Fintech
Course Description
Finance is a highly regulated industry dominated by banks that resist disruption and change. However, information technology innovations and computing resources availability have revolutionised the financial sector in the last decades. Data analytics, new technologies (e.g., blockchain) and business models (e.g., crowdfunding), and the modernisation of the financial sector regulations are creating opportunities to the emergence of disruptive services and challenger institutions.
This course provides learners with the latest knowledge and competencies at the intersection of finance and information technology, qualifying them to enter the rapidly evolving area that is fintech.
NCI is perfectly placed to deliver an industry-focused programme inspired by its location at the heart of the International Financial Services Centre. The course is completely delivered by faculty and industry practitioners with established experience in the fintech domain.
Who is the course for?
This course typically appeals to those who possess a level 8 qualification in any discipline and wish to transfer to a career in fintech.
Note that the course is technical in nature and entails a significant amount of independent study. Given the content and the timescale learners need to have a strong commitment to the course and a willingness to fully engage with the technical content.
Subjects taught
Core Modules
• e-Finance and Services
• Business Data Analysis
• Data Governance and Cybersecurity
• Financial Data Analysis
• e-Contracts and Payments
• An Introduction to Digital Forensics and Auditing (Elective)
• Contemporary Topics in Fintech Seminar (Elective)
• Project
Entry requirements
A level 8 degree (2.2 award) or its equivalent in any discipline. Non-standard applications to the programme will also be considered on an individual basis by the programme board. Non-standard applications will be also considered on an individual basis. The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme – meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic entry requirements, may be considered based on relevant work or other experience. This may be assessed through an interview and assessment. Non English-speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in the English language as demonstrated by IELTS score of at least 6.0 or equivalent.
Laptop Requirement
This programme has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate in lectures, laboratories and projects using a laptop computer with a substantial hardware configuration. A suitable configuration is 8GB of RAM (16GB are recommended); a modern 64-bit x86 processor (Intel i5 or superior); 250+ GB of available space in hard disk; WiFi card; and a recent version of Ubuntu, macOS or Windows. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their laptop is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights to the machine.
NCI IT does not provide support for personal devices.
Some students may be able to avail of the Student Laptop Loan Scheme, subject to eligibility.
Application dates
Application: Apply online at www.ncirl.ie
Duration
Delivery:
Blended - Livestream with some Campus Stream classes, scheduled in advance.
Part-time Schedule:
Indicative Schedule:
Three evenings per week 18.00 - 22.00 and a number of Saturdays 09.00 - 18.00.
Duration: This course is 3 semesters delivered over 1 calendar year.
Post Course Info
Career Prospects
Fintech is an area of rapid growth and significant job opportunity at the intersection of finance and information technology. This programme gives learners the knowledge, skills, and a recognised qualification to avail of these opportunities. This course has been designed in consultation with industry to provide graduates with relevant skills that qualifies learners for roles such as junior business analyst, junior data analyst, junior financial analyst, quantitative first and second tier support engineer, junior blockchain software developer, assistant digital forensic accountant, assistant financial auditor.
Award and Progression
Higher Diploma in Fintech as awarded by QQI at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Graduates can progress onto the MSc in Fintech at National College of Ireland.