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Venture Capital and Private Equity with Financial Technology 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 (or equivalent overseas qualification) such as economics, finance, mathematics, physics, statistics or engineering. Relevant work experience in the finance industry is highly recommended but not essential. This includes (but is not limited to) experience as an analyst, risk or portfolio manager, trader or business entrepreneur.

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

As a student of our Venture Capital and Private Equity with Financial Technology MSc, you will cover the most innovative aspects of start-up activities and FinTech in order to analyse how timing, governance, value creation, competitive dynamics, alternative business models, and performance management can determine the scale-up, growth, and success of companies.

Who this course is for

We encourage applications from prospective students with a background in an appropriate subject such as finance, computer science, mathematics, economics or other quantitative disciplines. Relevant work experience in the finance industry is highly recommended but not essential. This includes (but is not limited to) experience as an analyst, risk or portfolio manager, trader, or as a business entrepreneur.

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

What this course will give you

The past decade has seen a dramatic growth of start-up ecosystems and huge shifts across the world of business, particularly as new technologies have disrupted more traditional approaches. With this comes a growing demand for Private Equity and Venture Capital – a new class of investors that help businesses at every stage of their existence. Our Master’s programme is the first in the world to match the emerging field of Financial Technology with the study of Private Capital, bridging the gap between finance, technology and the new business models. We give students a unique opportunity to example how business models are impacted and driven by information and communication technology and the role of private capital to assist and fully implement their potential.

London is the global centre of venture capital. As such, 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.

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

The foundation of your career

IFT boasts an excellent reputation for top graduates, and the career prospects for our students are excellent. You can find our graduates in start-ups, Angel investment firms, investment banks and other financial institutions all over the world.

The best performing students from this programme are offered the opportunity to win internships with leading FinTech firms. Student hopefuls receive mentoring, interview practice and comprehensive feedback on their performance, to support their opportunities and progression in the employment market.

Employability

This programme will equip you with an in-depth understanding of venture capital, private equity and start-up business modelling, with a focus on FinTech. You will gain valuable skills in both developing and evaluating financial business models, placing you in a strong position to pursue a career in the competitive markets of venture capital and private equity, or to develop your own entrepreneurial venture.

Networking

UCL offers an enriching environment for networking and professional growth. Engage with peers, industry experts, and faculty members who shares 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 venture capital, private equity, and financial technologies. The programme'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 use a variety of assessment methods including written exams, presentations, group and/or individual projects, class participation and relevant exercises. The programme will culminate in a research dissertation.

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 compulsory taught modules. These are delivered in the first two terms.

Term 1 modules focus on the fundamentals of Venture Capital and Private Equity; valuation concepts and principles; financial reporting; and regulation and taxation rules and laws.

In term 2, the focus will be on applying this knowledge in the fields of financial technology; portfolio management and asset allocation; innovative business modelling and start-ups; as well as data analytics and machine learning.

In the final term you will undertake independent research in a specific area of interest, culminating in a dissertation.

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

Fundamentals of Venture Capital and Private Equity

Venture Capital and Private Equity Valuation

Financial Statement Analysis

Introduction to Regulation for Fintech, Private Equity and Venture Capital Firms

Foundations of Financial Technology

Portfolio Management and Asset Allocation in Private Equity and Venture Capital

Start-up and Innovative Business Modelling

Data Analytics and Machine Learning

Dissertation

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 Venture Capital and Private Equity with Financial Technology.

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 Venture Capital and Private Equity with Financial Technology at graduate level
why you want to study Venture Capital and Private Equity with Financial Technology at UCL
what particularly attracts you to this programme
how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
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.

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.