University of Leicester

What you'll study

The programme balances technical subjects, regulatory frameworks and industry practice. Core themes include distributed ledger technologies and blockchain applications, machine learning and data analytics for finance, digital payments and platforms, financial crime prevention, and the regulatory and legal environment for financial services. Teaching emphasises practical problem-solving: you will study both the enabling technologies used by FinTech firms and the regulatory tools and practices used by compliance teams and RegTech providers.

• Core modules typically cover FinTech foundations, RegTech and compliance technologies, financial data analytics and machine learning, and risk management for digital finance.
• Technology-focused modules explore blockchain and smart contracts, APIs and open banking, cloud architectures and secure software development practices relevant to financial systems.
• Regulatory and legal modules examine regulatory regimes, supervisory technology, anti-money laundering and fraud detection, consumer protection, and standards for data governance and privacy in financial services.
• Applied project / dissertation gives you the chance to undertake an extended piece of independent research or an industry-focused project, often supervised by academic staff with applied or consultancy experience.

Teaching methods include lectures, small-group seminars, lab sessions with data and code, case studies, and guest talks from industry practitioners. Assessment is typically a mix of coursework, practical projects, technical demonstrations, group work and a final dissertation or major project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as finance, economics, computer science, mathematics, engineering or law. A good second-class upper degree (UK 2:1) or international equivalent is typical, though applicants with a lower classification plus relevant work experience may be considered. You should demonstrate quantitative ability and familiarity with programming or data analysis concepts; some modules assume basic programming or statistical knowledge.

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the University's English language requirements through a recognised test or approved alternative evidence. Relevant professional experience in financial services, technology or compliance can strengthen an application and may be acceptable in lieu of formal academic qualifications in some cases.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme enter a range of roles across financial services, technology firms and regulatory organisations. Typical career paths include:

• FinTech product manager or business analyst, working on digital payments, lending platforms or wealthtech services
• RegTech consultant or solutions specialist, developing compliance automation, reporting and monitoring tools
• Compliance officer or regulatory change specialist within banks, insurers or payment firms
• Data scientist or quantitative analyst focusing on fraud detection, credit scoring or market analytics
• Risk manager or operational resilience specialist focusing on technology-related risks
• Policy advisor or researcher in supervisory authorities, standard-setting organisations or think-tanks

The programme is designed to equip you with both technical skills and an understanding of regulatory context, making graduates attractive to employers who need professionals able to bridge business, technology and compliance functions.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester offers a research-informed teaching environment with access to staff experienced in finance, data analytics and law. The School supports applied learning through specialist computing facilities and data tools used in financial analysis, and hosts events that bring industry practitioners into the classroom.

Students benefit from the University's career and employability services that support CV development, interview preparation and employer engagement. The programme’s emphasis on practical projects and industry-relevant skills helps graduates move directly into roles across financial services, technology providers and regulatory bodies.

Leicester’s central location and transport links make it accessible for industry visitors and internships, and the University’s focus on interdisciplinary study allows you to draw on expertise across computing, business and law while building a specialised profile in FinTech and RegTech.