Find out more about studying MSc Financial Technology (Economics) at University of Essex? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Master of Science - MSc
University of Essex
Part Time
Oct 2027
2 Year
Electronic stock markets, mobile banking, cryptocurrencies, robo advisors, copy trading and peer-peer platforms are transforming the financial services sector. The MSc Financial Technology (Economics) takes a multi-disciplinary perspective that combines economics, computer science and business theory to explore the theory and methods of this growth area.This course allows a deeper dive into the economics of market microstructure for design of trading strategies, managing operational risks and market design for electronic markets such as peer-to-peer platforms The MSc Financial Technology (Economics) is designed for students seeking a career in the finance industry, in particular the financial technology sector. Recent graduates include those who work as:Fund Managers (Jupiter Fund),Data Scientists (Lloyds Bank),Risk Managers (HSBC)The degree will provide you first and foremost with the multi-disciplinary training you will need to see your subject from all sides and communicate effectively as part of a team. This course will equip you with both theoretical and technical skills that are specific for the finance industry. It will also equip you with transferable skills such as the ability to develop and present an argument, as well as lab-based operational skills. Work is undertaken both individually and in groups to broaden your experience.
What interests you? Undertake a research project of your choosing, studying a specific economic issue or set of problems in depth, with supervision from our world-leading academic staff. Gain experience of original and independent work, making use of and building on skills that you have acquired during your Masters.
Equip yourself with principles of allocation and mechanism design from an operational perspective. Auction design and market microstructure of the stock market, liquidity provision in electronic financial markets such as dark pools, and capital adequacy of centralized clearing platforms are some of the specific applications that will be studied in the first part of this module. During the second part, you will be introduced to complexity economics of self-organisation, network modules, and strategic proteanism. Finally, you'll use network models to study economic interactions.
Big data - where datasets are so large they cannot be processed using traditional techniques – is useful to financial organisations. This module explores how to analyse big data and covers areas such as predictive analytics, risk modelling and corporate finance. You also learn about the application of data analytics in high frequency finance, fraud and personal finance.
Study the concepts of risk and return in equity markets, both in the context of asset pricing, and in the management of equity portfolios. You will start by focusing on the analysis of the stylised facts of asset returns, and will then review the theoretical foundations of modern finance, covering expected utility theory and risk aversion.
