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The financial services sector has changed and is being disrupted by new emerging technologies and brand-new business models. This programme aims to make you an expert in both.
About this programme
Our Financial Technology MSc takes a computer-science-first approach, enabling you to stay ahead of the innovations that are changing the financial services industry.
A range of established and emerging technologies are disrupting the financial sector. These are constantly evolving, requiring companies to embrace innovation to remain competitive. Through this programme, you will gain an in-depth understanding of these technologies and how to apply them to financial services. A programme spanning finance, business and technology – taught by UCL Computer Science – this is where you will place yourself at the cutting edge of technology in the world of finance.
You will learn about blockchain technologies from machine learning applications to finance, as well as innovation and strategy in finance, core finance, programming and business strategy skills. You will have the opportunity to explore quantitative finance, algorithmic trading, database technologies, policy and regulation in finance, product management and software engineering in finance, and advanced applications of machine learning.
Why study this programme?
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.
Modules
Compulsory modules
- Blockchain Technologies
- Digital Finance
- Innovation and Strategy in Finance
- MSc Financial Technology Project
- Machine Learning with Applications in Finance
Optional modules may include:
- 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.
Who is the programme for?
Entry requirements
This programme is for you if:
- you have a minimum of an upper-second class UK Bachelor's degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering or a similarly quantitative subject.
- you have some programming experience in a language such as Python, C++ or Matlab (though not mandatory). If you don't have experience, tutorials are offered at the beginning of the programme, but you will be expected to get up to speed rapidly. A self-assessment test will be available to determine if you will need additional support for coding. A good knowledge of linear algebra, statistics, and probability theory will be assumed.
- you are looking to pursue a successful career in technology-led finance and banking, or a career in academia.
Employability
This programme gives you the skills you will need to work with technology and financial services, so you will come away with a suite of expertise that has exceptional relevance in the world of finance today.
In particular, you will have highly transferable knowledge about new digital business models, how innovation through technology is changing financial services, technology skills in blockchain, and machine learning applications in finance. You will also have quantitative finance skills, programming knowledge and the ability to apply technology within the financial domain.
The research-based curriculum also promotes strong research skills, which you will develop through your final research project/ dissertation. This will mean you are also well-equipped to undertake doctoral research.
Career destinations
As a graduate of this programme, you could go on to work in traditional financial services, for finance institutions, or for consulting firms. You will also be well placed to work directly in technology roles in financial services firms, fintech companies or technology companies. Given the skills you will acquire in business and innovation, you will also have the background knowledge needed to enter the start-up world.
Register below to receive further information.
To see full information about this programme, including its structure, detailed module descriptions, fees and funding, full entry requirements and more, please visit the UCL Graduate Prospectus.