Program Overview

MSc Fintech (Economics and Financial Technology)

The MSc Fintech (Economics and Financial Technology) at University of Galway prepares students to lead at the intersection of economics, data science, and digital finance. This program combines economics, finance, and technology to meet the evolving needs of the digital financial sector.

Course Overview

• The program is designed for students who want to lead in the fintech industry, with a focus on financial innovation, economic insight, and digital technology.
• It is ideal for ambitious, analytically-minded students with a passion for solving complex problems and embracing digital transformation in finance.
• The curriculum balances theory and application, giving students both the economic context and technical expertise needed to assess and shape the future of financial systems.

Course Structure

• The program is delivered full-time over one academic year.
• Students complete a blend of core and optional modules in areas such as:
  • Financial Technology & Innovation
  • Behavioural Finance & Economics
  • Programming and Data Science for Finance
  • Machine Learning Applications in Fintech
  • Financial Regulation and Compliance
  • Advanced Econometrics and Policy Analysis
• In the summer, students complete a supervised research project or dissertation, applying their learning to real-world fintech problems and datasets.
• Optional modules allow students to tailor their learning to interests such as cybersecurity, ethical finance, or digital payments.

Unique Features

• Blends economics and technology to bridge the gap between economic theory and cutting-edge fintech tools.
• Hands-on learning with real data, coding environments, and applied case studies across the fintech ecosystem.
• Customisable learning pathways, with optional modules in areas like digital currencies, cybersecurity, and ethical finance.
• Built around industry needs, with input from Ireland's fintech leaders and FPAI members.
• Supervised research or industry project, tackling real industry challenges and emerging innovations.
• Study in a leading fintech location, with connections to major employers like Stripe, Mastercard, and Deloitte.

Careers

• The MSc Fintech prepares students for a future-focused career in one of the fastest-growing sectors in Ireland and globally.
• Graduates will have a rare blend of skills in economic thinking, digital innovation, and data analytics, highly valued across industries.
• Typical roles include Fintech Analyst, Risk & Compliance Officer, Blockchain Consultant, Financial Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Specialist, or Regulatory Strategist.

Entry Requirements

• Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) with Economics to intermediate level.
• Candidates with a significantly high H2.2 honours degree and who have achieved a 2.1 average in relevant Economics modules in a business degree will also be considered.
• Applicants with a single year of Economics and a 2.1 may be required to take an online preparatory course before registering on the programme.
• English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.

Fees and Funding

• EU tuition fees: 11,700
• Non-EU tuition fees: 20,750
• Student levy: 140
• Total EU fee: 11,840
• Total non-EU fee: 20,890
• Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships: valued at 1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses.
• Global Scholarships: available for students from outside the EU.
• Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarships: offered on a competitive basis, up to 50% of the programme tuition fees.

Research Areas

• Financial innovation and technology
• Economic policy and analysis
• Data science and analytics for finance
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence in fintech
• Financial regulation and compliance
• Behavioural finance and economics

About University of Galway

• Founded in 1845, University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top-quality teaching.
• Ranked in the top 2% of universities globally, with a strong reputation for research and academic excellence.