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Financial Technology MSc

London, Bloomsbury

The financial services sector has changed and is being disrupted by new emerging technologies and brand-new business models. This one-year Master's aims to make you an expert in both. 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.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£47,100
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£47,100
Duration
1 calendar year
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 04 Apr 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree (or international qualification of an equivalent standard) in computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering or a similarly quantitative subject. Programming experience in a language such as Python, C++ or Matlab is an advantage but is not mandatory. Relevant work experience is also taken into account. Some programming experience means that you have experience of working on projects deploying code or have passed modules/ assessments in your previous education with coding components. If you do not have this knowledge, there will be tutorials 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.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 3

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


Emerging technologies are reshaping the financial sector, requiring constant innovation to stay competitive. This Master's programme will deepen your understanding of these technologies and how to apply them to financial services. 

Spanning business, finance, and technology, this programme puts you at the cutting edge of the field. 

You will gain deep insights into blockchain, machine learning applications in finance, core finance principles, programming, and business strategy. The programme also provides opportunities to explore quantitative finance, algorithmic trading, database technologies, and financial policy and regulation.

Practical coursework reflects real-world scenarios. You'll complete a significant project during the summer term, either in collaboration with an industry partner or as an academic research project supervised by UCL's leading academics.

Who this course is for

This MSc is ideal for individuals with a background in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) who are looking to pursue a career in technology-driven finance, banking, or further academic research.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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







Optional modules










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.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Financial Technology.

Accessibility

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

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Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £47,100
Tuition fees (2025/26) £47,100

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

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students will require a modern computer (PC or Mac) with minimum specifications of 8GB RAM and 500GB SSD storage with a camera and microphone. However, we recommend at least 16GB RAM and 0.5-1 TB SSD storage. If you are considering undertaking a machine learning project, there will be computational capability available to you from within the Computer Science department, but you may nevertheless find it helpful to have a capable GPU in addition to the above.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

For more information about funding opportunities for UCL Computer Science taught postgraduate programmes, please see the department's scholarships webpage.

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

Next steps

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

When we assess your application, we wish to learn:

  • why you want to study Financial Technology at taught postgraduate level.
  • why you want to study Financial Technology at UCL.
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme.
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme.
  • what programming experience you have.
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree.

Together with 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. Your application will be judged entirely on the evidence you provide.

Having an interest in financial technology, new innovative financial products and intellectual curiosity are desirable qualities.

Due to competition for places on this programme, no late applications will be considered. Students with visa requirements or applying for scholarships are advised to apply early.

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.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Computer Science
Computer Science

cs.pgt-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

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