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Banking and Digital Finance MSc

London, Stratford (UCL East)

UK students International students

Study mode

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

£41,000

£20,500

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)

£41,000

£20,500

Duration

1 calendar year

2 calendar years

Programme starts

September 2024

Applications accepted

Applicants who require a visa: 08 Jan – 17 May 2024

Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024

Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in an appropriate subject such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics or other highly numerate disciplines. Knowledge of mathematical methods and introductory probability and statistics is also required. Applicants must show an interest in developing thinking and problem-solving skills.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2
Please note that other than UCL's Pre-Masters and Pre-sessional English courses, the only tests accepted for entry to the Institute of Finance and Technology are IELTS and TOEFL.

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The primary objective of our Banking and Digital Finance MSc is to provide students with the tools and skills to gain an in-depth understanding of the finance and banking industry. The programme is highly applied and the teaching is research-driven, allowing our students to gain access to the most innovative aspects of digital finance.

Who this course is for

We encourage applications from prospective students with a background in an appropriate subject such as finance, banking, computer science, mathematics, economics or other quantitative disciplines. Knowledge of mathematical methods and introductory probability and statistics is also required. Applicants must show an interest in creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

Global demand is growing for financial managers to be capable of dealing with the interaction between finance and new technologies (FinTech). Our Banking and Digital Finance MSc is a specialist Master's degree designed to address the demands of the next era of technology-led financial services. It is aimed at those already in, or targeting, technology-led finance and banking careers. The Institute of Finance & Technology developed this MSc in liaison with industry, government and other influential bodies, including BlackRock, HSBC, European Investment Bank, London Stock Exchange Group, KPMG, Bank of England, HM Treasury, World Bank and IMF.

Finance is going through major changes due to disruptive innovations which have developed and accelerated the next era of technology-led financial services. The view of industry is often that universities have not kept pace with the continuous innovations taking place in the finance sector. We are pioneering a change. This programme gives you the opportunity to receive first-hand access to industry experts. We utilise industrial professors who will deliver teaching alongside academic staff. This programme will also make use of case studies to support the application of theory to real-life industry examples. Through this approach you will be able to identify opportunities and challenges in rapidly changing global markets.

The challenges and opportunities posed by new technologies call for unique approaches and cross-discipline analyses. The Institute of Finance & Technology is built around a vision of finance at the service of major societal challenges. New financial models, embedding technical, environmental and social aspects within financial mechanisms, will be developed by experts in their fields who will pass on this new understanding to future global leaders through our Banking and Digital Finance MSc.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Once they enter professional practice, graduates from this programme will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills in the following areas:

analytical aspects of banking and financial markets
interpretation and analysis of data and big data
banking products and operations
Web3, blockchain and tokenomics and decentralised finance
artificial intelligence and machine learning

The best performing students from this programme are offered the opportunity to win internships with leading banking and finance firms.

Employability

The programme aims to produce graduates who will serve the needs of universal banks, mutual and pension funds, investment banks, governments, central banks, advisory bodies and the FinTech industry. The MSc will provide graduates with a systematic understanding of banking, financial systems and advanced technological applications of finance, the external context of these areas, and how they are managed. Graduates will be competent in applying a range of digital tools, taking account of their relationship and interaction with banking and financial markets. Through having gained critical awareness of current issues and the development of financial systems and markets, graduates will be able to convey their knowledge of cutting-edge practice and research in the field.

Networking

UCL offers an enriching environment for networking and professional growth. Engage with peers, industry experts, and faculty members who share your passion. Through collaborative group projects, seminars, workshops, and industry partnerships, you'll forge connections that extend beyond the classroom.

These networking opportunities provide insights into real-world challenges, offer chances to learn from industry leaders, and pave the way for potential internships and job placements. Your interactions within this vibrant community will not only enrich your learning experience but also establish a valuable network that can shape your future in the arena.

Teaching and learning

The programme employs a comprehensive teaching methodology that integrates various learning avenues to ensure a robust educational experience. The curriculum includes a blend of formal lectures, interactive seminars, practical workshops, and both independent and group-based tasks. Leveraging the insights of industry experts in banking and finance, the program's syllabus has been meticulously designed to incorporate cutting-edge perspectives. The teaching faculty is a fusion of accomplished UCL academic staff with renowned international research expertise in the field, ensuring a high-quality learning experience.

The programme will be delivered through a combination of formal lectures, seminars, classes, workshop sessions, and independent or group work. Industry experts in the field of banking and finance have been consulted during the detailed design of the syllabus, and will contribute to teaching. In addition, you will be taught by UCL academic staff with international research reputations, who are specialists in their fields.

Students engaging in the programme can expect a workload of approximately 40 hours per week. This allocation encompasses a mix of structured learning and teaching activities, including lectures, seminars, and tutorials.

Modules

The programme consists of 8 taught modules followed by a research based project dissertation. The topics covered in the programme include aspects of:

Banking and Corporate Finance
Financial Analytics and Machine Learning
Asset Pricing
Financial Engineering
Big Data in Quantitative Finance
Behavioural Finance and Artificial Intelligence
Decentralised Finance and Blockchain
Financial Strategies and Risk Analysis

The programme structure for part-time students encompasses a total of 180 credits over the course of two years. This flexible structure allows part-time students to tailor their learning journey, ensuring a comprehensive education that suits their pace and aspirations.

Compulsory modules

Introduction to Banking

Finance and Artificial Intelligence

Big Data in Quantitative Finance

Financial Analytics and Machine Learning

Corporate Financial Strategy and Capital Structure

Risk Analysis and Quantitative Asset Allocation

Decentralised Finance and Blockchain

Dissertation

Asset Pricing

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. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

The programme consists of eight compulsory taught modules (120 credits) and a project dissertation (60 credits). Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Banking and Digital Finance.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students

Fee description	Full-time	Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25)	£41,000	£20,500
Tuition fees (2024/25)	£41,000	£20,500

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

: Brown Family Bursary

Deadline: 20 June 2024

Value: £15,000 (1 year)

Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need

Eligibility: UK

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 20 June 2024

Value: Tuition fees plus £15,700 stipend ()

Criteria Based on financial need

Eligibility: UK

Next steps

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to learn:

why you want to study Banking and Digital Finance at graduate level
why you want to study Banking and Digital Finance at UCL
what parlicularly attracts you to the chosen programme
how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with the essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

We look for students with drive, intelligence, enthusiasm, and the right aptitude. Applicants should highlight any relevant work experience they have, including international exchanges, internships, and/or interest in major global challenges. These attributes would be advantageous because applicants are likely to be working in a highly diverse and international environment.

Please note that you are not allowed to defer your offer for this programme.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

This programme requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found on this Selecting your references page.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.