University College London (UCL)
Financial Technology MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
The MSc in Financial Technology is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of how technology is transforming finance. The program covers key areas like financial markets, data analysis, risk management, and the use of digital tools in banking and investment. Students learn to develop and apply new tech solutions, such as algorithms and blockchain, to real-world financial problems. The course emphasizes practical skills and industry relevance to prepare students for careers in fintech companies, banks, investment firms, or regulatory bodies.
Throughout the program, students engage with a mix of theoretical concepts and hands-on experiences. They work on projects and case studies that reflect current industry challenges, gaining skills in programming, data analysis, and financial modeling. The curriculum also explores the ethical and regulatory aspects of financial technology, helping students understand the broader implications of tech innovations. With a focus on developing industry-ready skills, the course supports students in building confidence and expertise needed to stand out in the fast-evolving fintech landscape.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Masters Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or ethnic or religious background it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
This programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, lab classes. Your self-directed learning is supported by online resources.
You will be assessed through various methods, including coursework, projects, exams, and a final research project/dissertation.
For full-time students, typical contact hours are approximately 16-18 contact hours per teaching week, depending on module selections and timetabling. These contact hours include lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, office hours and other events.
Outside of these sessions, students are expected to engage in significant self-directed study and complete assessments. Formal teaching and self-directed study together amount to a workload comparable to a full-time job, roughly 35-40 hours per week in total.
Modules
Full-time
The Financial Technology MSc is a one-year programme.
In Term 1, you will study topics in machine learning with applications in finance, blockchain technologies, and you will acquire finance and programming skills. You will choose from a range of optional specialist topics, including operational risk measurement, financial engineering, software engineering and product management, and the fundamentals of database systems.
In Term 2, you will study topics in innovation, strategy and technology in financial services. You will choose further optional topics, which may include data-driven modelling and market modelling and analysis, algorithmic trading, advanced machine learning, and policy and regulation. You will also begin the preparation for your final research project/dissertation.
In Term 3, you will primarily focus on your final research project/dissertation and any examinations in the main examination period.
Compulsory modules
- Blockchain Technologies
- Digital Finance
- Innovation and Strategy in Finance
- MSc Financial Technology Project
- Machine Learning with Applications in Finance
Optional modules
- Financial Engineering
- Database Fundamentals
- Software Engineering and Product Management in Financial Technology
- Data-driven Modelling of Financial Markets
- Algorithmic Trading
- Advanced Machine Learning in Finance
- Policy and Regulation for Financial Technology
- Distributed Ledger Technologies Seminar
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Financial Technology.
What this course will give you
This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities:
- Recognition from a top-ranked university: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2025), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide. Additionally, UCL was named the Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2024.
- High-quality education from leading experts: Learn from world-renowned academics who are at the forefront of computer science innovation. UCL Computer Science is recognised for its research excellence, ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
- Blockchain leadership: UCL is ranked 1st in the UK and 7th globally for Blockchain education and research by the latest CoinDesk University Rankings. This programme leverages UCL’s strengths in blockchain via the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies, providing you with advanced knowledge in one of the most transformative technologies in the financial sector.
- Real-world experience through project work: Apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings with a substantial research project. Many of these projects are conducted in collaboration with industry partners via the UCL Industry Exchange Network (IXN), giving you valuable hands-on experience and industry insights. Our relationships with industry are extensive, including Fidelity, Ripple, NatWest, Santander, BNP Paribas, and many more.
- Strong employability with high employment rates and starting salaries: Our graduates are highly sought after in the job market, thanks to UCL's strong reputation and the practical, industry-focused skills gained during the programme. You'll be well-prepared to enter a variety of high-demand roles in finance and technology.
- Enhanced research skills: The research-based components of the programme will equip you with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing you for potential doctoral studies or research-intensive roles in industry.
- Strategic location: Studying in London, a global financial and technology hub, places you in proximity to top technology companies, entrepreneurial projects, and industry practitioners, enhancing your learning and career opportunities.
The foundation of your career
Graduates are well-prepared for careers in traditional financial services, fintech companies, consulting firms, or technology roles within financial institutions. The programme also provides the entrepreneurial knowledge needed to thrive in the start-up ecosystem.
Employability
This programme equips you with highly relevant skills for today’s finance world, including knowledge of new digital business models, innovation through technology, blockchain, and machine learning applications in finance. You will also develop strong quantitative finance skills, programming expertise, and the ability to apply technology in financial domains.
Networking
You’ll have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate and network with peers and members of academia and industry as part of your Master’s, particularly through collaborative project work and research seminars.
- As a student and later as a graduate, you will have access to the UCL Careers events programme, connecting you with employers and alumni. This programme provides invaluable insight into the reality of different roles, sectors, and current application processes.
- UCL also has a large number of clubs and societies, which can be an effective way to connect with peers who share similar interests and career goals.
- Be part of a university where entrepreneurial minds thrive. Our academic and industrial networks provide a safe and supportive environment if you want to grow your own company.
- London’s Tech scene is vibrant and has regular networking events.