Program Overview

MSc in Fintech

Course Overview

The MSc in Fintech program is designed to equip learners with essential skills in Financial Technologies, covering a variety of topics from both business and technical domains. Participants will gain familiarity with:

• The technical landscape of fintech, including classical, advanced, and state-of-the-art financial techniques and analytics methods, along with their theoretical foundations and mathematical underpinnings.
• A deep understanding of the impacts, design, application, and operationalization of fintech solutions in business contexts.

National College of Ireland (NCI) is ideally positioned to deliver an industry-focused program, inspired by its proximity to the International Financial Services Centre. The course is conducted by faculty and industry practitioners with established experience in the fintech domain.

Program Structure

• Duration: 1 year
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Location: IFSC Campus
• Start Date: 14/09/2026

Target Audience

This course is designed for individuals who hold a Level 8 qualification in any discipline and are seeking to transition into a career in fintech. The course is technical in nature and requires significant independent study, necessitating a strong commitment and willingness to engage with technical content.

The interdisciplinary program appeals to graduates in finance, computing, and business, as well as industry practitioners seeking to gain insights and exposure to fintech principles, data analytics, and emerging technologies. Participants may choose between two learning paths:

• Programming Learning Path
  • Includes subjects such as Machine Learning for Finance and Programming for Financial Data Science.
• Non-Programming Learning Path
  • Offers modules like Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Fintech, and Leadership, Organisational Culture, and Human Factors in Fintech.

Educational Outcomes

Upon completing the course, graduates will be able to:

• Synthesize and critically evaluate expert knowledge in governance and compliance, data analysis and visualization, cybersecurity, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence as applied to fintech.
• Design, assess, and implement effective business and technical solutions and strategies for the fintech domain in accordance with industry practices and standards.
• Critically assess and evaluate ethical, sustainable, and responsible risks and impacts associated with technological and strategic solutions in fintech.
• Develop competencies in legal practices and regulations in fintech.
• Optimize entrepreneurship, business, and technical strategies for the fintech domain through effective leadership and collaboration.

Course Content

Core Modules

• Blockchain Technologies
• Financial Markets
• Data Governance, Ethics and Sustainability
• AI for Finance
• Financial Regulations
• Payments and Transaction Services

Research Elective

• Practicum OR
• Internship

Elective Modules

• Programming for Financial Data Science
• Leadership, Organisational Culture, and Human Factors in Fintech
• Machine Learning for Finance
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Fintech

(Note: Some electives may have prerequisites and will only be offered subject to availability and a minimum student enrollment.)

Assessment

Assessment for the course includes a blend of project work and examinations, typically comprising 50% continuous assessment and 50% exams.

Award and Progression

The Master of Science in Fintech is awarded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) at Level 9 on the National Framework for Qualifications. Graduates may progress to a major award at Level 10 on the NFQ, such as a PhD.

Entry Requirements

• A Level 8 degree (2.2 award) or equivalent in computer science, finance, business, or economics. Cognate disciplines may be considered.
• Applicants lacking clear financial and technical components may still be eligible, subject to review.
• Non-English speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in English, typically evidenced by an IELTS academic score of at least 6.0 or equivalent.

NCI operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme, allowing assessment based on relevant work or experience for those who do not meet conventional academic entry criteria.

Laptop Requirements

NCI employs a Bring Your Own Device policy; students are required to have a portable computer with adequate hardware specifications to engage effectively in course activities. The recommended configurations include:

• Processor: Intel 11th Gen or newer, Core i3 / i5 / i7, or AMD 5000 Series or newer.
• RAM: 16GB or greater.
• Storage: SSD of 256GB or greater.
• Wireless Card: 802.11 n/ac/ax capability.
• Operating System: Windows 11 or later version of macOS (Chromebooks are not recommended).

Course Fee

• EU/Ireland Applicants: 7,000 (fees subject to annual revision)
• International Students: 17,000 (international fees are also subject to annual revision)

NCI offers various scholarships and discounts, including a Master's Edge Scholarship which provides a 25% discount for current NCI students and alumni.

Indicative Schedule

Students are expected to be available from 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday. Class days and times may vary, and examinations may occasionally be scheduled during evenings or weekends.

Course Delivery

Classes are conducted face-to-face on campus, providing a robust learning environment.