Program Overview

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Financial Technology - BSc (Hons)

Overview

A unique course developed for the dynamic FinTech sector that can be taken either as a Degree Apprentice scheme or self-funded.

Summary

Be FutureWise. Get a job, a degree, and an opportunity to enter the growing Financial Technology industry. This course can be taken as part of a Degree Apprenticeship, meaning you can secure a job in the finance sector, whilst studying part-time for your degree. As a Degree Apprentice, you will have the benefit of 'earning as you learn' and will be able to apply the skills learned in the classroom to workplace projects and vice versa leading to a rich learning experience. [This part-time programme is also available through self-funding].

This innovative programme is available part-time and includes a diverse range of modules from across the Ulster University Business School and the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. This programme is designed to produce industry-focused graduates with an in-depth knowledge of core finance and technology principles and a strong practical understanding of how theory informs professional practice.

About this course

About

This programme offers an equal focus on finance and technology through extensive use of work-based learning and practical application. It aligns to the growing needs of the FinTech sector.

The Ulster University Business School has developed the BSc Hons Financial Technology, working in partnership with employers, developing a programme which offers students the opportunity to take this degree as part of a Degree Apprenticeship Scheme.

For direct entry self-funding students, application is made directly to the University. There is a Degree Apprenticeship option available (for further information see the BSc Hons Financial Technology - Degree Apprenticeship prospectus entry).

Real World Experience

• Opportunities to learn from local practitioners and visiting lecturers who will bring real-world experience to the classroom.
• Apply the skills you learn on the course to your workplace projects and vice versa.
• Earn as you learn – you can work 4 days and attend university 1 day per week.

Attendance

The programme is delivered over an academic year part-time, through lectures, seminars, practicals and independent study. Classes, though, will typically take place on a Friday during the day. Some flexibility for completion of assessment may be necessary.

Start dates

• September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

I will learn

• About the complex and fast-paced world of finance, and its impact on its users.
• An understanding of the technology and innovation that aims to improve, and compete with, the traditional methods in financial services delivery.
• Through developing professional skills and competencies required, a strong practical understanding of how theory informs professional practice.
• Within the context of the financial services industry, to apply techniques in computer programming, business analysis, financial modelling, principles of investing and big data.

Teaching and Assessment

• Experiential Learning that is about putting theory into practice though the use of case studies and technology.
• There will be modules that make use of Python and the Bloomberg Professional Service.
• 100% coursework that is, were possible, a practical application of theory. The integration of commercially relevant assessment and applied research projects equips graduates with a range of highly employable skills and commercial awareness.

Modules

Year one

• Programming I
  • Year: 1
  • Status: C
  • Computer programming is a fundamental skill expected of computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the foundational concepts of programming that will be used as building blocks in future modules. Students will also develop and enhance their problem-solving skills as an integral part of the module.
• Programming II (Javascript)
  • Year: 1
  • Status: C
  • Computer programming is a fundamental skill expected of computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the object-oriented concepts of programming that will be used as building blocks in future modules. Students will also develop and enhance their problem-solving skills as an integral part of the module.
• Financial Mathematics and Statistics
  • Year: 1
  • Status: C
  • This module develops students' quantitative skills and provides the building blocks for subsequent quantitative analysis.
• Business Analysis Foundations
  • Year: 1
  • Status: C
  • This module is to address the range of concepts, approaches and techniques that are applicable to Business Analysis. It is to provide an overview of the role of the Business Analyst who acts as the link between business needs, stakeholders and I.T. within change initiatives.

Year two

• Introduction to Database Systems
  • Year: 2
  • Status: C
  • Organisations require skilled professionals to oversee the design and development of database management applications. This module introduces students to theoretical underpinnings of database management, database design, and the implementation of SQL statements to interact with a back-end database. Flexible and efficient storage and retrieval of large amounts of data are central to the functioning of modern information systems. This module is devoted to the study of the design, construction, and use of such databases.
• Financial Institutions and Markets
  • Year: 2
  • Status: C
  • To provide students with an overview of the financial system. It seeks to develop students' understanding of financial markets, institutions and the environment within which they operate.
• Financial Modelling
  • Year: 2
  • Status: C
  • The primary objective of this module is to provide an introduction to econometric theory and techniques especially linear regression analysis, hypothesis testing and application with financial time series. With extensive use computer packages such as Python or Microsoft Excel students will be able to use real data to analyse financial models. This module emphasises the role of econometrics in supporting evidence-based decision making.
• Business Analysis in Practice
  • Year: 2
  • Status: C
  • This module is to provide students the opportunity to put their foundation-level knowledge into practice. This is to help develop skills and knowledge to support successful business change programmes within an organisation.

Year three

• Behavioural Sciences
  • Year: 3
  • Status: C
  • This module is designed to enable students to acquire diagnostic knowledge and understanding of human behaviour in organisations. Additionally, students are required to become proficient in the practice of key management competencies.
• Human Computer Interaction
  • Year: 3
  • Status: C
  • Human-Computer Interaction is an important topic given that there is a number of novel and emerging user interfaces being developed. More than ever, there are also user demands and expectations for intuitive and usable user interfaces. This module will provide a foundation for user experience researchers and analysts.
• Principles of Investing
  • Year: 3
  • Status: C
  • This module provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand the relevance and importance of functioning financial markets, develops knowledge of the global financial services industry, financial assets and investment products and to critically evaluate competing and complementary trading and investing styles.
• FinTech and Disruptive Innovation
  • Year: 3
  • Status: C
  • This module considers the financial inclusion and reshaping of financial instruments through disruptive technologies. The module will take a dynamic approach to allow understanding of, for example, cryptocurrency and blockchains, RegTech, the FinTech revolution, cyber-security and data protection and regulatory issues. It will also provide: an understanding of how data science is at the core of transformation of the financial sector; and an insight into AI and machine learning.

Year four

• Data Analytics
  • Year: 4
  • Status: C
  • In the era of cloud computing and big data, this module will provide students with the theory and practical foundations for undertaking real-world data analytics.
• Artificial Intelligence
  • Year: 4
  • Status: C
  • The AI module is built on the foundations in mathematics, computing and programming. It covers logic-based symbolic AI, knowledge representation and reasoning, introduction to machine learning paradigms and advanced learning methods of reinforcement and deep learning, and real-world applications in different human-AI interactions. The module will answer the following three questions: (1) how to formulate AI problems conceptually; (2) how to turn the conceptual formulations into algorithms; (3) how to develop AI-focused applications. The module will also consider societal and theoretical concerns raised while designing and deploying AI solutions regarding the ability of people to understand, interpret, control, and interact with AI-based systems.
• Regulation and Ethics
  • Year: 4
  • Status: C
  • This module provides an understanding of the regulatory compliance issues critical to a role in financial services in the 21st Century.
• Behavioural Finance
  • Year: 4
  • Status: C
  • The module aims to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of theoretical and empirical limitations of traditional finance theory and presents the foundations of behavioural finance. Students will have the opportunity to explore the opportunities for behavioural investing and systematic trading model design and be able to evaluate different trading models.
• Financial Technology Innovation Project
  • Year: 4
  • Status: C
  • This module will serve as an integrating mechanism for all other modules on the degree programme, as well as developing powers of analysis and evaluation and project management skills. Through this module, students will also develop knowledge and skills in research methods, and consultancy tools and techniques in preparation for completion of their applied technology management project which will add real value to their host organisation.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

BBC; or

BCC including Mathematics

Applied General Qualifications

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma

Award profile of DMM.

We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (ie Diploma or Extended Certificate/Introductory Diploma/Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.

Irish Leaving Certificate

112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level). The overall profile must include English at minimum grade H6 at Higher Level or grade O4 at Ordinary Level plus Mathematics at minimum H5 at Higher Level or Grade O3 at Ordinary Level.

OR

104 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher level). The overall profile must include English at minimum H6 at Higher Level or Grade O4 at Ordinary Level. One Higher Level subject must include minimum Grade H4 from Higher Mathematics.

Scottish Highers

The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is grades BCCCC to include a grade B in Higher Mathematics or grades BBCCC if not completing Scottish Highers Mathematics.

Scottish Advanced Highers

The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is grades CDD to include a grade C in Advanced Mathematics or grades CCD if not completing Advanced Mathematics.

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum 25 points (12 points at higher level).

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall profile of 63% (120 credit Access course) (NI Access course). To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 60% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language, plus Mathematics with a minimum grade C*/5.

Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Mathematics.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Allstate
• FinTru
• Funds-Axis
• Citi Group
• Kainos

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Big Data Analyst
• Consultant
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Financial Services Practitioner
• Research and Analytical Roles

Career options

This FutureWise programme has been developed in response to the fast-growing FinTech sector in Northern Ireland, to support the need for skilled financial technology graduates. It will provide you with the skills and knowledge to secure a graduate job and an exciting career path. With developments moving so fast in this sector your industry experience will make you a highly sought-after candidate for graduate jobs.

Fees and funding

Module Pricing

The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.

For modules commenced in the academic year 2025/26, the following fees apply:

Fees Credit Points	NI/ROI Cost	GB Cost	International Cost*
120	£4,860	£9,535.20	£17,010
60	£2,430	£4,767.20	£8,505
30	£1,215	£2,383.80	£4,252.50
20	£810	£1,589.20	£2,835

*Please note our on-campus part-time undergraduate courses are not open to international (non-EU) students.

Annual Increase Disclaimer

Important Notice: Annual Fees Increase

Fees illustrated are based on academic year 25/26 entry and are subject to an annual increase.

If your study continues into future academic years your fees are subject to an annual increase. Please take this into consideration when you estimate your total fees for a degree.

Additional mandatory costs are highlighted where they are known in advance. There are other costs associated with university study.

Visit our Fees pages for full details of fees.

Correct at the time of publishing. Terms and conditions apply.

Additional mandatory costs

Are there payment options available?

Funding support, for eligible candidates, should be available through the Degree Apprenticeship programme.

Can I take this programme without the apprenticeship funding?

Yes, the BSc Hons Financial Technology is available part-time.

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.