Overview

Get set for a future at the intersection of finance, data and technology.

Financial services are being transformed by technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data and cybersecurity. As industries adapt to digital disruption, demand is growing for professionals who can combine financial expertise with advanced technical skills.

GCU’s MSc Financial Technology prepares you for this fast-moving sector.

Designed for graduates and working professionals with an interest in fintech and financial services, the course develops your skills in advanced programming, financial modelling, data analytics and risk management.

Everything you learn is applied to real challenges facing the financial sector and global markets. You’ll examine how technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are reshaping banking, investment, regulation and risk management. Alongside technical and analytical expertise, you’ll develop an understanding of ethical innovation, regulation and the wider impact of fintech on society.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard technologies, including GCU’s Bloomberg Suite. This specialist financial trading and analytics facility supports teaching, research and practical learning. Using the Bloomberg Terminal platform, you’ll work with live and historical market data, business news and analytical tools used by financial institutions worldwide. You’ll also develop practical skills in market analysis, investment research, financial modelling and risk analysis. This practical experience helps you understand how financial data is used across industry and strengthens your technical and analytical skills for careers in banking, investment and fintech.

The UK accounts for approximately 11% of the global fintech market. Scotland is also one of Europe’s fastest-growing fintech hubs, with a thriving network of financial institutions, start-ups and technology companies.

According to FinTech Scotland, Glasgow is the UK’s third -largest financial centre. The city has established strengths in asset management, investment operations, insurance and business services, alongside a fast-growing fintech sector. Glasgow also ranks 43rd globally in the Global Financial Centres Index 2026, placing you within a dynamic business ecosystem with opportunities to engage with financial institutions, fintech companies and industry leaders.

Industry engagement is embedded throughout the course. Guest lectures, networking events and collaborative activities give you opportunities to connect with professionals working across financial services, fintech and technology sectors both in the UK and internationally. You’ll also benefit from GCU’s connections with organisations including FinTech Scotland, The Data Lab and the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI).

Accredited by the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI), this professionally focused MSc combines advanced technical expertise with financial insight and industry awareness. You’ll graduate prepared for careers across the rapidly evolving global fintech sector, with the specialist knowledge and professional recognition valued by employers worldwide.

Why study Financial Technology at GCU?

Gain hands-on experience using GCU’s Bloomberg Suite and Bloomberg Terminal platform, working with real-time market data and financial analysis tools used across global finance.
Study in one of Europe’s fastest-growing fintech hubs, with opportunities to connect with Scotland’s thriving network of fintech companies, start-ups and financial institutions.
Study a course built with industry in mind, combining financial expertise with contemporary skills in data analytics, programming, blockchain and cybersecurity.
Accredited by the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI), this professionally focused MSc is recognised by employers across banking, finance and fintech worldwide.

CBI

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What you will study

Modules

Bank Risk Management

Data Programming for Business Decision-Making

Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics Version 5

Data Ethics and Research Methods

Banking and Financial Regulation

Fundamentals of Financial Technology

Research Methods for Finance and Analytics

Data Visualisation for Business Analytics

Financial Risk Modelling

Finance and Analytics Research Project

We aim to display the most up-to-date information possible.

The modules listed on this page and the Programme Specification are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course. Please note that course content, modules, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at GCU. This might be because we are required to do so by law, by a governmental authority, regulator or accrediting body. We may also make changes for quality assurance reasons, or to enhance the course.

Careers

The specialist skills and industry insight developed throughout the MSc prepare you for opportunities across the rapidly evolving global fintech sector.

As a graduate of GCU’s MSc Financial Technology, you’ll be prepared for careers at the intersection of finance, technology and data analytics.

This combination of technical and financial knowledge is highly valued across banking, investment, insurance, consultancy and fintech sectors.

You can progress into roles such as:

Fintech Analyst
Data Scientist
Risk and Compliance Analyst
Digital Banking Product Manager.

Our graduates have entered roles in global financial institutions, technology companies, and innovative start-ups, applying expertise in areas such as payment systems, investment analysis, and regulatory technology.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full Time	1 year	Sep 26	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	2-3 years	Sep 26	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	16 months	Jan 27	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	2-3 years	Jan 27	Glasgow	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Minimum academic requirements

Minimum academic requirement: UK honours degree 2:2 (or equivalent) in a relevant computing subject or in a finance subject with an appropriate maths or computing component.

English language requirements

Academic IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) with no element below 5.5.

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Teaching and assessment methods

We use a blended approach to learning and teaching, combining:

lectures
seminars
labs
workshops
independent and online learning.

This interactive model encourages active participation, discussion, and collaboration across a diverse international group of students. Guest speakers and live case studies contextualise theories with real industry challenges.

Assessment methods vary depending on the module, and include:

essays
reports
presentations
exams
class tests
project work.

Many assessments are designed to replicate workplace tasks, helping you develop practical and transferable skills in parallel with academic knowledge.

Bloomberg Suite

You will have access to the University’s state-of-the-art Bloomberg Suite, giving you access to the same platform used by leading financial institutions around the world.

It integrates live data, analytics and business news into teaching and assessment, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

There is an option to complete the online Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) course.

It covers the most important functions of financial markets, including economic indicators, fixed income, equities, and foreign exchange markets. Once you complete the course, you will be a certified Bloomberg user, which is valued by employers.

You'll also have the opportunity to complete further Bloomberg certifications.

Industry relevance

This course is designed with industry in mind, helping you develop up-to-date knowledge and the technical skills employers are looking for across finance and fintech.

Industry engagement is embedded throughout your studies through guest lectures, employer-led workshops and networking events. These opportunities allow you to connect with professionals working across financial services, fintech and technology sectors while exploring potential career pathways.

Scotland’s growing fintech sector also provides opportunities to engage with innovative companies, start-ups and industry leaders throughout your studies.

Research and impact

Your learning will reflect GCU’s internationally-recognised research strengths in finance, risk analysis, data science, and digital innovation. Research-led teaching ensures that your studies reflect the latest developments in financial technology, regulation and data analytics. As part of the MSc, you will also complete an independent research project on a fintech topic of your choice, applying theory and practice to real-world issues.

Entrepreneurship and innovation

Fintech is an entrepreneurial sector, and this course supports your creativity and innovation. Through UHatch, GCU’s business incubator, you can develop entrepreneurial projects, collaborate with start-ups and explore social enterprise opportunities. The course encourages you to think critically about how new technologies can reshape financial services while addressing social and ethical challenges.

Commitment to the Common Good

As the University for the Common Good, GCU places ethical practice, social responsibility and sustainability at the heart of its teaching. This course reflects these values by embedding data ethics, responsible innovation and inclusive financial practice into the course content.

You will graduate with technical expertise and a crucial awareness of how fintech can contribute to a fairer, more sustainable global financial system.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI), the UK’s leading professional body for bankers. You’ll have access to professional recognition, networking opportunities and specialist resources that support your career progression.

Successful completion of the MSc Financial Technology contributes towards the requirements for Chartered Banker status, the gold standard for banking professionals. Full Chartered Banker membership is dependent on additional professional experience and continuing professional development after graduation.

The accreditation ensures that course content is aligned with industry standards. It enhances your employability by demonstrating academic achievement and professional credibility. You will benefit from being part of a global community committed to professionalism and ethical standards in banking.

Visit the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI) website.

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.

Overview

Why study Financial Technology at GCU?

Accreditations

What you will study

Careers

Course information