Overview
Dublin Business School in conjunction with Springboard+, Microsoft Ireland, their Partner Network and other relevant industry partners have developed an intensive part-time Level 8 Graduate Conversion programme leading to a Higher Diploma in Science in FinTech award.
Technological innovation applied to financial services has created a wave of disruptive activity that will change the shape of the global financial system over the next decade.
This has created demand from graduates and employees for programmes specifically tailored to the skills required for a changing financial services industry.
This is an interdisciplinary programme that focuses on finance, data analytics and computing. It is designed to appeal to graduates seeking to gain exposure to FinTech - the technology enabled business model innovation in the financial sector.
Graduates from the programme upon completion will be able to pursue employment opportunities in areas such as business analyst in a FinTech organisation, data analyst, financial analyst, quantitative first and second tier support, back, and mid office analytics, portfolio analyst, funds analyst, Implementation consultant, index consultant and manager in the area of financial technology.
Aims and Objectives
This 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.
The specific programme aims are as follows:
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Develop learner’s criticality in order to analyse industry trends in FinTech
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Provide learners with a platform to develop the requisite knowledge and technical skills in current and developing financial technologies
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Prepare learners to work effectively and collaboratively in the execution of common goals
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Provide learners with systematic knowledge of the management of Financial Technology in organisational and regulatory contexts
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Facilitate the development by the learner of applied skills that are directly complementary and relevant to the workplace
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Identify and develop autonomous learning skills for the learner
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Enable the learner to identify, develop and apply analytical, creative, problem solving and research skills
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Provide the learner with a comprehensive platform for career development, innovation and further study.
Entry Requirements
To be considered for admission to this programme, applicants must hold a Level 8 degree in a cognate discipline OR a Level 8 degree in a non-cognate discipline with 1-2 years professional experience in a related industry. Due to the mathematical nature of the content candidates will be required to show sufficient competency in mathematics.
In addition, an IELTS score of a minimum 6.0 or equivalent is required, where full-time study has been conducted in a language other than English or for applicants whose first language is not English. Applications without this will be considered on the basis of approved prior experience and learning (RPL).
Course Content
The Higher Diploma in Science in FinTech has the following content:
BLOCK ONE
Financial Services Innovation
Fintech Regulatory Environment
BLOCK TWO
Data Analytics
Fintech Operations
BLOCK THREE
Blockchain & e-payments
Capstone (Project)
Assessment Methods
The Higher Diploma in Science in FinTech is an academic programme informed by the clinical and academic experience of the lecturers. Modules will be delivered through a mix of lectures, workshops and tutorials, and teaching will focus on the learner applying problem solving skills and undertaking critical reflection and critique of case studies. Assessment methods include in-class tests and MCQS, presentations, analysis of case studies, assignments and project work.
Structure
The programme is structured to deliver the taught component, contributing 60 credits over 2 years part-time. Typically students attend classes on two evenings per week.
Delivery of the programme is structured over four taught semesters. During each semester, students are typically required to attend lectures on two evenings per week and occasional weekend workshops.
The course has six key components:
1. Class room lectures
2. Case Based learning
3. Practical Skills Sessions
4. Workshops
5. Tutorials
6. Individual and Group work
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. Career opportunities exist in banking, insurance, and technology companies as well as in innovative start-up situations.
Graduates from the programme upon completion will be able to pursue employment opportunities in areas such as business analyst in a FinTech organisation, data analyst, financial analyst, quantitative first and second tier support, back, and mid office analytics, portfolio analyst, funds analyst, Implementation consultant, index consultant and manager in the area of financial technology.
December 13th 2016, Minister Eoghan Murphy TD, unveiled 10 FinTech start-ups ready to launch in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland. It is estimated that from start-ups to multinationals, as many as 5,000 new jobs could be created in the Irish Fintech sector by 2020.
Eligibility
People in the following categories are eligible to apply for courses in the 2018/19 academic year (subject to the applicant meeting all residency and nationality/visa requirements and any academic requirements):
- People in employment
Please note that under the Springboard+ 2018/19 initiative, 90% of the fees are covered by HEA and 10% of the fees are payable to the college for this category of applicants. They may apply to all courses if they meet the nationality/visa requirement and residency criteria. These fees can be paid by either the applicant or their employer, should the employer sponsor the applicant. Should you require a company sponsorship form for invoicing please let us know.
Therefore the below fees will be applied to your application, should your application be successful, for this course:
Higher Diploma in Science in FinTech - Part-time - Course fee is €7,250, of which you pay 10% = €725
NOTE: These fees must be paid prior to enrolling on your Springboard+ programme.
- Returners (Formerly referred to as Homemakers)
Courses are fully funded for these applicants. They may apply to all courses if they meet the nationality/visa requirement and residency criteria. Course specific criteria may also apply.
Please note, these two-year part-time ICT conversion courses are not open to those in receipt of Jobseekers-related payments.
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.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Learners may also access this course on the basis of recognition of prior learning or by assessment of prior experiential learning/informal learning. The process is implemented within the relevant school, by the relevant Head of School/Department or nominee, and is overseen by The Registrar. 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.
Apply online via the Springboard portal.
Next Steps
Apply online via the Springboard portal here.