Financial Technology or FinTech is here to stay. For those seeking a career in financial services, or already experienced, the challenges and opportunities offered by recent global technological enhancements are profound.
Introduction
This programme is neither exclusively quantitative or qualitative in nature, but rather has been carefully designed to provide you with a robust understanding of the commerciality as well as technological underpinnings of this evolving and multifaceted space.
The MSc Financial Technology will provide you with expert knowledge of both the academic and commercial aspects of this new world. We aim to future-proof your learning and employability across fields such as blockchain, digital banking, the future of global payments, cryptocurrencies, digital business strategy, big data, LawTech, programming with Python as well as the future of management.
You will receive rigorous training in research methods, ethics, and quantitative methods for managerial accounting and finance.
You will have the opportunity to culminate this learning in your final dissertation at the end of the programme which may take the form of an academic empirical piece of work of your choosing, or instead be entrepreneurial and applied in scope through collaboration with companies already operating in the FinTech industry.
Accreditation
The University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS) is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.
The Financial Technology programme has affiliate status with the CQF Institute, allowing our students to register for free membership and gain access to resources such as events, research, careers tools, workshops and thought leadership materials.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
This 12-month programme consists of six compulsory modules and two optional modules followed by a dissertation over the summer period on completion of Semester two.
Compulsory modules
Quantitative Techniques for Accounting and Finance (ACFI815)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The aim of this module is to provide students with the foundation necessary to successfully understand and apply the quantitative techniques commonly used in the accounting and finance industry. The module starts with an overview of basic mathematical functions and operations. It then goes on to discuss the ordinary least squares estimation technique. In particular, students will learn how to develop a well-specified econometric model, test interesting hypotheses, interpret the results and formulate recommendations. The module draws on different areas of accounting and finance to illustrate the use of the quantitative techniques, thus offering students exposure to various fields. Students will also improve their computing skills by using a statistical software to carry out the empirical analysis.
Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and the Future of Money (ACFI826)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module will establish why cryptocurrencies have evolved over the previous two decades and how they are disrupting the current global financial system. Students will reflect on the evolution of money and how cryptocurrencies are perhaps the next phase in the evolution of money. Competing forms of blockchain will be evaluated including decentralised, private and hybrid forms of ledger technology as well as different variants such as the tangle through the examination of real-world start-up case studies. Students will distinguish between the relative use cases of competing forms of future money, namely; central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), decentralised currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum and corporate issued currencies such as JP Morgan’s JPM coin. Although technologically oriented this module approaches these innovations through the lens of banking, finance, trading, valuation methodologies, accounting, tax and monetary policy implications. In summary, students will assess the financialisaton of ‘new money’ and how best the banking and finance sector, as well as governments, central banks and tax authorities should respond.
Managerial Finance (ULMS767)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Managing Finance is designed to develop your expertise in problem solving, numeracy and commercial awareness through a lecture and workshop program that helps you understand, apply and competently practice in accounting and finance. The module aims to take you from an introductory-level beginning, designed for those who have not studied accounting and finance before, through to a level of understanding that will allow you to engage confidently with finance professionals.
Introduction to Programming (Python) (ACFI827)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module will establish a working knowledge of Python for finance and its practical application in the context of FinTech. The module does not assume any prior knowledge of either coding or more specifically Python. Python programming is one of the most precious skills in the world of finance. Python is a programming language used to organise and visualise data to provide actionable insights, create desirable data forms and essential outputs to support business requirement documents.
This module rapidly develops programming skills for financial calculations and financial data analysis, with a focus on practical application. Participants will learn the essential skills required to make the most of programming opportunities, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the programming concepts, as well as extensive practical experience in some of the core data analysis libraries used in Python.
Note that a Python & Coding Bootcamp will be incorporated into the induction phase of the MSc to ensure that students begin this core module with a working knowledge of coding. This will ensure a more efficient start to the module and will help facilitate overall real-world case based learning to attain level 7 / M-level mastery.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
This 12-month programme consists of six compulsory modules and two optional modules followed by a dissertation over the summer period on completion of Semester two.
Compulsory modules
Digital Banking and Global Payment Systems (ACFI828)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will explore the history of money and banking through to the present day fourth industrial revolution and the emergence of decentralised finance and the Bitcoin currency. The fragilities in the current banking system will be identified along with the regulatory and technological movement towards open banking and Payment Services Directive PSD2 (&3) type regulation, and similar. The landscape of the current global payments industry including the prevalence of M-commerce will be discussed along with the fusion of financial services with social media giving rise to new opportunities such as hyperpersonalisation and bespoke payment solutions. Unique features of digital and neo banks will be articulated as well as strategies for how incumbent established banks can attempt to ‘close the gap’. The impacts of financial crises including; (1) The Dot Com Crash, (2) The Financial Crisis 2007-09 and (3) COVID-19 upon the banking and payments industries will be interpreted in the context of Black Swan thinking and attempting to pandemic proof new financial services business models. The role of A.I. in banking and payments will be outlined as well as predictions for the next decade plus, including Banking 4.0 thinking. Examples of international cases studies will be used to contextualise the academic theory and research-based teaching provided.
LawTech, Regulation and Ethics (ACFI829)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module assumes no prior knowledge of law and is not seeking to produce legal experts. Rather, it is commercially focused and will provide students with hands-on experience of a contemporary LegalTech application or process so that they can develop a practical understanding of the opportunities and risks of using technology to deliver or enhance legal services. Successful students will discover the way that technology has transformed other sectors outside of law (e.g. FinTech, media, medicine), and how this can help us to understand, predict or even design new types of legal practice and new types of ‘lawyer’, to better support business more broadly. This module will establish legal concepts and ways of working with legal problems which are being disrupted by machines and ‘artificial intelligence’. The teaching on the module will raise students’ awareness of the commercial significance of artificial intelligence in an increasingly global, competitive and technology-driven legal services marketplace. Students with gain sufficient knowledge and experience of artificial intelligence and machine learning to understand the capacity of those technologies to support legal services, as well as the accompanying risks which regulators are concerned with. We aim to develop a disruptive, innovative mind-set in students that will enhance their future skills and employability to better appreciate and understand how the LawTech services of the future can be integrated within disruptive FinTech businesses.
Optional modules
Digital Strategy (EBUS605)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The aim of this module is to give the student a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in developing a digital business strategy, leveraging the transformative capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Important elements include an examination of the approaches to strategy formulation, an evaluation of the emergent digital business models, business process re-design for digital business, digital business applications and technologies, and managing and planning for digital business with a particular emphasis on harnessing AI technologies to optimise operational efficiency and drive strategic agility. Extensive use will be made of case study material to illustrate real-world applications of digital strategies enhanced by AI.
Big Data Analytics for Business (EBUS633)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will introduce students to techniques for big data analytics and their applications for very large datasets in different organisations and settings. In particular, it will familiarise students with existing platforms and software tools used for big data analytics and develops core skills and expertise needed by data scientists for processing and visualising big data. The module will also establish the importance of big data science for business intelligence and describes major opportunities and limitations for running or expanding digital business enterprises.
Technology Innovation and the Future of Management (ULMS503)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The contemporary world faces grand challenges such as climate change, the solutions for which are often assumed to lie in the development of new technologies. Both these challenges and the ways in which organisations respond raise questions about how new technology is developed and deployed. This module will provide students with an understanding of the debates surrounding contemporary technology innovation management. These debates will cover the latest thinking in policy, practice and academic circles. The aim is to equip students with the capability to face the profound changes that are widely expected to affect the world of work during their careers. Successful students will be able to discuss and critically evaluate different theoretical models and practical ideas touching upon the very future of management.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
This 12-month programme consists of six compulsory modules and two optional modules followed by a dissertation (either ULMS790 or ACFI912) over the summer period on completion of Semester two.
Compulsory modules
Dissertation (ACFI912)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
The dissertation module is an opportunity to apply the empirical skills gained on MSc Finance and MSc Accounting and Finance and apply it to an appropriate research question in accounting and finance in the form of a 15,000 word dissertation.
DISSERTATION (ULMS790)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
This module is designed to help students develop an in-depth understanding of a topic within their chosen domain of management and business and for the student to use this knowledge to analyse a management problem or issue. A preparation phase of the module is included to provide the students with the skills necessary in problem analysis and research in order that they can undertake an independent research project. Thereafter, independent, guided study and research are used to develop both theoretical and practical critical-thinking skills, and to present research, analysis and findings. The reflective element of the dissertation gives students an opportunity to critically analyse and evaluate their experience of the learning process.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
The delivery of the programme is one of active applied learning in the field of FinTech. This is comprised of, but not limited to, lectures, seminars, discussions on research papers, case studies, group work, podcasts, Bloomberg, Adobe Connect, Python and tutorials.
Access to the Bloomberg suite will provide students with the financial skills and digital literacy to interrogate real-time financial and economic data to support their independent research and original contributions which are expected from their summative assessments on the programme.
Unsurprisingly, there will be significant use of technology on the programme including Python, machine learning (LawTech) and blockchain data interrogation.
Teaching time will account for an average of 10 hours per week and you should anticipate an additional 25 hours of self-directed study and group work.
How you're assessed
In semester one and two, you will take modules totalling 120 credits. The dissertation completed during the summer period is worth 60 credits and students will be supported by their academic supervisor.
Students are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full MSc.
Subject to meeting specific criteria outlined by the University, students will graduate with a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Assessment tasks are varied and some may be designed specifically to meet the learning outcomes of a particular programme of study, but students can expect to be assessed via coursework, essay, group work, presentations, case studies, negotiation exercises, reports and examinations. The weighting of individual components will vary from one module to another. All assessment information is included within the module specification.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The School has a thriving international master’s community with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme of social and extra-curricular events and dedicated careers and employability support.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
What students say...
The Financial Technology (fintech) programme at the University of Liverpool Management School offers the perfect blend of technology and finance, equipping students with a unique skill set in high demand. The programme covers the latest fintech innovations, their impact on the financial sector, and the skills needed to analyse and solve real-world financial problems. The combination of technical and financial expertise makes graduates of this programme highly sought after by financial institutions and technology companies.
Graduates of this programme will be equipped to take up positions in Financial Institutions and other career opportunities in government agencies, large corporations, consultancy firms, investment banks and many other branches of the finance industry.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
From day one, you will have access to a specialist, in-house postgraduate careers team and have access to one-to-one careers guidance, workshops, seminars, and employability initiatives.
The MSc Financial Technology aims to future-proof your learning across fields such as blockchain, digital banking, the future of global payments, cryptocurrencies, digital business strategy, big data, LawTech, programming with Python as well as the future of management.
Career paths in FinTech include:
Data specialist
Quantitative analyst
Blockchain developer
Cyber security specialist
Risk and compliance expert
Graduates from this programme have secured jobs at :
KPMG
WSD
Fidelity International
Ericcson UK
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£14,750
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£32,500
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree can be in any subject discipline. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
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