Higher Diploma in Science in Financial Technology (FinTech)| Full-Time

  • Overview
  • Course Content
  • Structure
  • Career Opportunities
  • Eligibility
  • Next Steps
  • Apply
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Overview

 

The Higher Diploma in Science in Financial Technology is an innovative programme with an integrated delivery from end‐to‐end covering a wide range of financial technology topics, whilst providing a focus on application and the regulation required in this area. The programme focuses on practical skills in core areas such as data & financial analytics, e-Finance, financial services and cybersecurity while also offering applied skills in contemporary topics such as data analytics, and financial applications. Its aim is to create a mastery of core financial technologies and financial systems while also enhancing the practical technical skills of the learners.

 

Timetable

Click here to view provisional timetable.

Aims & Objectives

Financial Technology can incorporate many different areas and is an evolving area. Through the work of the Programme Team and in conjunction with the industry experts, Financial Technology has been defined as a combination of financial systems, data management and technology including areas such as Project Management Risk Management, Cyber Security, Law, Regulation, Information Technology, Data Analytics and Financial Services.

The programme aims and learning outcomes have been designed to reflect these specific areas. The programme incorporates Personal & Professional Development (PPD) within modules to enhance learners’ employability and to equip them to integrate seamlessly into an organisation by developing skills such as leadership, self‐managemen and teamwork that are essential in the Financial Technology sector, which is a rapidly changing industry, which requires motivated and flexible employees.

The Applied Project module requires students to identify a problem or issue in the Financial Technology domain and to apply problem-solving skills to research and analyse the issue and develop real-world solutions, and critically reflect on this research process. 

 The Specific Programme Aims are to:
  • Develop learners’ criticality in order to understand and analyse trends in Fintech

  • Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of financial services and its
    associated technologies and regulatory framework

  • Demonstrate a proficiency in the use and application of a range of quantitative tools and techniques in solving complex problems utilising data sets, effectively analyse and communicate information from data sets

  • Provide learners with a platform to develop the requisite knowledge and technical skills in current and developing financial technologies

  • Provide learners with systematic knowledge of the management and organisation of Financial Technology including its regulatory context

  • Develop learners’ understanding and application of data analytics in a Financial Technology

  • Prepare learners to work effectively and collaboratively in the execution of common goals - Facilitate the development by the learner of applied skills that are directly complementary and relevant to the workplace

  • Identify and develop autonomous learning skills for the learner

  • Enable the learner to identify, develop and apply analytical, creative, problem solving and research skills - Provide the learner with a comprehensive platform for career development, innovation and further study.

  • Appraise the practical challenges, operational issues and the commercial potential of Blockchain technologies, reviewing case studies and industry research that addresses a viable gap in the financial technology marketplace 

Delivery

This programme is taught on a hybrid basis. This means learners are timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for the Higher Diploma in Science in Financial Technology (Fintech):

A Level 8 primary undergraduate honours degree with a minimum Pass classification from a recognised third level institution in any discipline and ideally be able to demonstrate mathematical problem solving skills as part of previous programme learning. i.e. maths at Leaving Cert level would suffice.

Or 

A minimum Level 7 Ordinary Bachelor’s degree in a cognate area (computer science,
technology, networking, information systems, engineering, general science, mathematics, statistics, data science) and wish to specialise in the field of Financial Technology with a view to entering the industry or those who are working in Financial Technology already and who require a qualification in the area in order to progress professionally.

Or 

Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification and who have at least 3 years’ work
experience may also be considered through the college’s normal RPL procedures. Relevant professional experience may be taken into account and individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through DBS RPL procedures (see below).

For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.


Recognition of Prior Learning

Learners may also access this course on the basis of recognition of prior learning or by assessment of prior experiential learning/informal learning. For this particular programme applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis based upon their educational record, work experience, their ability to demonstrate technical or mathematical problem solving skills and a capacity to successfully participate in the programme

 


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 *Eligibility and entry requirements apply.

  

 


Course Content

The core rationale for the curriculum structure is skills and knowledge which were identified by the industry representatives being combined to assure a skilled and knowledgeable graduate. The foundation of the programme’s curriculum structure is two core finance modules – Markets and Valuation and Fintech Regulatory Environment – and two core analytical modules – Data Analytics and Data Governance and Risk Management in FinTech. These modules provide learners with the
prerequisite theoretical and practical skill-sets to understand the disruptive nature of Financial Technology environment. To expand the learner’s ability to exploit these opportunities the programme integrates FinTech Innovations. These modules translate the core principles, tools and techniques into the contemporary, and evolving, world of Financial Technology.

The modules are outlined below:

  • Markets and Valuation

  • Fintech Regulatory Environment

  • Data Analytics

  • Data Governance and Risk Management in FinTech

  • FinTech Innovation

  • Research Project

First, the modules provide learners with a broad exposure to the commercialisation of Financial Technology and the critical importance of security in financial services. Second, with heightened emphasis upon problem solving for their project, the modules focus upon enabling learners to develop real solution focused applications and utilise the core technologies supporting Financial Technology.


Assessment Methods

DBS is committed to providing a flexible, active, peer-led, experiential and reflective learning environment for learners. As a result, throughout this programme, learners will experience a varied range of teaching and learning strategies, which have been selectively chosen and based on module content and suitability for assessment. While modules will be delivered through a mix of workshops, practical sessions, tutorials and lectures, teaching and learning will focus on the learner applying problem-solving skills and undertaking critical reflection and critique of case studies. The material will be presented during lectures and workshops with supporting material available via Moodle, DBS’s virtual learning environment. Learning, teaching and assessment for this programme, therefore, encourages learners to develop critical thinking, creative problem solving and analytical and evaluative skills relating to real-world scenarios.




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Structure

The timetable supports the rationale for the curriculum structure. For full-time students, the timetable for each semester is centred upon the delivery of the core 10 credit modules. Each 10- credit module on the programme requires a minimum of 250 effort hours. Contact hours’ number 48 per module per semester, running over the 12 weeks, 4 hours per week. The remaining learning effort is typically composed of directed e-learning, project, group work, assignments and independent learning. This allows sufficient time for a combination of lectures, group activities, discussions etc.

DBS intends to include these programmes in its response to the current and future Springboard and Springboard+ tender applications. As such the programme may be delivered over a shorter timeframe to allow for a part-time completion in one year. This will include but is not limited to increasing the number of nights and including Saturdays when the Springboard funded learners attend for the taught component delivery.


This programme is taught on a hybrid basis. This means learners are timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.








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Career Opportunities

FinTech has quickly become one of the biggest sectors in tech. From an employer perspective, there are a number of companies looking for graduates with these skills in the short and medium-term. For example, the following companies are currently recruiting Paypal, Fidelity Investments, Pramerica, Accenture, Aon and Bank of America Merrell Lynch. Recruitment agencies report a rise in companies looking for these skills in Ireland and abroad. FS2020 - a new Strategy for Ireland's International Financial Services Sector; was launched by the government in 2015. This Strategy represents a new action-oriented approach to growing and developing the international financial services sector based on the very successful Action Plan for Jobs model. It sets out a clear vision for the sector for the next five years and an ambitious target to create 10,000 net new jobs in the sector by 2020. A significant number of these jobs created will be in the regions, reflecting the increasing national profile of the sector, with one-third of jobs currently outside Dublin. Examples of job titles students may apply for include: Customer Service Specialist, Business Analyst, Client Services (Graduate Program).









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HCI Eligibility

People in the following categories are eligible to apply for courses in the HCI Pillar 1 2023/24 academic year (subject to the applicant meeting all residency and nationality/visa requirements and any academic requirements).  Note: For Stamp 4 holders or Stamp 4 EU FAM, residency will be calculated from the date of receipt of the Stamp 4.  Any period of residency in the state before this date will not be taken into consideration.

For the Higher Diploma in Science in Aviation Finance, 1-year full-time programme, the following categories are eligible to apply:

(1) People in Employment

Please note that those in employment, under the HCI Pillar 2023/24 initiative, 90% of the fees are covered by HEA and 10% of the fees are payable to the college for this category of applicants.  The applicant must also meet the nationality/visa requirements and residency criteria, i.e. they must be able to demonstrate that they have been ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/UK/Swiss state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to the programme.  Either the applicant or their employer can pay these fees.  Should your employer be paying your fees, please contact us and we can forward you a company sponsorship form in order to invoice to your employer.

PROOF OF EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTATION:

A copy of a most recent payslip

OR

This category of applicant will also be required to provide a copy of their most recent ‘Employment Detail Summary’ or other relevant revenue documentation.

Fees: The fee for the Higher Diploma in Science in FinTech is €7,250 of which you pay 10% = €725

 

(2) Self-Employed

Self-employed applicants are eligible to apply.

PROOF OF SELF-EMPLOYED DOCUMENTATION:

A letter from their accountant or relevant documentation from Revenue showing that they are self-employed in Ireland would suffice

Fees: The fee for the Higher Diploma in Science in FinTech is €7,250 of which you pay 10% = €725

 

(3) Returners

Returners are those who are not in receipt of a payment from the Department of Social Protection, have previous history of employment but may require upskilling or reskilling to transition back to the workforce.  Applicants must have been a homemaker or on other caring duties or economically dependent on a partner or spouse for a minimum period of 9 of the previous 12 months.

PROOF OF RETURNER DOCUMENTATION:

Applicants must swear a declaration before a Commissioner for Oaths attesting to their status. A form to complete this process is available here.

Fees:    The fees for this programme under this category are fully funded at 100%.

 

(4) Recent Graduates

Under the HCI 2023 Initiative, recent graduates are eligible to apply for this programme, i.e. Level 8 2021 Graduates.

PROOF OF RECENT GRADUATES:

A copy of your transcript of results of the level 8 degree or a copy of the parchment confirming the award.

Fees: The fee for the Higher Diploma in Science in Fintech is €7,250 of which you pay 10% = €725

(5) The Unemployed

To be eligible for a HCI Pillar 1 course, a person must be in receipt of an eligible DEASP payment or be signing for social insurance contribution credits, have a previous history of employment or self-employment and be actively seeking work.

Note: Applicants must be in receipt of any of the following social welfare payment for 9 of the previous 12 months and hold at least a Level 8 qualification.

  • Jobseekers Benefit 

  • Jobseekers Allowance 

  • One Parent Family 

  • Disability Allowance 

  • Qualified Adults of Working Age 

  • Carers Allowance 

  • Farm Assist/Fish Assist 

  • Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory or Non-contributory Pension 

  • Blind Pension  

  • Deserted Wives Allowance 

PROOF OF UNEMPLOYED DOCUMENTATION:

Most recent copy receipt of payment of any of the above categories.

OR

A copy of a bank statement showing receipt of payments will suffice.  If this is provided, please ensure you redact your account number, BIC and IBAN but your name should remain visible, AND

A Letter from the DEASP confirming you are in receipt of any of the above social welfare payment for 9 of the previous 12 months

Fees:    The fees for this programme under this category are fully funded at 100%.

  

PROOF OF PREVIOUSLY SELF-EMPLOYED DOCUMENTATION:

Proof of most recent payment;

OR

A copy of a bank statement showing receipt of payments will suffice.  If this is provided, please ensure you redact your account number, BIC and IBAN but your name should remain visible; AND

A copy of the BTEA approval letter

Fees:    The fees for this programme under this category are fully funded at 100%.



NOTE: If your eligibility status changes prior to commencing the course, you will need to contact the admissions office to assess are you still eligible to enrol on the programme. Failure to do this may result in you losing your place on the programme.


Application Procedures

All applications must be submitted online via the Springboard+ website.  Please note that documentation supporting the applicants status will be required as part of the application process.  Please visit the Springboard+ website for further information on participant eligibility and funding eligibility requirements.

The following documents are required by DBS as part of the application process.  When you apply through the Springboard website, a member of the admissions team will be in touch in relation to requesting the following documents:

  • Academic Transcripts of Results (this is a breakdown of each year, all the modules studied and all results achieved).If these transcripts are in a language other than English, we will require the originals together with official translated copies;

  • Proof of ID (Driver’s Licence or Passport);

  • Proof of Residency for all applicants for 3 of the last 5 years.This can be revenue documents, letter from DEASP office or letter from previous or current employer;

  • For Non-EU applicants currently residing in Ireland, a copy of your Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) Card or proof of residency is required to demonstrate that you have been residing in the EU for 3 of the last 5 years;

  • For applicants who do not hold the required qualification and are applying through APEL (Approved Prior Experiential Learning), a recently updated and detailed CV is required with education and work experience to date.In addition, a personal statement is required outlining your reasons for applying for the course and why you would be a suitable candidate.This should be in the format of a word document and have between 500 and 700 words.

  • For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language Test such as IETLS, Cambridge, PTE, Duolingo, or DBS English Placement Test.Test certificates must be dated within the last 2 years.

 

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner.   More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS (https://www.dbs.ie/terms-and-conditions) and on programme handbooks provided at induction.

 





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Next Steps


Application Procedure

Please apply online via the Springboard portal HERE.



Corporate Services

Did you know?  DBS now can meet with you and your company to discuss the Springboard+ Government funded programmes, to see if it could work as a learning & development solution for your organisation.  This is ideal for any size organisation in any industry based in Dublin and the surrounding counties that may want to invest in employees' professional development.

For more information on this new service or to arrange a meeting, please contact our Corporate Services Team on [email protected] or by telephone 01 417 7500.








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Categories:
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Course overview

COURSE OVERVIEW 2023

Awarding Body:
Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
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Duration: 1 Academic Year
Study Mode: Full-Time
Course Commencement Date: September 2023
Award Level: Level 8
Award Title: Higher Diploma in Financial Technology
ECTS Credits: 60
10% Contribution Fee (if applicable): €725

Contact

We are now accepting applications for programmes taking place in 2023. Contact our admissions team for more information

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01 417 7500
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 8:45am to 5:15pm

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