How to choose the best online Fintech course

Whether you see Fintech as a disruptor or the logical next step for the financial services industry, it’s clear that financial technology is a promising career choice. 

If you’re looking to take on a leadership role in Fintech, however, you may need to study further, giving you the daunting task of choosing from thousands of Fintech course options. 

In your hunt for the best course, you may discover that the flexibility of distance learning appeals to you. Among the best online Fintech course options are a Fintech MBA, Fintech Masters – such as the FinTech Management MSc – and myriad short courses in between, each option offering flexible benefits without the need for a career break.  

Read our rundown of the best online Fintech course options, gaining insight into how each online Fintech course differs, from cost to content. 

Fintech MBA

A Masters in Business Administration or MBA is a common choice for professionals wishing to boost their careers in business management across a range of sectors. A Fintech MBA will centre around skills development in transformation management within the Fintech services sector, covering data science, AI and financial technology components. 

Fintech MSc

A specialised postgraduate qualification, the Fintech MSc focuses on the theory and application of financial technology within a professional environment. Specific course content varies depending on the course specialism. 

Ulster’s FinTech Management MSc, for instance, provides a balanced curriculum of technical insights and management training to ensure you graduate with the skills to lead in Fintech. 

Fintech short courses

In addition to Fintech MBA and MSc course options, there is also a growing number of bitesize Fintech short courses on the market. This option is often considered a quick, cost-effective way to gain knowledge, with minimal entry requirements. 

There is an extensive range of Fintech short courses on the market but rarely do these courses cover all bases. Some may delve into specialised Fintech areas while others may only provide an introduction to the field.  

If you want to gain a qualification recognised by employers, you can enrol on shorter professional courses such as a postgraduate certificate (PG Cert) offered by established universities. At Ulster, our online Fintech programme offers three exit points: PG Cert, PG Dip and MSc, allowing students to gain a postgraduate qualification with more flexibility. 

What’s the difference between an MSc and an MBA? 

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is traditionally seen as the gold standard of business degrees, designed with a broad curriculum for people who “have dipped their toes into the professional world” and already hold several years of work experience. 

A Master of Sciences (MSc), meanwhile, is a leading postgraduate option for people with an undergraduate degree but limited experience. An MSc may be focused on business or commerce (in direct competition with MBA programmes), but largely you’ll find MSc programmes specialise in a certain business area, such as an MSc in finance. 

Our very own MSc in FinTech Management provides the best of both worlds, balancing theoretical knowledge of financial technologies with sector-specific management training. 

Comparing online Fintech course options 

MBA vs MSc: cost 

An MBA costs an average of £19,722 (per year) in the UK, however, on any of the country’s top 10 MBA programmes, you can expect to pay nearly double that. In contrast, the average cost of an MSc in the UK is £8,740. Online MBA and MSc programmes are often priced similarly to on-campus offerings, depending on the subject and course length. 

The total programme cost of the FinTech Management MSc at Ulster is £10,998 (for 2022/23), which can be paid module-by-module over a two-year study period. 

MBA vs MSc: entry requirements 

An undergraduate degree in any subject is a common entry requirement for both a Fintech MBA and Fintech MSc. Typically, a Fintech MBA is targeted at experienced professionals who hold several years of work experience, while a Fintech Masters is usually open to candidates with little or no experience. 

Incoming students on Ulster’s online MSc in FinTech Management need only an undergraduate degree to apply.  

MBA vs MSc: career prospects 

Both MBA and MSc qualifications are looked upon fondly by employers worldwide. Having an MBA suggests you’ve built well-rounded business acumen and solid experience, while an MSc demonstrates advanced specialist knowledge underpinned by academic theory. 

What are the benefits of studying a Fintech course online? 

One of the many benefits of online learning is the flexibility it provides. As a distance learning student, you can access materials anytime in advance of virtual classes and learn when you want, from anywhere in the world. 

To ensure your chosen qualification will be recognised by employers, search for online Fintech courses led by reputable universities. For rankings of the world’s top universities, see the Times World University Rankings or the Complete University Guide University League Tables. 

The FinTech Management MSc at Ulster University 

Ulster University is ranked among the top 50 universities in the UK and we are proud to offer flexible postgraduate qualifications tailored to meet your needs.  

Unlike many Fintech Masters courses, our online MSc in FinTech Management is completely flexible and suited to working professionals who wish to boost their careers without the need for a career break. 

The FinTech Management programme can be tailored to your requirements, offering a choice of three qualifications: a PG Cert in 4 modules, a PG Dip in 8 modules or the full MSc in FinTech Management in 10 modules, plus a dissertation.