Applications are open until
15 April 2021.
Apply now! Read the press release announcing the launch of the MSc in Digital Financial Technology
here.
Overview
Financial technology (abbreviated as FinTech) refers to a broad spectrum of technologies and innovations that are being used to improve and automate the delivery of financial services. The FinTech industry has grown explosively in the last decade, with the advances being made in cloud computing, data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI).
To meet surging demand for high quality FinTech talent in Singapore and globally, the Asian Institute of Digital Finance (AIDF), the National University of Singapore (NUS) School of Computing and the NUS Business School are collaboratively introducing the Master of Science in Digital Financial Technology (MSc DFinTech) programme.
This new flagship graduate programme in FinTech is designed to help students build a strong foundation in computing and finance, and features a range of elective modules organised along three tracks: Computing Technologies, Financial Data Analytics and Intelligence, and Digital Financial Transactions and Risk Management.
The programme is intended primarily to help prepare graduates for challenging but rewarding careers as AI software developers, data scientists, FinTech security specialists, financial quantitative analysts and other similar professions in financial institutions or FinTech firms.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the NUS MSc DFinTech programme is granted on a competitive basis as places in the programme are limited. Applicants should possess the following minimum requirements:
| Academic |
Bachelor's Degree in Computing with high GPA/CAP, or Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline (such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), finance, economics or business) with high GPA/CAP
Note: Candidates with degrees in other major areas or qualifications may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the department |
| Skill/Experience |
Strong FinTech or information technology (IT) project or work experience for holders of a good Bachelor's Degree in Computing; two years of Fintech or IT industry experience for holders of Bachelor’s Degrees in related disciplines (see above) |
| English Language |
Applicants whose native tongue or medium of instruction in university is not English:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 90 (Internet-based), OR
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum Academic score of 6.0
|
| Other |
Non-computing students must provide sufficient evidence of Python programming knowledge and/or learning in advanced quantitative subjects.
International applicants should have Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) minimum scores of 320 (verbal & quantitative) and 3.5 (analytical), or a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) minimum score of 650.
Graduates of Indian universities may submit GATE scores instead.
Candidates may be required to sit for other tests as prescribed by the School. |
Programme Structure
Students in this coursework-based Master’s Degree programme are required to pass a total of 52 modular credits (MCs), comprising:
- 28 MCs of essential modules
- 12 MCs of elective modules
- 12 MCs of capstone project
|
CORE MODULES
Students must complete 28 MCs (16 MCs focused on computing and finance, and 12 MCs on FinTech), comprising the following modules: |
| Module Code |
Module Title |
MCs |
| FT5001 |
Fintech Innovations for Consumers |
2 |
| FT5002 |
Digital Transformation at Financial Institutions |
2 |
| FT5003 |
Blockchain Innovations |
2 |
| FT5004 |
Programming for Blockchain Applications |
2 |
| FT5005 |
Machine Learning for Finance |
4 |
| BMF5321 |
Financial Modelling |
4 |
| *BMF5322D |
Introduction of Finance |
4 |
| *IT5001 |
Software Development Fundamentals |
4 |
| *IT5003 |
Data Structures and Algorithms |
4 |
|
*Students who have completed one or more module(s) similar to BMF5322D, IT5001 and/or IT5003 can submit a request to the School of Computing and (subject to the School’s approval) take the following as replacement:
- IT5004 Enterprise Systems Architecture Fundamentals OR
- IT5005 Artificial Intelligence OR
- IT5006 Fundamentals of Data Analytics
|
|
ELECTIVE MODULES
Students are strongly encouraged (but not required) to take their 12 MCs of elective modules from one vertical track: |
| Module Code |
Module Title |
MCs |
| Vertical 1: Computing Technologies |
| CS5224 |
Cloud Computing |
4 |
| CS5231 |
Systems Security |
4 |
| CS5321 |
Network Security |
4 |
| CS5331 |
Web Security |
4 |
| CS5421 |
Database Applications Design and Tuning |
4 |
| CS5439 |
Software Security |
4 |
| IS4234 |
Compliance and Regulation Technology |
4 |
| IS5008 |
Technology Risk and Cyber Resilience |
4 |
| IS5009 |
Topics in Financial Technology Solutions |
4 |
| Vertical 2: Financial Data Analytics and Intelligence |
| CS5242 |
Neural Networks and Deep Learning |
4 |
| CS5246 |
Text Processing on the Web |
4 |
| CS5339 |
Theory and Algorithms for Machine Learning |
4 |
| CS5344 |
Big-Data Analytics Technology |
4 |
| CS5446 |
AI Planning and Decision Making |
4 |
| IS5006 |
Intelligence Systems Deployment |
4 |
| IS5126 |
Hands-on with Applied Analytics |
4 |
| IS5152 |
Data-Driven Decision Making |
4 |
| Vertical 3: Digital Financial Transactions and Risk Management |
| BMF5333 |
Options and Fixed Income |
4 |
| BMF5342 |
Technological Disruptions in Finance and Data Analytics |
4 |
| BMF5346 |
Venture Capital and Private Equity |
4 |
| BMF5353 |
Applied Investment Strategies |
4 |
| BMF5355 |
Financial Institutions, Markets, Systems and Technology |
4 |
| BMF5356 |
Applied Financial Risk Management |
4 |
| BT4013 |
Analytics for Capital Market Trading and Investment |
4 |
| BT4016 |
Risk Analytics for Financial Services |
4 |
| CS5233 |
Simulation and Modelling Techniques |
4 |
|
CAPSTONE PROJECT
|
| Module Code |
Module Title |
MCs |
| FT5007 |
FinTech Capstone Project |
12 |
Mode of Study and Programme Candidature
The programme is offered on the following basis (with estimated time to complete the programme indicated in brackets):
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from the MSc DFinTech programme, students must meet the following requirements:
|
Programme and/or Specialisation
|
Read and pass a total of 52 MCs of modules.
|
|
Module and/or Graduate Certificate
|
Not applicable
|
|
Cumulative Average Point (CAP)
|
Minimum 3.0 (out of maximum 5.0)
Please see also the University’s minimum standards for Continuation and Graduation Requirements; specific programmes may implement stricter or additional requirements.
|
|
Other
|
Not applicable
|
Intake & Application Period
Next Intake: August 2021
Application Period: 1 March 2021 – 15 April 2021
FEES / SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOANS
Singapore Digital (SG:D) Scholarship (Postgraduate)
The SG:D Scholarship (Postgraduate) is an industry scholarship that empowers students pursuing Infocomm Media (ICM) related studies at the Masters or PhD level. Students pursuing postgraduate studies in specialised ICM areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Analytics, Immersive Media, and Digital Content Creation can chart your future with this scholarship.
Scholarship details and eligibility criteria can be found here.
TUITION FEES
excluding GST
S$58,000
The tuition fee above is applicable for 52 MCs; supplementary fees may be chargeable for students taking more than 52 MCs.
• There is an application fee of $50. Non-fundable and non-transferable.
• A non-refundable and non-transferable acceptance fee of S$5,000 – which will be credited towards your tuition fees – is payable upon acceptance of offer.
• Apart from tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee (as published by NUS Registrar’s Office) payable every regular semester.
• All fees quoted here are exclusive of prevailing GST, unless otherwise stated. The University reserves all rights to review fees as necessary and adjust accordingly without prior notice.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click on the links below for more information:
Is two years of relevant work experience an admission requirement?
Fresh graduates are welcome to apply for this programme. If you do not possess an Honours and/or a four-year Bachelor Degree, work experience in the field of financial technology (FinTech), artificial intelligence (AI) or data analytics would be advantageous but is not strictly required.
Applications will be assessed holistically, with consideration given to academic performance, professional certifications, relevant work/internship experience, company endorsement and co-curricular activities.
Is programming knowledge needed?
Since a large proportion of the MSc in Digital Financial Technology programme curriculum involves programming, non-computing students must provide sufficient evidence of Python programming knowledge and/or evidence of learning advanced quantitative subjects. This can be in the form of completed modules, online courses and/or professional certifications. However, exceptional applicants who do not meet the above requirements may still be considered.
What is the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA)/result required?
There is no minimum GPA stipulated as part of the admission requirements. However, as this is a highly competitive programme with limited seats, it would be advantageous to have a good GPA (i.e. a score of 80% and above).
Is the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)/Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) mandatory?
As evidence of academic ability and readiness for graduate study, international applicants are encouraged to submit GRE/GMAT test scores (for GRE, minimum scores for Verbal Reasoning & Quantitative Reasoning of 320 and Analytical Writing of 3.5, and for GMAT, minimum score of 650).
Applications submitted without GRE/GMAT test scores will be reviewed holistically, with consideration given to academic performance, professional certifications, relevant work/internship experience, company endorsement and co-curricular activities.
Will applicants need to attend interviews?
This will assessed on a case-by-case basis, but in general applicants are unlikely to be required to attend interviews.
However, in the Personal Statement section of the online application, applicants are required to describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the programme, preparation for the field of study, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests that may help in the evaluation of your aptitude and motivation for graduate studies.
Apply now!
For enquiries, please email us at pgc@nus.edu.sg.