Finance with Financial Technology (MSc)

How will I be taught?

An active learning approach is embedded in this programme. We believe that effective learning is founded on two things - your involvement in diverse experiences, and the way you make sense of those experiences, both individually and with others. 

Each block of learning includes a variety of activities such as case studies, videos, mini team challenges, and role-play, all designed to introduce new ideas and develop your understanding.

We will help you enhance the technical and critical analysis skills that you were introduced to during your first degree to build your capability and profile as a finance expert. We will also support you to work with other students to reflect on your existing knowledge and skills and build new insights into the nature of finance and financial technology in a variety of contexts. You’ll be encouraged to work collaboratively in diverse teams to consider a range of alternative understandings and practices.

Trying out new learning is important too. You’ll integrate and apply new understandings, together with new finance and financial technology skills, in practical tasks embedded in each learning block, and in formal coursework activities.

How will I be assessed?

The block programme structure provides plenty of opportunities for you to reflect on your learning and development informally. Short knowledge/skill review activities are built into each module to help you check your progress and improve your approach to learning. This will build your confidence and enhance your approach to formal assessment tasks.

A variety of formal assessment tasks provide the opportunity to explore concepts and models in creative and practical ways. These include poster presentations, case studies, group presentations, reports, and videos. You’ll work individually and as part of a team, just as you would in the workplace.

Block teaching enables more in-depth consolidation and application required for successful performance in assessment tasks based on the complex work undertaken by finance professionals. For example, in-class tests and exams reflect realistic workplace timescales for the completion of tasks.

How will I be supported?

The University offers a wealth of support for postgraduate students, which includes: 

Learning Central

Learning Central is the University’s virtual learning environment.  All programme and module materials are posted here for students to access before, during and after lectures.

Libraries

You’ll have access to libraries across campus which hold over 1.1 million printed books. You will also have access to more than 1.5 million online books, journals, resources and databases.

Personal Tutor System

You’ll be allocated a personal tutor.  This member of academic staff will maintain an overview of your learning and educational experiences.  If you are experiencing difficulties, your personal tutor will be there to listen and where possible provide professional guidance or else direct you to the appropriate source of support.

In addition to this, a suite of support services is offered by our Student Life teams. Located in the purpose-built Centre for Student Life, these support services encompass: Advice and Money, Student Futures for careers support, Counselling services, Health and Wellbeing, the Student Disability Service including dyslexia support, Academic Study Skills and Student Mentoring.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Evaluate the links between theory, principles and practice of finance.
• Critically evaluate contemporary issues in finance by drawing on current research and identifying the potential implications for future research and practice.
• Critically evaluate the relevance of modern theoretical concepts in the context of the dynamic financial environment.
• Apply finance research and professional knowledge to solve real-world business scenarios.
• Apply and critically evaluate Fintech solutions such as big data analytics and machine learning for financial applications.

Intellectual Skills:

• Define a business or research-based problem clearly.
• Review and select an appropriate research approach.
• Use appropriate tools to investigate business or research-based problems.
• Critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate contrasting perspectives and supporting evidence.
• Generate and communicate data-driven insights to inform FinTech-based strategies and decision-making.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Analyse data, identify current situation and predict future trends.
• Select and interrogate appropriate databases and relevant econometric software packages.
• Develop programming skills essential for building and implementing Fintech solutions.
• Apply relevant financial knowledge for effective day-to-day decision making.
• Develop effective working relationships with peers.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Apply financial technology to solve complex problems.
• Communicate to diverse audiences through a range of media.
• Challenge assumptions based on robust evidence.
• Work independently/collaboratively.
• Take the initiative and be proactive.