The Startup Pathway provides the opportunity to obtain practical experience of planning and implementing a new fintech venture, and to gain insight about fintech entrepreneurship. Students apply the knowledge gained in the MSc Financial Technology programme to develop a new venture idea, while developing their professional network, communication skills and industry knowledge. Students are supported by an academic supervisor, an industry mentor, and a blend of online and in-person sessions.

The course operates for 13 weeks from May to August incorporating one induction week, six weeks for project implementation, and six weeks for assignment preparation and presentation. There is also a pre-course briefing to support students with the project identification and application process, and a research and projects methods module to support project implementation. Teaching sessions are as follows:

(i) Pre-course project briefing (January/February): 1x1-hour lecture

(ii) Research and projects methods 4x2-hour lecture and 1x1-hour lecture

(iii) Induction 1x2-hour lectures; 2x2-hour workshops

(ii) Masterclasses  4x1-hour workshops re assessment and/or industry insights

BUS5041P: MSc Financial Technology Pathways Project - Research

BUS5024P: MSc Financial Technology Pathways Project - Industry

None.

ILO being assessed

The course aims to provide students with practical experience of planning, developing, and communicating a self-directed, fintech-based new venture.

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

1. Successfully convince others of an appropriate solution to a fintech challenge.

2. Incorporate appropriate evidence in their evaluation of and argument for a fintech solution.

3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of a financial technology and its effectiveness when compared to alternative technologies.

4. Create a professional pitch-deck using a collection of start-up tools.

5. Synthesise and evaluate data to validate their new venture idea.

6. Evaluate negative feedback and explain how this influenced the development of their idea.

7. Deliver a professional presentation on a fintech project.

8. Demonstrate written communication skills that articulate a fintech-related issue, analysis and solution in the context of a new venture, in a professional manner and supported by appropriate evidence.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.