Course Overview
Course summary
This exciting course draws together knowledge of computer science with finance, building your computer literacy skills from the ground up. You’ll master industry-standard software such as Python, R and MATLAB whilst developing your understanding of the theoretical frameworks upon which FinTech and data analytics are based.
You will be introduced to blockchain technology, cloud computing systems and machine learning, and gain hands-on financial analysis experience in our state-of-the-art Bloomberg Financial Markets Suite, enhancing your professional and enterprise skills through learning with real-world experiences and simulations.
As well as a firm grounding in financial technology and data analytics, you’ll be able to study a wide variety of specialist modules, such as Big Data Management, Cryptocurrencies, Entrepreneurship and RegTech. With the City of London's global financial institutions on our doorstep, you’ll begin building your professional network from day one. You’ll also attend guest lectures from industry professionals, broadening your knowledge of contemporary issues faced by the financial services sector.
Between your second and third year of study, you'll also have the opportunity to spend a year in industry applying your knowledge in a real-work environment or gain international experience with a year studying abroad.
Top reasons to study with us
- Access to one of the largest financial databases in our state-of-the-art Bloomberg virtual trading room
- Build your computer literacy skills whilst gaining the financial knowledge required for a career in the financial services industry
- Learn industry-standard software such as Python, R, MATLAB, blockchain databases and cloud computing systems
- Field trips to financial institutions: past finance students have taken a guided tour of the new Bloomberg HQ in London
- Be guided in setting up your own business with the support and knowledge of our expert teaching team
- Put theory into practice on a year-long work placement or gain international experience studying abroad
- Receive Bloomberg certification upon successful completion of the Financial Skills Development module in Year 1
- Free online subscription to The Financial Times
Course structure
This course will enable you to specialise in the areas of financial and business analytics where technology is being used to improve organisational and business practices.
In each year of study, you will take a combination of core and option modules, covering specialisms such as Entrepreneurship in FinTech, Blockchain and Cloud Computing, and Big Data Management for Finance.
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials and will be encouraged to reflect on and further develop your skills and knowledge with the support of lecturers and personal tutors.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
In Year 1, you’ll be introduced to data analytics, financial theory, computation methods and technology awareness. You’ll use a range of specialist financial techniques, evaluate business information and develop strategies to determine solutions to various complex problems.
Subjects of study include:
- Business Computing
- Financial Skills Development
- Introduction to Finance
- Mathematics for Finance
- Principles of Fintech, Blockchain and Cloud Computing
- Entrepreneurship in FinTech
Credit Level 4
In your second year, you will learn how to generate ideas through the analysis of concepts. You will also learn how to analyse and evaluate information exercising significant judgement across a broad range of functions of FinTech and data analytics.
Subjects of study include:
- Computational Finance and Business Analysis
- Financial Market Microstructure
- Financial Modelling and Statistics
- Principles of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technology
- Principles of Big Data Management for Finance
- Project Finance
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3 you can undertake a one-year, full-time business placement. Alternatively, you could study abroad during this year at one of our partner institutions. You can also choose to split your year abroad into a first semester exchange and a second semester work placement, both conducted overseas, or undertake a placement year overseas.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a placement year.
In your third year, you will analyse new data, theories, concepts and practices using a range of techniques to design creative and sustainable solutions. You will also transfer and apply diagnostic and creative skills to real-world issues, equipping you with the expertise to thrive in this emerging industry.
Subjects of study include:
- Advanced Data Analysis and Management Science
- Business Forecasting and Predictive Analytics
- Machine Learning
- RegTech and Financial Crime
- Big Data Analytics
- Investments and Portfolio Management
- Risk Management in Finance and Banking
Credit Level 6
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
The FinTech and Data Analytics BSc will unlock a range of career opportunities in consultancy practice, challenger banks, international financial and government institutions, or FinTech startups developing a new technology or idea for a banking application.
The University's Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Develop your innovation and entrepreneurial skills
Develop your innovation and entrepreneurial skills in The Big Idea competition, sponsored by Santander.
Kickstart your career
Learn how to use social media in your job hunt or LinkedIn to kickstart your career.
Develop your CQ
Develop your cultural intelligence – or ‘CQ’ – studying alongside students and staff representing more than 100 nationalities.
Industry links
Our course was designed with input from a range of industry professionals who have expertise in financial markets, institutions and financial regulation. To retain currency and relevance, we receive ongoing feedback from Westminster Business School’s Departmental Employability Board, whose members include representatives from Vanguard, JPMorgan and Global Structured Finance.
We also have excellent industry links with some of the top firms in the financial services, along with leading financial technology and data vendor services providers such as Bloomberg.
Graduate employers
Graduates from the Business School have found employment at organisations including:
- Amazon
- Citibank
- Financial Conduct Authority
- Paribas
- Santander
- Sberbank
- Société Générale
- Standard Chartered
- World Economic Forum
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles in a variety of areas, including:
- Account manager
- Business control officer
- Compliance manager
- Corporate analyst
- Data scientist
- Financial analyst
- Financial engineer
- Marketing manager/designer
- Product owner
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Jie Wen
Senior Lecturer
Jie Wen is a Senior Lecturer in Finance. Before joining Westminster, he worked as a lecturer at the University of Sussex from 2012-2020, where he acquired extensive teaching experience in tertiary level education. He holds degrees from the Centre University of Finance and Economics, Beijing (BSc in Accounting), University of Ulster, Northern Ireland (MSc in Finance and Investment and PhD in Finance).
Prior to academia, Jie gained a wide range of professional work experience in the financial industry. He has held appointments such as manager in the key financial service providers in Beijing and is also a qualified accountant and financial adviser.
My research focuses on corporate finance, particularly the impact of a corporate’s investment decision on its asset valuation. I am also interested in financial market structure and regulations.
Accounting and Finance courses
Learn more about Westminster's Accounting and Finance courses from our students and staff. Find out about their experience studying at Westminster, including what it's like to study at the University's Marylebone campus in the heart of central London.
Why study this course?
Outstanding facilities
State-of-the-art Bloomberg-powered Financial Markets Suite (FMS) featuring industry-leading technology and software.
Professional software
Learn industry standard software such as Python, R, MATLAB, blockchain databases and cloud computing systems.
Expert teaching staff
Expert teaching staff will share their professional experiences working as financial and credit risk analysts, and as economic, business and digital consultants.
Entry Requirements
- A levels – BBB (120 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 120 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 120 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM
- BTEC Diploma – Not accepted on its own
- Access – 120 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 120 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Learn New Skills
Build analytical and statistical skills
Develop the strong analytical and statistical skills needed in the world of finance and banking.
Enhance your digital literacy
Enhance your digital literacy, learning how to collect and use data from Bloomberg, Datastram and Fame.
Improve your problem-solving skills
Improve your problem-solving skills to better understand and tackle issues facing the global financial markets.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Westminster Business School blog
Read our blog and get an insight into life and studies at Westminster Business School.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Facilities
The Learning Platform
Lecture theatres
Library
Bloomberg Financial Market Suite
Digital Marketing Lab
Meeting spaces
Cafe
Course Location
Our Marylebone Campus has benefited from a multi-million-pound refurbishment resulting in new workshops, digital studios and development of the Marylebone Library. The campus is home to Westminster Business School and our award-winning Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Westminster Business School
Based in the heart of London's political, media and financial services, Westminster Business School has excellent industry links and a strong commitment to social enterprise.
Our courses are accredited by professional bodies including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Our practical teaching relates learning to the real world, and we develop graduates who are ready to respond to contemporary business challenges.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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