Ulster University has launched a financial technology degree, in response to sustained growth of the fintech industry in Northern Ireland.
The university’s business school said the new BSc (Hons) in Financial Technology is the first of its kind in the UK, and has been developed with key industry partners to support the need for skilled fintech graduates.
The course will commence in September 2020 and can be delivered as both a part-time undergraduate degree and a Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA).
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William Smyth, lecturer in financial services at Ulster University commented: “Technology is driving major transformation in financial services both at a local and global level, and despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, there is cause for optimism across the fintech ecosystem.
“Our pioneering Financial Technology degree programme is the central educational feature in a UK FinTech National Skills Day webinar which brings together leaders from across industry, academia and government to discuss how the skills and talent agenda is being addressed in Northern Ireland.
“This degree will provide students with the skills and knowledge to secure a graduate job with an above average starting salary and an exciting career path. Creating aspiring financial leaders will help ensure the region builds on its already established reputation as a global player in the development of financial technology infrastructure that is shaping the future of financial services.”
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Fintech Envoy for NI, Andrew Jenkins has previously said that despite the uncertainty and challenges which many will face due to COVID-19’s impact, “there is an opportunity for fintech to do what it does best and play its part in the economic recovery, speeding the escalator up.”
Ross Davidson, Ulster University Business School graduate said: “The fintech sector is a fast-paced booming industry and Belfast has been ranked as the number one destination for fintech development investment in Europe.
“As part of my placement year, I worked in the FX department at Citibank Belfast which has grown rapidly since 2008. I was able to apply the theoretical and practical elements I had learned in Ulster University’s Bloomberg trading room to my job role on a daily basis.
“Through industry experience, I have developed key transferable skills which has led me to explore a unique opportunity to work for Bibby Financial Services in London.”
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To find out more information or to apply visit https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/202021/financial-technology-21396
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