MSc in Financial Technology

The MSc in Financial Technology, together with the FTSAI Lab, form an integrated ecosystem aimed at enhancing the research and educational experience of MSc students. This ecosystem fosters an innovative and interdisciplinary environment where students can engage in cutting-edge research by working on real-world problems relevant to industry professionals. Through their dissertation projects, students address practical challenges that hold significant interest for the financial and technology sectors. The FTSAI Lab provides the necessary computational infrastructure, data resources, and advanced technological support, ensuring that students have access to state-of-the-art tools for conducting their research. By bridging academia and industry, this ecosystem promotes collaborative learning, enabling students to develop solutions that push the boundaries of financial technology while gaining skills that are highly valuable in the professional world.

The MSc in Financial Technology is a highly specialized postgraduate program designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge and technical expertise in the rapidly evolving field of financial technology. The program covers core areas such as blockchain technology, machine learning, big data analytics, quantitative finance, and risk management, providing a comprehensive foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of fintech.

Through a rigorous curriculum that integrates finance, technology, and data science, students develop the ability to analyze complex financial systems, design innovative solutions, and leverage cutting-edge technologies to address modern financial challenges. The program places strong emphasis on hands-on experience, with practical applications using real-world data, simulations, and industry-standard tools. By combining academic excellence, industry relevance, and computational power, the MSc and FTSAI Lab ecosystem enables students to emerge as leaders in financial technology, equipped to navigate and shape the future of finance.

Financial Technology (FinTech) encompasses Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain technologies, Cloud Computing, and Big Data—collectively referred to as the “ABCD” of Financial Technology. These four core areas are driving innovation and reshaping the financial landscape.

Following the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial sector has undergone rapid transformation. The failure of traditional financial models to predict crises and the inadequacies of risk management mechanisms shattered misconceptions that:

a) Financial models based on rigorous mathematical and statistical analyses aim to provide accurate results.

b) Proper risk management tools can eliminate financial risks entirely.

Furthermore, technological advancements, the shift toward sustainable development, and increased investment in innovation continue to reshape the financial industry. Even for experienced professionals, keeping up with emerging financial theories, models, and trends can be challenging. Within this ever-evolving landscape, financial technology plays a pivotal role in redefining the sector.

The MSc in Financial Technology follows a well-structured, coherent, and functional curriculum, ensuring an effective learning experience. The program is divided into three academic semesters:

• The first two semesters consist of coursework, with courses evenly distributed to provide a balanced academic load.
• The third semester is dedicated to the Master’s dissertation, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.

Courses are offered either in-person or online, providing flexibility for students to engage in specialized and advanced scientific training in financial technology.

The MSc in Financial Technology also offers a merit-based scholarship program for postgraduate students. The funding for these scholarships will be covered by the MSc program’s revenue, in accordance with current legislation.

The program requires 90 ECTS credits for completion, with students earning 30 ECTS per semester:

• Each semester’s courses are allocated 30 ECTS, ensuring an equal distribution of credits across the two academic semesters.
• The Master’s dissertation is assigned 30 ECTS, equivalent to a full semester’s workload.

Master’s Program in Financial Technology	ECTS
First Semester (All courses are compulsory)
Money, Banking and Financial Markets	6
Investments and Portfolio Management	6
Quantitative Methods in Finance	6
Blockchain, Cryptoassets and Decentralised Finance	6
Programming in Finance	6
Total ECTS (First Semester)	30
Second Semester (All courses are compulsory)
Financial Management	6
Financial Engineering	6
Risk Management in Financial Markets	6
Big Data	6
Machine Learning in Finance	6
Total ECTS (Second Semester)	30
Third Semester
Dissertation	30
Total ECTS (Third Semester)	30
Total ECTS for the Master’s Program	90

The MSc follows a structured academic calendar, with weekly online classes, workshops, and practical exercises during the first two academic semesters. Attendance is mandatory for all courses, ensuring active participation and engagement.

Additionally, students are required to attend seminars, lectures, workshops, and conferences organized or supported by the MSc program. This approach fosters a comprehensive learning experience, integrating academic knowledge with practical exposure to industry advancements.