enough econometric theory to be immediately applied to real datasets (ILOs 4,6). | BEEM061 Fundamentals of Financial Technology: Assignment and examination (ILOs 4-7). BEEM062 Advanced Financial Technology: Assignment and examination(ILOs 4-7). BEAM046 Financial Modelling: Exam and Group assignment (ILOs 4,6). BEAM033 Banking & Financial Services: Exam (ILOs 5-7). BEEM063 Hackathon: Individually assessed written group project (ILOs 1-3). BEEM011 Applied Econometrics 1: Written examination and real data project (ILOs 4,6). |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
8. CONFIDENT COMMUNICATOR: Able to adapt and adjust both written and verbal communication styles, to meet the needs of diverse audiences. | BEEM063: Hackathon involves group presentation as well as an individual report summarising their collaboration (ILO 8) BEEM061 Fundamentals of Financial Technology: Formative presentations provide a low risk environment for students to practice their communication skills (ILO 8)
BEEM063: Hackathon requires students to build an innovative application using financial technology with real world applicability (ILO9) BEEM062 Advanced Financial Technology: a machine learning model is built by students requiring high level problem solving skills (IL09).
BEEM061 Fundamentals of Financial Technology: Formative presentations foster collegiate mentality from the start (ILO 10). BEAM046 Financial Modelling: students are placed in groups of 5 where they collectively prepare assignments (ILO 10). BEEM063: Hackathon: Students are placed into groups with the aim of drawing on their individual strengths in a multi-disciplinary environment (ILO 10).
BEEM061 Fundamentals of Financial Technology & BEEM062 Advanced Financial Technology: These modules are highly technological and digital by nature. (ILO 11). BEAM046 Financial Modelling: The methods and models used on this course are develop common skills used all over the world in Excel & VBA (ILO 11). BEEM063: Hackathon: Training consolidates technological and digital literacy already learned (ILO 11). BEEM011 Applied Econometrics 1: The methods and models used on this course require training in the use of econometric software (ILO 11).
BEEM061 Fundamentals of Financial Technology: Case studies include scenarios that government regulators face when balancing competing interests in finance(ILO 12). BEAM033 Banking & Financial Services: the ethical dilemmas posed by the financial crisis are examined critically (ILO 12). BEEM063: Hackathon: Training on the module includes awareness of professional conduct (ILO 12).
BEEM061 Fundamentals of Financial Technology: Formative presentations provide an opportunity for critical reflection on the nature of the FinTech industry (ILO 13). BEAM046 Financial Modelling: weekly guided case studies help to prepare students for their group assignment (ILO 13). BEAM033 Banking & Financial Services: students critically appraise the financial crisis (ILO 13). BEEM063: Hackathon: Projects incorporate reflection on where practical solutions to real problems fit strategically, and on how the students developed (ILO 13). BEEM011 Applied Econometrics 1: This module helps students understand the philosophical trade-offs between type 1 and type 2 errors so that they can critically judge any statistical analyses (ILO 13).
BEEM061 Fundamentals of Financial Technology: Case studies used are from countries all over the world including Singapore, and the student intake should be international, and includes formative group work (ILO 14). BEAM046 Financial Modelling: The methods and models used on this course are the same all over the world (ILO 14). BEAM033 Banking & Financial Services: global issues in finance are approached from a critical perspective (ILO 14). BEEM063 Hackathon: Projects are defined by a range of truly global organisations BEEM011 Applied Econometrics 1: The methods and models used on this course are the same all over the world (ILO 14). | BEEM061 Fundamentals of Financial Technology: Assignment and examination (ILOs 8-14). BEEM062 Advanced Financial Technology: Assignment and examination(ILOs 9,11). BEAM046 Financial Modelling: Exam and Group assignment (ILOs 10-14). BEAM033 Banking & Financial Services: Exam (ILOs 12-14). BEEM063: Hackathon: Individually assessed written group project (ILOs 8-14). BEEM011 Applied Econometrics 1: Written examination and real data project (ILOs 11,13-14). |
7. Programme Regulations
Academic Requirements for Progression onto “with Industrial Experience”:
?Each PGT “with Industrial Experience” student will have their academic progress checked after the Year 1 January and June Exam Boards. In order to progress onto the placement portion of the programme students need to have passed a minimum of 135 credits by July in Year 1 including all non-condonable modules.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MSc Financial Technology (FinTech) with Industrial Experience
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 240 |
ECTS credits | 120 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | Date of last revision | 13/08/2025 |
|---|
