MSc Finance (Financial Technology and Banking)

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% to 70% or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92, with at least 23 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 59.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Durham University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to both domestic and international students.

Durham University Scholarships and Bursaries: These are awarded to both undergraduate and postgraduate students based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific criteria such as subject area or country of origin.

Durham International Scholarships: These are awarded to exceptional international students who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the university. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees and is renewable for the duration of the course.

Government Scholarships: Durham University participates in a number of government scholarship programs, including the Chevening Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarship.

College-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges at Durham University offer scholarships and bursaries to their students, such as the Van Mildert College Music Scholarship and the St. Mary's College Travel Grant.

Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at Durham University offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships may be discipline-specific or focused on supporting students from specific regions or countries. 

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships are prestigious scholarships awarded to exceptional international students across all academic disciplines. These scholarships cover the full tuition fees and provide a generous living allowance for the duration of the program. The selection process is highly competitive and based on academic merit and leadership potential.

Durham University in the UK offers an MSc Finance (Financial Technology and Banking) program that combines the study of finance with a focus on emerging financial technologies and their impact on the banking industry. This program prepares students for rewarding careers in the rapidly evolving field of financial technology (FinTech) and banking. 

FinTech Specialist: Graduates of the program can pursue careers as FinTech specialists, working for financial institutions, technology companies, or start-ups. They will have the expertise to develop and implement innovative financial solutions using technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.

Banking and Financial Services: Graduates can enter the banking and financial services industry, working for banks, investment firms, or insurance companies. They can take on roles in areas such as digital banking, financial product development, risk management, or compliance, leveraging their knowledge of FinTech and its applications.

Financial Analysis and Consulting: The program equips graduates with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, making them well-suited for roles in financial analysis and consulting. They can work for consulting firms, advising clients on FinTech strategies, regulatory compliance, or risk assessment.

Risk Management: Graduates can specialize in risk management, working for financial institutions or consultancy firms. They can help identify and mitigate risks associated with new technologies, cybersecurity, regulatory changes, or data privacy, ensuring the stability and security of financial systems.

Investment and Portfolio Management: Graduates can pursue careers in investment and portfolio management, working for asset management firms or investment banks. They will have the skills to analyze financial data, assess investment opportunities, and develop investment strategies that incorporate FinTech tools and techniques.

Financial Regulation and Compliance: The program provides graduates with an understanding of the regulatory landscape in the financial industry. They can work in roles related to financial regulation and compliance, ensuring that financial institutions adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements in the context of emerging technologies.

Entrepreneurship and Start-ups: Graduates with a passion for entrepreneurship can start their own FinTech ventures or join start-up companies in the financial technology space. They can apply their knowledge of FinTech and banking to create innovative solutions, disrupt traditional financial models, and drive industry transformation.

Data Analysis and Data Science: The program equips graduates with skills in data analysis and data science, which are highly valuable in the finance industry. They can work as data analysts, data scientists, or quantitative analysts, using data-driven insights to inform decision-making, risk assessment, and financial modeling.

Regulatory Technology (RegTech): Graduates can explore opportunities in the emerging field of regulatory technology (RegTech). They can work for companies that develop technological solutions to help financial institutions comply with regulatory requirements more efficiently and effectively.

International Careers: The knowledge and skills gained from the program can open doors to international career opportunities. Graduates can work in global financial hubs such as London, New York, Singapore, or Hong Kong, where FinTech is rapidly growing and shaping the future of the financial industry.