Fintech - Economics & Financial Technology

Course Overview

The MSc Fintech (Economics and Financial Technology) is a pioneering programme at the intersection of finance, economics, and technology. This programme welcomes applications from graduates of business, economics and finance degrees, or computer science and engineering graduates with a background in economics. Leveraging Galway's robust presence in both finance and analytics, this Master's degree consolidates these strengths into a single, comprehensive offering.



The Fintech sector faces a pressing need for professionals equipped with a blend of economic insight and technical expertise. A recent FSI Report (September 2023) forecasts a staggering 44% increase in employee numbers over the next three years, underscoring the acute shortage of technical talent in this rapidly growing industry.



The programme's curriculum encompasses a blend of theoretical foundations and applied subjects, covering crucial areas such as:

• The impact of financial technology on the economy

• Economic theory and econometrics

• Finance, technology, and data science



Core modules in financial technology and financial analytics are supplemented by a diverse range of optional modules. This flexibility allows students to tailor their studies to match their specific interests within the expansive realm of Fintech.



The MSc Fintech (Economics and Financial Technology) aims to facilitate learning and critical assessment of the economic impact of emerging financial instruments, markets, and technologies. Graduates will acquire a skillset that allows them to make an immediate and substantial contribution within the FinTech industry.



Teaching methods will include traditional expositional lectures, immersive collaborative discussions, problem-based learning (e.g. case studies on topics in Fintech), the invitation of guest speakers to lecture on their areas of expertise (e.g. FinTech regulation). There will be teaching of practical skills in computer labs as well.



Learning methods include study of textbook material, reading and critically assessing journal articles on the state-of-the-art research, and individual and group projects.

Semester I

Core Modules:

• Financial Technology and the Economy (5 ECTS),

• Financial Econometrics (10 ECTS)

• Applied Portfolio Management (10 ECTS)



Optional Modules:

• Cybersecurity Risk Management (10 ECTS)

• Information Technology Law (5 ECTS)

• Strategic Management (5 ECTS)

• Intermediate Corporate Finance (5 ECTS)

• Macroeconomic Theory and Policy (10 ECTS)

• Microeconomic Theory (10 ECTS)



Semester II

Core Modules:

• Behavioural Finance and Economics (5 ECTS)

• Financial Data Analytics (10 ECTS)



Optional modules:

• Contemporary Issues in FinTech (10 ECTS)

• Web Design and Development (5 ECTS)

• Digital Metrics and Analytics (5 ECTS)

• Advanced Corporate Finance (5 ECTS)

• Derivatives and Risk Management (10 ECTS)

• Green and Sustainable Finance (10 ECTS)

• International Monetary Economics (10 ECTS)

• Economics and the Global Economy (10 ECTS)

• International Finance (10 ECTS)

• Financial and Macroeconomic History (10 ECTS)

• Applied Econometrics (10 ECTS)



Please see Course Web Page above for module details.

Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) with Economics to intermediate level*. However, 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. * By "intermediate level economics" we mean courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics at a level typically done in second or third year of an undergraduate programme. 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.



As this programme covers the intersection of finance and technology, we also welcome applicants with at least a 2:1 or equivalent in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics or Technology. Such applicants should highlight their suitability for the programme in their personal statement, citing appropriate evidence (e.g. work experience, internships, extracurricular activities, etc.). Applicants without an Economics background shall be required to take an online preparatory course before registering on the programme.



IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

1 year, full-time.

Next start date: September 2025

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for a seamless transition to various careers in financial services, including but not limited to roles such as:

• Fintech Analyst

• Quantitative Analyst

• Blockchain Consultant

• Financial Data Scientist

• Fintech Product Manager

• Risk Management Specialist

• Financial Technology Strategist

• Investment Analyst

• Regulatory Compliance Officer

• Financial Systems Developer

• Cryptocurrency Researcher

• Algorithmic Trading Developer

• Payment Systems Architect

• Financial Technology Consultant

• Economic Policy Analyst



They can excel in diverse settings such as FinTech startups, digital banks, payments facilitator companies, insure-tech firms, digitalisation wings of traditional financial sectors, regulatory wings in the public or private sectors, and consultancies specialising in blockchain technologies.