Course Catalogue

Financial Technology and Applications ACCFIN4096

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: Adam Smith Business School
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

The course introduces the foundations of Financial Technology (FinTech), its applications, opportunities and challenges. Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of FinTech, and develop their presentation and critical skills by assessing real-world cases.

Timetable

Synchronous learning activities consist of two components: Lecture/workshop (2 hours x 11 weeks); Tutorial (2 hours x 2 weeks). Asynchronous learning activities include those associated with pre-recorded short videos and group presentations, totalling 10 hours across the semester.

Requirements of Entry

Normally a grade D3 or above in Finance 2 or equivalent.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

1. Oral assessment & presentation; Group; 15-minute presentation & 5-minute Q&A; 25%; ILOs 1-2, 5-6.

2. Individual Report; Individual; 1050 words; 25%; ILOs 1-2,5.

3. Degree exam: in-person; Individual; 90 minutes; 50%; ILOs 1-5.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

The aims of the course are to:

■ Introduce the principles of Financial Technology (FinTech) and provide some of its key contemporary issues and exciting trends in the modern financial world.

■ Explore the evolution of FinTech over time, blockchains and cryptocurrencies, and how financial institutions can create strategic benefits through FinTech, while considering the legal and regulatory framework within which they operate.

■ Enhance understanding of the core aspects examined through a number of real case studies.

■ Develop critical skills in assessing the relevance and future of FinTech in real-world cases and applications.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

 

1. Appraise and analyse the main concepts of FinTech.

2. Evaluate the fundamental mechanism underlying blockchain and cryptocurrencies and interpret their applications to real-world financial tasks.

3. Assess how financial institutions apply FinTech and critically analyse the success of their proposed solutions in the current financial environment.

4. Distinguish the strategic benefits that FinTech offers for financial institutions and individuals.

5. Analyse the ways in which FinTech develops under and is affected by the relevant legal and regulatory framework.

6. Apply knowledge and practical skills to evaluate and formulate recommendations and strategies on issues and future development of FinTech, in both written (individual) and oral (collaborative) form, e.g., by working collaboratively in a group for a combined piece of coursework.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions