Postgraduate Course
MSc Financial Technology
(Computer Science)
Overview
The details
Financial Technology (Computer Science)
October 2026
Full-time
What is the MSc Financial Technology (Computer Science)?
The MSc Financial Technology (Computer Science) is a one- or two-year degree studied at our Colchester Campus.
You’ll develop the theoretical and technical skills needed in FinTech, a fast-growing area of the finance industry.
Why this course
The MSc Financial Technology (Computer Science) gives you a strong understanding of the intricacies of financial and economic markets, the ability to apply advanced computing methods, and the ability to design and program solutions that exploit the synergy between finance, economics and computation.
To specialise in the economic aspects of this industry, explore our MSc Financial Technology (Economics), or the business aspects in MSc Financial Technology (Finance).
You’ll be taught in collaboration with the Centre for Computational Finance and Economics Agents (CCFEA) within the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, the Essex Finance Centre (EFiC) within Essex Business School, and the Department of Economics.
You’ll graduate as a confident finance professional with specialist skills crucial to standing out in the industry.
Who should apply
- Future tech specialists changing the finance landscape
- Those interested in joining the fast-moving and rapidly-growing area of FinTech
- Graduates and entrepreneurs eager to develop their own technologies, apps and systems
- People who get to the heart of how things work
What you’ll learn
- Finance: Master the pricing of financial derivatives and computational market microstructures
- Computing for finance: Explore the applications of machine learning and Big Data in finance
- Specialise: Tailor your degree to your choice of optional modules
Your learning experience
- Expert teaching: Learn from both academics and industry experts from the financial and IT sectors
- Specialist facilities: Access 24/7 computing labs with a range of programming software as well as specialist computing and engineering facilities
Careers and outcomes
An MSc Financial Technology (Computer Science) degree prepares you for diverse careers in:
- Algorithmic and high-frequency trading (HFT)
- RegTech (regulatory technology)
- EMIs (Electronic Money Institutions)
- Data analysis
- AI and machine learning
- Cyber security
- Development
- UX design
- Research degree in computational finance
Why we're great.
- Gain an interdisciplinary degree benefiting from the expertise in three departments
- Study a variety of topics including microeconomics and big data, software development and the underpinnings of the financial system
- Benefit from our proximity to London as well as our connections with employers
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Course content
Course structure
Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.
Components and modules explained
Components
Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.
Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.
| Status | What this means |
| Core |
You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
| Core with Options |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
| Compulsory |
You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
| Compulsory with Options |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
| Optional |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.
Modules
Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.
In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.
Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:
| HR | 100 | 4 | FY |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The department or school the module will be taught by. In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History. |
The module number. |
The UK academic level of the module. A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course. A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules. A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification. |
The term the module will be taught in.
|
COMPONENT 01: CORE
CCFEA MSc Dissertation
(40 CREDITS)
This dissertation is worth 90% and is submitted to FASer and the school in week 48. The presentation is worth 10% and takes place in weeks 49/50.
COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY
Computational Market Microstructure for FinTech and the Digital Economy
(20 CREDITS)
Equip yourself with principles of allocation and mechanism design from an operational perspective. Auction design and market microstructure of the stock market, liquidity provision in electronic financial markets such as dark pools, and capital adequacy of centralized clearing platforms are some of the specific applications that will be studied in the first part of this module. During the second part, you will be introduced to complexity economics of self-organisation, network modules, and strategic proteanism. Finally, you'll use network models to study economic interactions.
View Computational Market Microstructure for FinTech and the Digital Economy on our Module Directory
COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY
Programming for Data Scientists
(20 CREDITS)
COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY
Big Data in Finance
(20 CREDITS)
Big data - where datasets are so large they cannot be processed using traditional techniques – is useful to financial organisations. This module explores how to analyse big data and covers areas such as predictive analytics, risk modelling and corporate finance. You also learn about the application of data analytics in high frequency finance, fraud and personal finance.
COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY
Machine Learning for Finance
(20 CREDITS)
This module is a mix of theory and practice with big data cases in finance. Algorithmic and data science theories will be introduced and followed by a thorough introduction of data-driven algorithms for structures and unstructured data. Modern machine learning and data mining algorithms will be introduced with particular case studies on financial industry.
COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY
Financial Derivatives
(20 CREDITS)
Master the pricing of financial derivatives and their use for hedging financial risks. You study the basics of futures and options, analyse the Black-Scholes and binomial option pricing models, and consider various numerical techniques for pricing financial derivatives. Futures and options are then utilised in the context of hedging financial risks, and you are introduced to the concept of volatility trading and the treatment of volatility as an asset class.
Teaching
- Lectures introduce you to cutting-edge computational and evolutionary methods to analyse and simulate markets and design real-time trading and risk management systems.
- Lab sessions allow you to gain experience in implementing quantitative methods in finance and economics, modelling and developing machine learning algorithms as well as optimisation algorithms in financial settings.
- Industry expert lectures give you a unique opportunity to appreciate the latest developments and issues faced by leading practitioners in the areas of quantitative finance and risk management.
Assessment
- You will be assessed throughout the course by written exams and coursework, including the dissertation towards the end of the course. You will also give presentations on your work.
Dissertation
- To complete your dissertation, you will consider and address a pertinent question in the field of financial technology. You'll make use of the skills you've acquired during the course in order to tackle an important topic of practical importance. The dissertation is aimed to be of publishable quality.
Entry requirements
UK entry requirements
A 2:2 degree in one of the following subjects (with no module requirements):
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Engineering
- Finance
- Maths
- Physics
- Statistics
We will consider applicants with any other 2:2 degree or above which includes:
At least one Maths or Econometrics module, such as:
- Calculus
- Differential Equations
- Econometrics
- Probability
- Statistics
- Stochastic Processes
International & EU entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.
Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at pgquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.
Fees and funding
Home/UK fee
£12,725
International fee
£24,675
Scholarships and financial support
There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.
Fees and funding guide
What's next
Open Days
We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:
- tour our campus and accommodation
- find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
- meet our students and staff
If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing tours@essex.ac.uk and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.
2026 Open Days (Colchester Campus)
Applying
You can apply for this postgraduate course online. Before you apply, please check our information about necessary documents that we'll ask you to provide as part of your application.
We aim to respond to applications within two weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.
For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘how to apply' information.
Visit Colchester Campus
Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.
Virtual tours
If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.
Chat to us
Got a question about this course? Chat with Dr Ian Daly from the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering.
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