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BSc (Hons) Finance and Technology (FinTech) (with a professional placement year)
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Finance and Technology (FinTech) (with a professional placement year) at the University of Sussex is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in the fast-evolving field of financial technology. Combining a strong foundation in finance with cutting-edge technology applications, this program prepares graduates to navigate the intersection of finance, technology, and innovation. The inclusion of a professional placement year further enhances students' employability, offering real-world experience and networking opportunities with top companies in the FinTech sector. This program is ideal for individuals interested in leveraging technology to solve complex financial problems, whether in traditional financial institutions, startups, or emerging tech-based companies.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Finance and Technology (FinTech) program offers a balanced mix of core finance modules, technological principles, and industry-specific applications. In the first year, students are introduced to fundamental topics in financial management, accounting, economics, and the basics of computing and programming. This provides a solid grounding in the key principles that underpin both finance and technology. In the second year, the focus shifts to more advanced areas, including financial markets, risk management, and the use of data analytics in finance. Students also explore the latest technological innovations, such as blockchain, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, and how they are applied within the finance industry. The third year includes a professional placement year, where students gain hands-on experience in a FinTech-related role, further enhancing their practical skills and employability. The final year enables students to specialize in areas such as financial modeling, financial technology development, and digital payments, with a strong emphasis on preparing for careers in the rapidly growing FinTech sector.
Research Focus: The research focus within the BSc (Hons) Finance and Technology (FinTech) program at the University of Sussex is centered around the integration of finance with technological innovation. The university has a strong reputation for research in financial technologies, data analytics, and digital finance systems. Students are encouraged to engage in research that explores emerging technologies, such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, big data, and machine learning, and their impact on the finance sector. Faculty members at Sussex are involved in cutting-edge research that influences both the academic and practical applications of FinTech. Students may have the opportunity to participate in research projects that examine the evolving regulatory landscape for FinTech, digital payment systems, or the use of artificial intelligence in financial decision-making. This research focus equips students with a deep understanding of the financial technologies that are shaping the industry and prepares them for leadership roles in the sector.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a core component of the BSc (Hons) Finance and Technology (FinTech) program. The professional placement year, in particular, provides students with invaluable exposure to the FinTech industry, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting. The University of Sussex has established strong links with leading financial institutions, technology companies, and FinTech startups, offering students the opportunity to work in a wide range of roles, from software development and data analysis to financial modeling and blockchain technology. Through placements, internships, and collaborative projects, students are able to build a network of industry contacts, gain insight into the challenges and opportunities in the FinTech sector, and enhance their employability upon graduation. Additionally, guest lectures, workshops, and networking events with industry professionals help students stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in the financial technology landscape.
Global Perspective: The global perspective of the BSc (Hons) Finance and Technology (FinTech) program reflects the international nature of the finance and technology sectors. The program explores global financial markets, regulatory environments, and the impact of technological advancements on finance worldwide. Students are encouraged to understand how FinTech innovations are being applied across different countries and regions, particularly in emerging markets where digital financial services are rapidly gaining traction. The University of Sussex also offers opportunities for students to engage with international perspectives through study abroad programs, industry placements in global FinTech hubs, and participation in international conferences or competitions. This global outlook ensures that graduates are well-prepared to work in a diverse and interconnected world, whether in multinational corporations, financial institutions, or FinTech startups with a global presence.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 23175
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
The BSc (Hons) Finance and Technology (FinTech) (with a professional placement year) program at the University of Sussex offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the rapidly growing and dynamic field of financial technology. By combining strong foundations in finance with the latest technological advancements, the program prepares graduates to enter a variety of roles within both the finance and technology industries. The professional placement year enhances employability by providing students with valuable hands-on experience and a real-world understanding of how FinTech innovations are transforming the financial services sector. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers in established financial institutions, innovative startups, tech companies, and consultancy firms.
FinTech Developer/Software Engineer: Graduates of the program with a strong technical background can pursue careers as FinTech developers or software engineers. These roles involve creating, designing, and implementing software solutions for financial services using technologies such as blockchain, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Software engineers in FinTech companies develop solutions that improve financial transactions, enhance security, and streamline business operations. Graduates can work in a variety of sectors, including mobile payment platforms, digital banking solutions, and financial data analytics.
Financial Analyst/Data Analyst: Graduates interested in data-driven decision-making may pursue careers as financial analysts or data analysts within FinTech firms or traditional financial institutions. These roles involve analyzing market trends, customer behavior, and financial data to provide actionable insights that guide investment decisions, risk management, and strategic business planning. The strong data analytics component of the program ensures that graduates possess the necessary skills to extract meaningful insights from large datasets, a critical skill in the data-driven financial sector.
Risk Management and Compliance Specialist: As the financial industry becomes increasingly dependent on technology, there is a growing demand for professionals who can manage risks associated with digital financial systems. Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Finance and Technology (FinTech) program can pursue careers as risk management specialists, compliance officers, or financial auditors in FinTech companies and financial institutions. These roles involve ensuring that financial systems comply with regulatory standards, identifying and mitigating potential risks, and safeguarding against cyber threats. Graduates are well-positioned to manage the regulatory challenges that arise as new technologies are integrated into financial services.
Blockchain Developer: Blockchain technology is at the forefront of the FinTech revolution, and many graduates of the program may choose to specialize in blockchain development. Blockchain developers design and build decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts, revolutionizing industries such as banking, insurance, and supply chain management. The program's focus on emerging technologies like blockchain provides students with the technical expertise needed to work in this growing field, either within large corporations or as part of innovative startups.
Digital Payments Specialist: With the increasing use of mobile and digital payments, there is a significant demand for professionals who can develop, implement, and optimize digital payment systems. Graduates may work as digital payments specialists, helping companies design secure, efficient, and scalable payment solutions. These professionals ensure that digital transactions are safe, seamless, and compliant with industry regulations. The program’s emphasis on both finance and technology positions graduates to enter this expanding sector, working with financial institutions, e-commerce platforms, and payment solution providers.
Investment Banker/FinTech Consultant: Graduates can also pursue careers in investment banking or FinTech consulting, advising companies on how to leverage FinTech innovations to improve financial performance, enhance customer experiences, and gain a competitive edge. These roles involve working closely with clients to assess financial needs, analyze market trends, and recommend technology-driven solutions to improve financial processes. FinTech consultants also help businesses navigate the complexities of digital transformation and the integration of new technologies within their financial services.
Product Manager in FinTech: With the increasing number of digital products and services being offered in the financial sector, there is a growing need for product managers who can oversee the development of FinTech products and services. As a product manager, graduates would be responsible for driving product development from concept to launch, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring that products meet customer needs and regulatory standards. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the finance industry, all of which are covered in the BSc (Hons) Finance and Technology (FinTech) program.
Financial Technology Entrepreneur/Startup Founder: For those with an entrepreneurial mindset, the BSc (Hons) Finance and Technology (FinTech) program provides the skills and knowledge to launch their own FinTech startup. With a comprehensive understanding of both finance and technology, graduates are well-positioned to develop innovative products or services that address challenges within the financial sector. Whether creating a new mobile banking app, developing a payment solution, or leveraging blockchain for financial transparency, graduates can take advantage of the growing FinTech ecosystem and launch their own ventures.
Cybersecurity Specialist in FinTech: As financial services increasingly rely on digital technologies, protecting sensitive data and transactions from cyber threats is paramount. Graduates of the program with an interest in cybersecurity can work as security specialists in FinTech, ensuring that digital financial systems are protected from hackers, fraud, and data breaches. These professionals develop and implement cybersecurity strategies, monitor systems for vulnerabilities, and work to safeguard financial assets in an increasingly digital world.
Financial Systems Architect: For graduates interested in the intersection of finance and technology at a systems level, a career as a financial systems architect could be a perfect fit. In this role, professionals design, develop, and optimize financial systems to handle large-scale transactions, integrate new technologies, and improve the overall efficiency of financial services. Financial systems architects play a key role in ensuring that technological infrastructure supports the operational needs of financial institutions, ensuring scalability, security, and regulatory compliance.
