MSc in Finance (FinTech and Financial Analytics)
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) School of Business
Key Information
Campus location
Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 - 2 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
Request info
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
Introduction
With the rise of disruptive technologies and the new generation of Big Data and FinTech, concepts of money, payments, identity, and security need to be looked at through a new lens -- how can finance professionals respond early and effectively to ride the wave, and take advantage of the new opportunities before it’s too late?
Through lectures, workshops, round-table discussions, case studies and expert sharing from industry practitioners, this interdisciplinary programme taught by both Finance and Management Information Systems faculty, will widen and deepen your understanding of the rapidly changing landscape and the impact of new technologies on traditional finance models. You will be empowered with knowledge in Finance, FinTech, Financial Analytics, Machine Learning, Financial Computing, Textual Analysis, Cybersecurity, Privacy, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Algorithmic Trading, Financial Fraud, and Regulatory Compliance. Get well-prepared for the fast-growing demand of today’s data-driven economy, and develop new insights and perspectives towards emerging technologies and harness them to take the Financial Industry to the next level.
Ideal Students
Who Should Enrol?
The Department of Finance and Decision Sciences is committed to nurturing more FinTech talent in Hong Kong.
- Looking for Change: Candidates who seek to adapt their traditional financial business to the new-age digital economy and prepare for the challenges coming out of the new data-driven economy.
- Deepening Knowledge: Candidates who seek to deepen their knowledge in the disruptive innovations and transformative forces in the finance ecosystem.
- Entering the New Era: Candidates who seek to enter the FinTech or Financial Analytics Industry.
Program Outcome
How does the programme help?
- Students are encouraged to participate in internships during their studies and we will assist with providing internship opportunities.
- The programme is interdisciplinary. Courses are taught by both Finance and Management Information Systems faculty, and industry practitioners with finance, business, and computer science backgrounds.
- Some courses are co-delivered by our faculty alongside industry practitioners to equip students with both theoretical and practical knowledge.
- Our advisory committee will not only provide advice on programme design but when possible, share their valuable first-hand experience with the students.
- Students who have a postgraduate degree in Finance or related disciplines could have up to 50% of credit transferred towards the finance-related curriculum; subject to departmental approval. Students with credit transfers will be offered a discount on the programme fee, proportional to the courses exempted.
Programme Objective
The Programme aims at empowering students with knowledge in Finance, FinTech and Financial Analytics, helping them develop the ability to solve finance-related business problems, and nurturing them to better prepare for the fast-growing demand in today’s data-driven economy.
Curriculum
Curriculum Structure
Students are required to complete eight core courses and two elective courses for graduation. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in internships during their studies, and the program will assist in providing internship opportunities.
Core Courses
Total Required Units of Core Courses - 24 Units
- FIN 7780 Financial Technology (FinTech) (3 units)
- FIN 7790 Machine Learning for Financial Data (3 units)
- FIN 7800 Corporate Finance (3 units)
- FIN 7810 Investment Management (3 units)
- FIN 7830 Financial Computing with Python and R (3 units)
- FIN 7860 International Financial Management (3 units)
- FIN 7870 Financial Derivatives and Risk Management (3 units)
- FIN 7900 Cybersecurity, Privacy and RegTech for Finance (3 units)
Elective Courses
Total Required Units of Elective Courses - 6 Units
- FIN 7820 Applied Financial Econometrics (3 units)
- FIN 7840 Blockchain and Cryptocurrency (3 units)
- FIN 7850 Algorithmic and High-Frequency Trading (3 units)
- FIN 7880 Textual Analysis in Finance and Accounting (3 units)
- FIN 7890 Compliance in Finance (3 units)
- FIN 7910 Independent Studies Integrative Project (3 units)
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
International Postgraduate Scholarships (IPS)
To enhance internationalization and provide students with a global educational experience, the International Postgraduate Scholarship is offered to outstanding international students. Scholarship recipients will get a full tuition waiver plus HK$100,000 living allowance (approx. US$12,820). Eligible international applicants will be considered for the scholarship together with the applications simultaneously based on their all-around record and interview performance. A separate application for a scholarship is not required.
Diversity Contribution Scholarships
We believe that diversity inspires new thinking, fosters greater understanding and enriches the learning experience. The Diversity Contribution Scholarship is attributed to new entrants who can enhance the diversity of the programme. Applicants are assessed on a broad range of criteria, including international exposure, cultural experiences, overseas education, work experience, special achievement and talents. The scholarship amount ranges from a half-tuition waiver to a full tuition waiver.
Entrance Scholarship / Young Talent Scholarships
For Full-Time Applicants Only
These Scholarships range from HK$5,000 to HK$50,000 and will be provided to students with outstanding academic backgrounds and public examination results.
Competition for scholarships increases as the year progresses, so we recommend starting your application early.
Excellence Academic Performance Awards
Student(s) who obtain the highest GPA in the class will be awarded at the time of graduation.
Scholarship and Financial Subsidy
International Postgraduate Scholarships
To enhance internationalization and provide students with a global educational experience, the International Postgraduate Scholarship is offered to outstanding international students. Scholarship recipients will get full tuition waiver plus HK$100,000 living allowance (approx. US$12,820). Eligible international applicants will be automatically considered for the scholarship based on their all-round record and interview performance.
Diversity Contribution Scholarships
We believe that diversity inspires new thinking, fosters greater understanding and enriches the learning experience. The Diversity Contribution Scholarship is attributed to new entrants who can enhance the diversity of the programme. Applicants are assessed on a broad range of criteria, including international exposure, cultural experiences, overseas education, work experience, special achievement and talents. The scholarship amount ranges from half tuition waiver to full tuition waiver.
Entrance Scholarship / Young Talent Scholarships (for full-time applicants only)
These Scholarships, range from HK$5,000 to HK$50,000, and will be provided to students with outstanding academic backgrounds and public examination results. Applicants who submit completed applications before the deadline of the first round admission will be considered for the scholarships automatically.
University Grants Committee Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowships (for local applicants only)
The UGC (University Grants Committee) offers fellowships for LOCAL students studying the MSc in Finance (Fintech and Financial Analytics) programme. Ten admitted local students could receive HKD120,000 subsidy each by the government. The award of the fellowships will be based on merits taking into account the students’ academic achievements, professional qualifications, relevant working experience and achievements in other areas. Applicants are required to submit a proposal with special attention to their personal statements on how they can contribute to the FinTech and Financial Analytics areas of Hong Kong after completing the programme. (The Fellowship is subject to approval from Legislative Council).
IAPP Westin Scholar Book Award
A cash prize of USD 1,000 with 2 years of complimentary IAPP membership, and 3 exam vouchers for IAPP certification programs will be awarded to the best Individual Assignment of FIN7900 Cybersecurity, Privacy and RegTech.
Excellence Academic Performance Awards
Student(s) who obtain the highest cGPA in the class will be awarded at the time of graduation.
CEF (Continuing Education Fund) (for local applicants only)
Students can apply for the HKSAR’s Continuing Education Fund (CEF) for reimbursement up to HK$20,000 (from 1 April 2019) and/or HKSAR’s Government Extended Non-Means Tested Loan Schemes (ENLS).
SlowMist Cybersecurity Award
A cash prize of USD 2,000 will be awarded to the best Individual Assignment of FIN7900 Cybersecurity, Privacy and RegTech.
For more information about scholarships, please contact the university.