From blockchain technologies to cyber security – our Finance master’s programmes now offer Fintech modules

The term Fintech describes the use of software and financial technology in the financial industry. Fintech organisations use new technology to enhance their financial services for their customers and their business.

Fintech is the future. To ensure that our students will be able to deal with new challenges in the financial industry we want to equip them with the right tools. Fintech is becoming increasingly important and we need to ensure that the new generation of financial managers understand how to use and apply the technology, and also appreciate the risks and benefits of doing so.

Currently there isn’t a specific Fintech role in the financial industry. Banks and financial institutions do not have Fintech managers. But the industry is aware of the growing role Fintech has, and will inevitably start to develop roles in this area. So by delivering modules in this area we are preparing our students for these exciting new opportunities.

Block chain technologies, cryptocurrencies and smart contracts

We will be offering at least two Fintech modules to the next cohort of Finance master’s students starting their studies in 2018. One module is linked to cryptocurrencies and is titled ‘Blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies and smart contracts’. The first part of the module will focus on blockchain technology and how blockchain works. This is the technology behind smart contracts and bitcoin. Lecture four and five will focus on cryptocurrencies and bitcoin, and how they work in a socio-economic environment. It will also look at the ecosystem that rotates around the cryptocurrencies. Finally, the last three lectures will focus on smart contracts, which are contracts that are automatically implemented by information systems. This will cover peer-to-peer lending, which involves individuals lending to each other rather than using banks as intermediaries, the opportunity to use platforms to raise money for small entrepreneurial firms, and the possibility of contracts being executed automatically by computers rather than having any manual intervention.

Big data and cyber securities

The second Fintech module will be titled ‘Big data and cyber securities’ and will focus on big data analysis in the financial industry, together with issues linked with cyber security and data protection. The first part of the module will cover the use of large databases, and how the information contained within them can be used to profile customers. The cybersecurity element of the module will focus on the problems around protecting data to ensure money held in banks is secure, and also that the different methods of payment are secure.

What will students gain from studying these modules?

By studying these modules, students will gain a clear understanding of how these technologies affect the market. Throughout the modules we will not just focus on one technology, or just the newest technology. Fintech is evolving so fast so we aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand the role of technology, how it can change and how to use it, so they are well equipped for when they start working in the industry.

The modules will be taught in a traditional way with in-class case studies and discussions. The students will be assessed on a case where they will have the chance to implement the knowledge gained throughout the module. They will be required to understand, examine and evaluate the case.

Find out more about our new Fintech modules by visiting the Finance and Mangement MSc course page.