Higher Diploma in Science in Financial Technology (FinTech)| Full-Time drafted draft
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Overview
The Higher Diploma in Science in Financial Technology is an innovative programme with an integrated delivery from end‐to‐end covering a wide range of financial technology topics, whilst providing a focus on application and the regulation required in this area. The programme focuses on practical skills in core areas such as data & financial analytics, e-Finance, financial services and cybersecurity while also offering applied skills in contemporary topics such as data analytics, and financial applications. Its aim is to create a mastery of core financial technologies and financial systems while also enhancing the practical technical skills of the learners.
.
Aims & Objectives
Financial Technology can incorporate many different areas and is an evolving area. Through the work of the Programme Team and in conjunction with the industry experts, Financial Technology has been defined as a combination of financial systems, data management and technology including areas such as Project Management Risk Management, Cyber Security, Law, Regulation, Information Technology, Data Analytics and Financial Services. The programme aims and learning outcomes have been designed to reflect these specific areas. The programme incorporates Personal & Professional Development (PPD) within modules to enhance learners’ employability and to equip them to integrate seamlessly into an organisation by developing skills such as leadership, self‐managemen and teamwork that are essential in the Financial Technology sector, which is a rapidly changing industry, which requires motivated and flexible employees. The Applied Project module requires students to identify a problem or issue in the Financial Technology domain and to apply problem-solving skills to research and analyse the issue and develop real-world solutions, and critically reflect on this research process.
The Specific Programme Aims are to:
-
Develop learners’ criticality in order to understand and analyse trends in Fintech
-
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of financial services and its associated technologies and regulatory framework
-
Demonstrate a proficiency in the use and application of a range of quantitative tools and techniques in solving complex problems utilising data sets, effectively analyse and communicate information from data sets
-
Provide learners with a platform to develop the requisite knowledge and technical skills in current and developing financial technologies
-
Provide learners with systematic knowledge of the management and organisation of Financial Technology including its regulatory context
-
Develop learners’ understanding and application of data analytics in a Financial Technology
-
Prepare learners to work effectively and collaboratively in the execution of common goals - Facilitate the development by the learner of applied skills that are directly complementary and relevant to the workplace
-
Identify and develop autonomous learning skills for the learner
-
Enable the learner to identify, develop and apply analytical, creative, problem solving and research skills - Provide the learner with a comprehensive platform for career development, innovation and further study.
-
Appraise the practical challenges, operational issues and the commercial potential of Blockchain technologies, reviewing case studies and industry research that addresses a viable gap in the financial technology marketplace
Delivery
This programme is taught on a hybrid basis. This means learners are timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Learners may also access this course on the basis of recognition of prior learning or by assessment of prior experiential learning/informal learning. For this particular programme applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis based upon their educational record, work experience, their ability to demonstrate technical or mathematical problem solving skills and a capacity to successfully participate in the programme
Program Outline
Course Content
The core rationale for the curriculum structure is skills and knowledge which were identified by the industry representatives being combined to assure a skilled and knowledgeable graduate. The foundation of the programme’s curriculum structure is two core finance modules – Markets and Valuation and Fintech Regulatory Environment – and two core analytical modules – Data Analytics and Data Governance and Risk Management in FinTech. These modules provide learners with the prerequisite theoretical and practical skill-sets to understand the disruptive nature of Financial Technology environment. To expand the learner’s ability to exploit these opportunities the programme integrates FinTech Innovations. These modules translate the core principles, tools and techniques into the contemporary, and evolving, world of Financial Technology. The modules are outlined below:
-
Markets and Valuation
-
Fintech Regulatory Environment
-
Data Analytics
-
Data Governance and Risk Management in FinTech
-
FinTech Innovation
-
Research Project
First, the modules provide learners with a broad exposure to the commercialisation of Financial Technology and the critical importance of security in financial services. Second, with heightened emphasis upon problem solving for their project, the modules focus upon enabling learners to develop real solution focused applications and utilise the core technologies supporting Financial Technology.
Assessment Methods
DBS is committed to providing a flexible, active, peer-led, experiential and reflective learning environment for learners. As a result, throughout this programme, learners will experience a varied range of teaching and learning strategies, which have been selectively chosen and based on module content and suitability for assessment. While modules will be delivered through a mix of workshops, practical sessions, tutorials and lectures, teaching and learning will focus on the learner applying problem-solving skills and undertaking critical reflection and critique of case studies. The material will be presented during lectures and workshops with supporting material available via Moodle, DBS’s virtual learning environment. Learning, teaching and assessment for this programme, tfore, encourages learners to develop critical thinking, creative problem solving and analytical and evaluative skills relating to real-world scenarios.
Structure
The timetable supports the rationale for the curriculum structure. For full-time students, the timetable for each semester is centred upon the delivery of the core 10 credit modules. Each 10- credit module on the programme requires a minimum of 250 effort hours. Contact hours’ number 48 per module per semester, running over the 12 weeks, 4 hours per week. The remaining learning effort is typically composed of directed e-learning, project, group work, assignments and independent learning. This allows sufficient time for a combination of lectures, group activities, discussions etc. DBS intends to include these programmes in its response to the current and future Springboard and Springboard+ tender applications. As such the programme may be delivered over a shorter timeframe to allow for a part-time completion in one year. This will include but is not limited to increasing the number of nights and including Saturdays when the Springboard funded learners attend for the taught component delivery. This programme is taught on a hybrid basis. This means learners are timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.
Career Opportunities
FinTech has quickly become one of the biggest sectors in tech. From an employer perspective, t are a number of companies looking for graduates with these skills in the short and medium-term. For example, the following companies are currently recruiting Paypal, Fidelity Investments, Pramerica, Accenture, Aon and Bank of America Merrell Lynch. Recruitment agencies report a rise in companies looking for these skills in Ireland and abroad. FS2020 - a new Strategy for Ireland's International Financial Services Sector; was launched by the government in 2015. This Strategy represents a new action-oriented approach to growing and developing the international financial services sector based on the very successful Action Plan for Jobs model. It sets out a clear vision for the sector for the next five years and an ambitious target to create 10,000 net new jobs in the sector by 2020. A significant number of these jobs created will be in the regions, reflecting the increasing national profile of the sector, with one-third of jobs currently outside Dublin. Examples of job titles students may apply for include: Customer Service Specialist, Business Analyst, Client Services (Graduate Program).
Dublin Business School: A Summarization
Overview:
Dublin Business School (DBS) is an independent college located in the heart of Dublin, Ireland. It is part of Kaplan Inc., a global provider of education services. DBS has a strong reputation for its quality of teaching and its commitment to providing a positive learning experience.
Services Offered:
DBS offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Programs:
Full-time and part-time degrees, certificates, diplomas, postgraduate programs, professional accountancy programs, and online courses.Student Support:
Academic support, career advice, personal attention, disability support, and student welfare services.Campus Life:
Sports clubs, societies, student events, and a thriving student community.Library Resources:
Access to a vast collection of print and online books, journals, and databases.Virtual Learning Environment:
Moodle platform for lecture notes, support materials, and online learning resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
DBS provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students have the opportunity to join sports clubs and societies, participate in student events, and connect with a diverse student community. The college is located in the heart of Dublin, offering easy access to the city's cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and employment opportunities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Ladder of Opportunity:
DBS offers a flexible range of programs that allow students to progress their careers.City Centre Location:
The college is situated in the heart of Dublin, providing a dynamic and convenient learning environment.Student Support:
DBS provides comprehensive support services to ensure students succeed academically and personally.World-Class Teaching:
The college has a strong reputation for its high-quality teaching and commitment to student learning.Academic Programs:
DBS offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Business & Management:
Accounting & Finance, Marketing & Event Management, Business & Management, Professional Accountancy.Arts:
Psychology & Social Science, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Media & Journalism.Information Technology:
Computing, Data Analytics, Fintech.Law:
Law.Other:
DBS is recognized and accredited by Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI). The college also offers free and partially funded Springboard+ and HCI courses in various fields, including Business and Digital, Computing, Analytics, Fund Accounting, and Fintech.
The minimum entry requirements for the Higher Diploma in Science in Financial Technology (Fintech): A Level 8 primary undergraduate honours degree with a minimum Pass classification from a recognised third level institution in any discipline and ideally be able to demonstrate mathematical problem solving skills as part of previous programme learning. i.e. maths at Leaving Cert level would suffice.
Or A minimum Level 7 Ordinary Bachelor’s degree in a cognate area (computer science, technology, networking, information systems, engineering, general science, mathematics, statistics, data science) and wish to specialise in the field of Financial Technology with a view to entering the industry or those who are working in Financial Technology already and who require a qualification in the area in order to progress professionally. Or Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification and who have at least 3 years’ work experience may also be considered through the college’s normal RPL procedures. Relevant professional experience may be taken into account and individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through DBS RPL procedures (see below). For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.
