Finance, Technology and Policy MSc

Learning will primarily be through:

• formal lectures
• seminars
• workshops
• flipped classes
• practical computer labs sessions
• student presentations
• guest speakers
• masterclasses
• research assignments
• the research dissertation

Assessment methods include examinations, reports, essays and team presentations.

• Finance, Technology and Policy programme structure

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

As well as delivering a solid understanding of key theoretical finance and economic concepts, this Fintech MSc encourages potential future leaders to analyse and challenge the accepted financial setup.

By the end of the programme, you will be able to:

• demonstrate an advanced knowledge of key theoretical finance and economic concepts underpinning financial markets
• critically compare, contrast and evaluate the different machine learning techniques in terms of their applicability to solving problems in finance - demonstrating this by using appropriate software to apply techniques to a given set of data
• have an in-depth understanding of the relationships existing among the key global financial systems (for example, how bond yields dictate investment in equity and its derivatives)
• conduct valuation of financial instruments and projects within relevant regulatory contexts
• trade financial instruments on exchanges/trading platforms by using state of the art software packages and harnessing the power of relevant real-time financial data
• demonstrate an appreciation of the role played by policies in shaping financial services delivery and financial markets
• critically evaluate markets by being able to competently present arguments on the criticisms of the current set up and offer the basis for the development of alternative technology-based markets and financial services products.

• demonstrate an appreciation of the social dimensions of technology use in financial markets.

• Finance, Technology and Policy learning outcomes

Industry opportunities

We regularly bring guest speakers to the School to talk to Finance, Technology and Policy students about real, current practice. From company sponsored dissertations to career and employability treks, you will also have a variety of opportunities to learn from and network with industry and business professionals.

• Finance, Technology and Policy industry opportunities

Career development

Graduates from the University of Edinburgh are highly sought after globally. Our dedicated Student Development Team within the Business School will be an integral part of your student experience from day one. We are here to help you become equipped to maximise your potential in the global market.

• Finance, Technology and Policy career development

Career outcomes

The success of our programmes within the finance portfolio is reflected in the career destinations of our graduates. Hugely respected by global employers, our programmes provide the perfect learning experience with access to world-class academics and programmes that are underpinned by real world insights.

Job titles of our recent graduates include:

• analyst
• blockchain analyst
• client service associate
• data analyst
• data management consultant
• financial services associate
• financial services technology consultant
• fixed income trader
• innovation engineer

• software engineer

• Finance, Technology and Policy career outcomes

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 11 July 2024.

Entrance to our MSc programmes is strongly competitive. You can increase your chances of a successful application by exceeding the minimum programme requirements.

• Important points to note when applying for this programme

Academic requirements

A UK first-class or 2:1 honours degree in one of the subjects below, or an equivalent overseas qualification.

• An undergraduate honours degree in finance, economics, engineering or informatics is normally required.

• You will need to have taken and passed at least one course with significant statistical analysis and/or programming as part of your undergraduate degree or be able to demonstrate that you have relevant work experience in the use of statistical and/or programming software packages.

• Candidates with a first class or 2:1 honours degree in other disciplines will be considered on an individual basis if some level of finance/economics/informatics content formed part of the degree and you can demonstrate a high level of quantitative ability through your degree results.

• Candidates with a first class or 2:1 honours degree in an unrelated subject area but have relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

• Candidates with a first class or 2:1 honours degree in an unrelated subject area but who have relevant professional qualifications will be given due consideration on an individual basis.

• If you are a mature candidate with significant finance and tech industry experience or with relevant professional qualifications, you will be given due consideration on an individual basis.

Students from China

This degree is Band A.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Application fee

This programme requires a non-refundable application fee.

• £60

Deposit

You will need to pay this deposit within 28 days of receiving your offer of admission (either unconditional or conditional).

• £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

Additional programme costs

See the programme website for more information on additional costs, as well as deposit payment.

• MSc Finance, Technology & Policy - fees and living expenses

Living costs

You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies. Below you can find a breakdown of the cost of living in Edinburgh and other studying costs to help you calculate your finances.

• Other studying and living costs

Tuition fees

Featured funding

• Business School scholarships

• External Scholarships

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status.

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding