Are you looking to shape the future of finance and data? Our MSc Finance and Big Data Analytics gives you the tools to analyse markets, manage risk, and drive innovation.
Our MSc Finance and Big Data Analytics course at Swansea University is designed to integrate the key principles of finance and data analytics, equipping you with the knowledge and technical skills to make data-driven financial decisions and analyse complex market dynamics.
Reflecting on the evolving demands of the global finance sector, the programme provides a strong foundation in financial markets, quantitative methods, and big data applications, which will prepare you for a dynamic career in the financial industry, including roles working as a financial analyst, risk management specialist, or data analytics consultant.
By studying this course, you will be able to engage critically with ethical, social, and sustainability considerations related to the use of big data in finance, promoting responsible and informed decision-making.
This one-year conversion programme welcomes students from any background. This means you don’t need to have a background in accounting, finance or business to study this one-year course. The curriculum builds on undergraduate learning and enables you to transition rapidly into professional careers in finance, data analytics, or related fields anywhere in the world.
Why Finance and Big Data Analytics at Swansea?
Choosing Swansea means joining a university with a global reputation for finance education and a commitment to preparing graduates for the future of the industry. Our MSc Finance and Big Data Analytics is taught by academics who combine research expertise with practical insight, ensuring your learning reflects the latest developments in financial technology, big data, and analytics.
You will study at our modern Bay Campus, home to our £22 million School of Management, and benefit from a vibrant, collaborative environment that values innovation and global perspectives. This conversion programme is designed for graduates from any discipline, so you don’t need a background in finance to succeed.
Digital technology is embedded throughout the programme, giving you access to industry-standard software, programming tools, and data visualisation platforms to analyse real financial datasets and develop practical technical skills.
Beyond the classroom, you will benefit from our strong links with professional bodies and employers. Utilising our close affiliations with professional bodies including the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, the Chartered Banker Institute, and other leading organisations, you will gain the opportunity to network, attend guest lectures, and engage with industry.
With our focus on employability, ethical practice, and sustainability, you will graduate with the skills, confidence, and connections to thrive in a data-driven financial world.
The programme is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) providing several exemptions. The School of Management also has strong links with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, the Chartered Banker Institute, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). This close affiliation with professional bodies will enhance your career prospects, giving youa competitive advantage in the global job market.
Your Finance and Big Data Analytics Experience
From the moment you arrive at the School of Management we will work with you to help build your skills and experience to enhance your career prospects.
When you join our MSc Finance and Big Data Analytics, you will experience a learning environment that is interactive, inclusive, and designed to prepare you for the realities of a data-driven financial world.
Based at our modern Bay Campus, you will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative atmosphere that encourages innovation and global thinking. Your studies will combine theory with practical application through programming workshops, data analytics labs, and case-based learning that mirrors real-world financial challenges.
You will develop technical skills in tools such as Python, SQL, and data visualisation platforms, while building confidence in applying financial models and interpreting complex datasets.
Digital technology is embedded throughout the programme, giving you access to recorded lectures, interactive resources, and collaborative online spaces via Canvas. This flexibility allows you to learn at your own pace while engaging in group projects and discussion forums that foster teamwork and problem-solving.
You will be part of a diverse, international cohort, sharing ideas and perspectives that enrich your understanding of global finance. Regular opportunities for feedback and reflection will help you track your progress, while personal tutoring and academic support ensure you feel guided throughout your journey.
By the time you graduate, you will have more than technical expertise, you will have the adaptability, critical thinking, and professional confidence to thrive in fast-changing financial environments worldwide.
Finance and Big Data Analytics Employment Opportunities
We have an excellent track record of placing graduates with major multinational companies, and your MSc Finance and Big Data Analytics will give you a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry.
With Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) accreditation, you can demonstrate to employers that you have strong financial knowledge, technical expertise, and the strategic thinking needed to succeed in complex business environments.
Graduates of this programme are highly sought after across a wide range of industries, including finance and banking, technology and fintech, consulting, healthcare, e-commerce, manufacturing, government, and energy. This degree equips you with the ability to translate complex data into actionable business and financial strategies, making it highly versatile and future-proof.
Typical career paths include roles such as a:
financial analyst, data scientist, quantitative analyst, business intelligence manager, risk analyst, and machine learning specialist.
Many graduates also progress into senior positions such, perhaps as a Chief Data Officer or Chief Technology Officer, or move into consultancy and project management roles where data-driven decision-making is key. For those interested in research or academia, the programme provides an excellent foundation for further study, including PhDs in finance or economics.
By combining advanced financial knowledge with innovative data analytics skills, this MSc opens doors to careers in investment banking, asset management, fintech, and beyond, preparing you to thrive in a global, data-driven financial landscape.
Modules
We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.
We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.
Entry Requirements
Note for international and European applicants:
details of how your qualification compares to the published academic entry requirements can be found on our Country Specific Entry Requirements page.
Students must attain a 2:2 (or overseas equivalent) in an undergraduate degree. Any degree subject will be considered.
We consider all applications on their merits and will look at each individual case before making an offer so students who fall slightly short of the entry criteria should still apply to the School of Management.
Non-native English speakers must achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no component less than 5.5. A list of equivalent tests is provided here. If you have studied an undergraduate degree taught through the medium of English, you may be exempt from this requirement – click here for further information.
For students who fall short of only the English language requirement, we offer a range of Pre-Master's training programmes that you may take before starting your Master's qualification.
For students who fall significantly short of the general entry requirement, we offer a Pre-Master's programme via The College, Swansea University that will allow you entry on to our postgraduate programmes.
At Swansea, you will benefit from a high-quality, research-informed education that combines a range of effective and inclusive teaching methods, carefully tailored to suit the needs of your course. This course is taught in person, on campus, giving you the opportunity to actively engage with other students, academic staff, and the wider university community.
You can expect a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions. These sessions are designed to encourage active participation, collaboration, and the development of analytical skills.
Digital learning tools are also used to enhance your learning experience. These may include:
Recorded lectures, seminars,and guest speaker events from finance professionals are delivered through online platforms and recorded for asynchronous access to support flexible study and revision.
Online resourceson the university’s virtual learning environment (Canvas), including videos, financial datasets, reading materials, quizzes, and discussion forums.
This approach enables you to engage with and review content at your own pace while benefiting from the structure and support of in-person teaching.
N.B If you are an international student studying with a Student Route Visa, please note that your timetabled activity, along with any additional supervisory activity (with Swansea University staff present) will take place on campus. In line with UKVI protocol, these sessions will be monitored and data made available on request.
Unfortunately, there is currently no formal Welsh-medium provision on this
course. If you would like to let us know that you are interested in pursuing an
element of your course through the medium of Welsh, please email astudio@abertawe.ac.uk to indicate
your interest along with your year of entry and we will do our best to see what
is possible.
Whilst this course does not offer academic content delivered in Welsh, the
University can provide you with the following, and Academi Hywel
Teifi is here to support you:
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The opportunity to create and submit your coursework or sit your exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
The opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
The MSc Finance and Big Data Analytics at Swansea University is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). This means you could be exempt from up to three ACCA Fundamental exams, helping you get ahead in your professional journey (additional registration fees may apply).*
An accredited course is one that’s been approved by a relevant professional body for meeting its quality standards. It shows that your studies are closely connected to the industry, bringing real-world practice into your learning. These courses often count towards professional qualifications and registrations, helping you fast-track your career.
What are the benefits of professional accreditations?
Get a head start: With a professionally accredited degree, you could be exempt from certain early-stage exams or qualifications, giving you a valuable boost at the start of your career.
Support and connections: You can sign up for a student membership with the professional body and access career resources, networking opportunities, and expert advice. It’s a great addition to your CV and helps you feel prepared for employment.
For many professions, studying an accredited course is only the first step to becoming fully qualified. You can check with the relevant professional bodies for other specific requirements.
Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.
You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.
Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies.
To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's
scholarships and bursaries
page.
Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually.
For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.
The School of Management also offers a Developing Futures Scholarship for postgraduate (taught) students who have an offer to study at the School of Management.
The scholarship package encourages students to develop a number of professional skills whilst working with the School throughout the academic year.
Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your
personal tutor, the Centre for Academic
Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas
such as:
Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).
In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability,
mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have
Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and
requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.
We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application
deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can
find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.
