Higher Diploma in Science in FinTech

Overview

Technological innovation applied to financial services has created a wave of disruptive activity that will change the shape of the global financial system over the next decade.

This has created demand from graduates and employees for programmes specifically tailored to the skills required for a changing financial services industry.

This is an interdisciplinary programme that focuses on finance, data analytics and computing. It is designed to appeal to graduates seeking to gain exposure to FinTech – the technology enabled business model innovation in the financial sector.
Aims and Objectives

This is an innovative programme with an integrated delivery from end‐to‐end covering a wide range of financial technology topics, whilst providing a focus on application and the regulation required in this area. The programme focuses on practical skills in core areas such as data & financial analytics, e-Finance, financial services and cybersecurity while also offering applied skills in contemporary topics such as data analytics, and financial applications. Its aim is to create a mastery of core financial technologies and financial systems while also enhancing the practical technical skills of the learners.

The specific programme aims are as follows:

• Develop learner’s criticality in order to analyse industry trends in Fintech
• Provide learners with a platform to develop the requisite knowledge and technical skills in current and developing financial technologies
• Prepare learners to work effectively and collaboratively in the execution of common goals
• Provide learners with systematic knowledge of the management of Financial Technology in organisational and regulatory contexts
• Facilitate the development by the learner of applied skills that are directly complementary and relevant to the workplace
• Identify and develop autonomous learning skills for the learner
• Enable the learner to identify, develop and apply analytical, creative, problem solving and research skills
• Provide the learner with a comprehensive platform for career development, innovation and further study.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for the Higher Diploma in Science in FinTech are a Level 8 degree in a cognate discipline OR a Level 8 degree in a non-cognate discipline with 1-2 years professional experience in a related industry. Due to the mathematical nature of the content candidates will be required to show sufficient competency in mathematics.

In addition, for applicants whose first language is not English and who have not undertaken their undergraduate degree through English the following is required:

The minimum requirement for a non-native English speaker is greater or equal to B2+ in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages for admission Non‐EU applicants, resident outside Ireland/EU, must apply directly to the International Admissions Office at DBS.

Course Content

The Higher Diploma in Science in FinTech has the following content:

Block I

• • Financial Services Innovation
  • Fintech Regulatory Environment

Block II

• • Data Analytics
  • Fintech Operations

Block III

• • Blockchain & e-Payments
  • Capstone (Project)

Assessment Methods

The Higher Diploma in Science in FinTech is an academic programme informed by the clinical and academic experience of the lecturers. Modules will be delivered through a mix of lectures, workshops and tutorials, and teaching will focus on the learner applying problem solving skills and undertaking critical reflection and critique of case studies. Assessment methods include in-class tests and MCQS, presentations, analysis of case studies, assignments and project work.

Structure

The programme is structured to deliver the taught component, contributing 60 credits in one year full time and 2 years part time.

Full-time

• • For full-time students, the taught component consists of six modules.

Part-time

• • For part-time students, delivery of the programme is structured over four taught semesters. During each semester, students are typically required to attend lectures on two evenings per week and occasional weekend workshops.

The course has six key components:

• Class room lectures
• Case Based learning
• Practical Skills Sessions
  Workshops
• Tutorials
• Individual and Group work

Career Opportunities

FinTech has quickly become one of the biggest sectors in tech. From an employer perspective, there are a number of companies looking for graduates with these skills in the short and medium term. Career opportunities exist in banking, insurance, and technology companies as well as in innovative start-up situations.

December 13th 2016, Minister Eoghan Murphy TD, unveiled 10 FinTech start-ups ready to launch in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland. It is estimated that from start-ups to multinationals, as many as 5,000 new jobs could be created in the Irish FinTech sector by 2020.

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €7,350 for the full-time programme, and €3,675 per annum for the two year, part-time programme for EU students. This covers the cost of tuition, registration and examinations.

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about DBS and learn more about the Higher Diploma in Financial Technology. As well as experiencing our outstanding facilities, you’ll have the opportunity to receive personalised advice from academics from your subject area, meet current postgraduate students and also have your questions answered on general subjects such as entry requirements, student support and the admissions process.