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Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), Ireland
MSc in Global Financial Information Systems (GFIS) 2014-
2015
Nominated for Postgraduate New Course of the Year 2014
Weblinks
http://www.wit.ie/gfis
http://www.facebook.com/WITMScGFIS
Objective and Overview
The Masters of Science in Global Financial Information Systems (MSc in GFIS) was first introduced in September 2012.
The objective of the MSc in GFIS is to enable high calibre graduates to rapidly develop quantitative, analytical, and ICT skills and experience, embedded in a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Financial Services Industry.
The delivery of key ICT skills through FIS modules and a 6 month Internship underlines the uniqueness of this programme offering in Ireland and internationally.
Structure & Delivery
The programme is delivered over a 16 month period, of which the last 6 months comprise of Internship with an organisation operating in the Financial Services Industry.
The first 10 months are spent at WIT, thus students will have completed all modules and examinations prior to undertaking an Internship.
Skills & Knowledge
Intensive practical training in key skills: Data Modeling and
Analysis; Business Intelligence
and Data Warehousing;
Econometrics; Corporate Financial
Interpretation; Project Management
In-depth knowledge: Financial Risk and
Regulation; Financial Derivatives; Banking Transactions
and Payment Systems;
Security, Continuity and Ethics.
Seminar Series
Industry Driven Skillset
Use a wide range of software including: SWIFT e-Learning
modules; Oracle; SQL; SAP BI and Business
Warehousing; MS Excel Analytics
& Modeling;
MS Access Modeling, Design, and Analysis,
MS Project; StockTrak; Thomson One
Banker; Financial Times; SPSS; Social media; Virtual conferencing.
Business Expert Seminar Series Opportunity to learn from
business experts and professionals.
Previous speakers include: Mr Philip MacKeown , Director
of Musgrave Group Mr Simon Barry, Chief
Economist at Ulster Bank (ROI)
Mr Michael Veale, CEO of Buy4Now
Mr Don Moore, former MD of ESB International
Mr Danny Mc Coy, Director General of IBEC
Michael Flynn, Chief Executive of FLI Environmental
Graham Doyle, CEO of Waterford Airport
Mr Stephen Kent, Marketing Director of Bulmers Limited
Mr Peter Hatton, Brand Manager at Colgate
Mr Sean Gallagher of Dragons Den
Mr Colm O Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International
Mr Bob Savage, Vice President and General Manager of EMC (Ireland)
Maire Geoghegan Quinn EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation & Science
Seminar Series - Meet the Experts
MSC IN GFIS STUDENTS WITH MS. MAIRE GEOGHEGAN QUINN - EU COMMISSIONER FOR
RESEARCH, INNOVATION & SCIENCE – OCTOB ER 2012
MSC IN GFIS STUDENTS WITH MR. BOB SAVAGE, VICE-PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF
EMC IRELAND - DECEMBER 2012
Industry Visits - Meet the Experts
MSC IN GFIS STUDENTS WITH MR. RUSSELL BOURKE & MR. RONNIE
O’TOOLE OF THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND – FEBRUARY 2013
MSC IN GFIS STUDENTS AT THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND – FEBRUARY 2013
Industry Visits - Meet the Experts
MSC IN GFIS STUDENTS AT REALEX PAYMENTS IN DUBLIN – MARCH 2013
MSC IN GFIS STUDENTS AT REALEX PAYMENTS IN DUBLIN – MARCH 2013
Banking and Finance Forum 2014
Mr. Richard Nealon (IT Security Manager) and Mr. Peter Vance (Head of Payments) AIB, with Dr.
Aidan Duane and students from the MSc in GFIS
Mr. Brendan Kerin, (Head of Retail Operations) Permanent TSB, with Dr. Aidan Duane and students from the MSc in GFIS
Banking and Finance Forum 2014Ms. Rose Clear, (Head of Risk Operations) Bank of Ireland, with Dr. Aidan Duane and
students from the MSc in GFIS
Mr. Barry Doyle (IT Security Manager) KBC Bank Ireland, with Dr. Aidan Duane
and students from the MSc in GFIS
Banking and Finance Forum 2014
Ms. Karen Miles , (Senior Manager of IT Applications) KBC Bank Ireland
Mr. Paul Doheny (Corporate Banking Relationship Manager) Rabobank
Ireland
Awards & Media Coverage
MSC IN GFIS NOMINATED FOR BEST NEW COURSE AT POSTGRAD IRELAND AWARDS IN DUBLIN – APRIL 2014 -
Awards & Media Coverage
THE INNOVATION OF THE MSC IN GFIS DISCUSSED IN THE SUNDAY BUSINESS POST MARCH 10TH , 2013
The Programme Structure
SEMESTER 1
Data Modeling and Analysis
Seminar Series Econometrics Information Systems
Project Management Financial Derivatives
SEMESTER 2
Business Intelligence. Global Banking Transaction
& Payment Systems Global Financial IS Security,
Continuity & Ethics Global Risk Management
and Regulation. Corporate Financial
Interpretation.SEMESTER 3 Professional Internship in the Financial Services Industry
The Programme Aims The mission of the programme is to address the current and future demand
from the Financial Services Industry, for hybrid finance-technology graduates with a specific focus on the application of ICT to Financial Services (FS). Specifically, the programme aims to: clearly differentiate itself from other postgraduate business and finance
programmes on offer in Ireland, by working closely with representatives of the Financial Services Industry to create a programme that reflects market needs, and enhances Ireland’s, and the South East’s, ability to attract and retain Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in this sector of the Irish economy;
create hybrid Financial Services and ICT graduates with the skills, knowledge, research abilities, and experience to gain employment, and rise through the management ranks, of the Financial Services Industry;
re-invigorate the Financial Services Industry by targeting specific current and future skills needs, identified as being essential for the future growth and sustainability of the Irish economy; and,
produce high calibre WIT graduates, distinct in their abilities and knowledge, capable of playing leading roles in the application and utilisation of Financial Information Systems to create value in the Financial Services Industry.
Industry Feedback Michelle Mannix, HR Manager, Citi Group suggests “this
programme is very relevant; the timing is excellent, and the content is highly practical and applicable”.
Jonathan Brady, Senior Banking and Finance Recruitment Consultant, Reed Global, believes the MSc in GFIS "is very timely and ticks quite a few boxes; providing graduates with great potential for cross-over in FIS positions. It’s moving in the right direction for current and future recruitment of FIS professionals. The Internship increases graduate recruitment prospects”.
Niall Kavanagh – Senior Manager Corporate Markets at Ulster Bank/RBS “I have read the programme and I am impressed with the content. This type of programme should be provided in all the regional education centres around Ireland. Financial Services is big business in Ireland and a huge contributor to country in terms of corporate taxes as well as employment. There is further potential for growth in the IFSC and Belfast to attract more operators into Ireland from as far away as China”.
Further Industry Feedback
Connor Leahy, HFS Custody, J.P. Morgan “it cannot be stated enough the ever morphing of IS and IT roles within Finance and Banking. Having a theoretical background and good understanding of how these areas complement each other, will make graduates from courses such as this, stand out when it comes to the job application process”.
Timothy O’Riordan, Senior IT Auditor, Aberdeen Asset Management Plc. UK, this “looks like a great course with very relevant modules. I feel it would be highly relevant for employers looking for candidates for business/system analysts and/or FIS project managers”.
Niall Kavanagh, Senior Manager Corporate Markets, Ulster Bank/RBS, believes “this programme as detailed, plus the Internship, will provide Financial Services professionals with a platform to develop a career in an area which will expand in the short to medium term”.
Career Opportunities
The goal of the MSc in GFIS is to ensure that programme graduates have the practical skills, knowledge, and experience required to immediately take-up employment in positions in the Financial Services Industry.
Graduates will also possess the skills and knowledge base to progress to middle management and beyond.
Graduate positions attained by the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 MSc in GFIS graduates included: Graduate FIS Analyst; Graduate Risk Analyst; Graduate Data Analyst; Graduate Business Analyst; Graduate Operations Analyst; Graduate Operations Associate; Graduate Business Executive.
Further Career Opportunities
Past students of the MSc in GFIS are now employed with companies such as the Central Bank of Ireland; Allied Irish Bank; Bank of Ireland; Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Sun Life Financial; Citco Global Securities; EBS; AON Centre for Innovation and Analytics; FCOS Accounting Solutions; Cowen and Company; IBM; Synchronoss Technologies; Ernst & Young; Depuy Synthes (J&J); The Kerry Group; Glanbia; and, Fingal County Council.
Graduates can also apply for the numerous highly reputable professional graduate training programmes offered by a multitude of companies in the Financial Services and other industries.
Graduates can also apply to the financial and payment services divisions of global ICT companies based in Ireland and overseas.
A graduate may also apply for further post graduate Level 10 studies, such as a PhD by Research in WIT or to other third level institutions, either nationally or internationally.
Further information on career opportunities can be found on our programme Facebook site at http://www.facebook.com/WITMScGFIS.
Internship Locations
41%
18%
24%
6%
6%
6%
MSc in GFIS Student Internship Locations
Dublin Cork Waterford Kilkenny Tipperary Wexford
Status of Internship Positions
Status of MSc in GFIS Internship Positions 2012-2013
88%
13%
Status of MSc in GFIS Internship Positions
Permanent Contract
Number of Days Between Final Exam Completion and Commencing Employment
2012-2013 Exam Completion Date Employment Start Date No. Days Between Completion and Employment
Student 1 27/05/2013 02/09/2013 98Student 2 27/05/2013 08/07/2013 42Student 3 27/05/2013 20/05/2013 -7Student 4 27/05/2013 10/06/2013 14Student 5 27/05/2013 24/06/2013 28Student 6 27/05/2013 20/05/2013 -7Student 7 27/05/2013 12/06/2013 16Student 8 27/05/2013 01/06/2013 5Student 9 27/05/2013 03/06/2013 7Student 10 27/05/2013 20/05/2013 -7Student 11 27/05/2013 01/06/2013 5Student 12 27/05/2013 29/07/2013 63Student 13 27/05/2013 10/06/2013 14Student 14 27/05/2013 04/06/2013 8Student 15 27/05/2013 04/06/2013 8Student 16 27/05/2013 04/06/2013 8Student 17 27/05/2013 15/06/2013 19
Average 18.47
MSc in GFIS Student Feedback 2012-2013
“The MSc in GFIS is an intensive combination of theory and practice designed to equip graduates with skillsets that can enable them to immediately add value to any organisation
that they join. This course has been well constructed to meet the requirements of employers in this age of rapidly evolving technology. Students are exposed to activities
such as Business Intelligence, Data Analysis and Mining, Financial derivatives, IS Security, Risk and Regulations, software such as SQL, MySQL, Oracle, SAP, SWIFT, SPSS, to name a
few. I am halfway through this degree and already I feel far more confident about my career prospects, due to the skills that I have already learned and the ones that I am still learning.”
“The MSc in GFIS programme enables students to gain up to date knowledge and practical skills in the ever evolving area of Financial Information Systems. I have found it has
enriched my knowledge of evolving systems and technologies, while incorporating financial concepts which I was less accustomed to.”
“Dr Aidan Duane as Programme Director for the MSc in Global Financial Information Systems (GFIS) at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) has developed a best in sector course to
enable graduates to move successfully into areas such as Financial Services, IT and Analytics. His knowledge of and ability to convey the details of both current and emerging technologies, trends and theories within the Global Mobile Banking and Payment System
industries is excellent. He also effectively delivers an in depth and thought provoking Data Modeling course which facilitates student understanding and knowledge of database
technologies, and, data modeling processes and conventions. His industry connections have facilitated successful student placements within their preferred area of interest. Aidan was
a pleasure to study under and I cannot recommend him or the MSc highly enough” .
MSc in GFIS Graduate Feedback 2014
Ms. Eleanor Roche – MSc in GFIS Graduate 2012-2013 – Trainee Accountant, Ernst & Young, Waterford, Ireland. “The MSc in GFIS offered students with both relevant and non-relevant backgrounds the opportunity to gain both an in-depth and broad insight into many areas of Business and Information Technology. The spectrum
of learning was varied, interesting and highly relevant. There was a mix of practical skills that are in demand in many types of careers as well as a focus on theory and knowledge. The placement aspect of the course
allowed me to apply many of the practical IT skills that I developed during my time on the course and practice what we had learned in a real life setting. I would highly recommend this course as it has given me
the opportunity to get into an accounting career that would not have been possible without it”.
Ms. Mary O’Connor – MSc in GFIS Graduate 2012-2013 – Policy Executive, The Irish Central Bank, Dublin, Ireland.“The MSc in GFIS taught skills and competencies that are in demand in growth industries. The competencies include data modelling, data analytics, econometrics, project management, IT security know-how, financial
analysis of business filings and trading in derivatives. Other modules explored regulation in financial services and innovation and legislation in the broad area of payments, including mobile payments. I found
the course very beneficial because it provided practical skills and, due to the assignment work and lab-based classes, enabled me to participate and contribute immediately when I started my internship with the
Central Bank of Ireland. The course was very demanding in terms of workload. One significant advantage of this is that it created a good foundation on how to manage a very heavy workload in a work setting. I found
the use of social media by some of the lecturers to be very helpful in terms of keeping apprised of developments in payments and regulation. The course, for me, opened up many new fields in a short space of time. The intensity has been rewarded. I have now obtained a permanent role as a Policy Executive at
the Central Bank of Ireland.”
MSc in GFIS Graduate Feedback 2014
Mr. Gerard Kelleher – MSc in GFIS Graduate 2012-2013 – Business Systems Analyst, Supply Chain Analytics, DePuy Synthes (J&J), Cork, Ireland.
“The MSc in Global Financial Information Systems enables the participant to gain real applicable skills and successfully return to work in their desired area. I had previously worked in IT consultancy but had left the industry to pursue other options. I was keen to return to a Systems Analysis role but found the IT industry had moved on. I undertook the MSc GFIS to up skill in practical IT, financial and
analytical skills which would position me for roles within the industry. The course content and delivery methods strike a great balance between those skill sets. The progressive blended learning
approach to content delivery enables the students to learn and utilise new social media technologies during the course. Another huge benefit of the course is the Internship. This offers the
participant a practical route into employment. I have been very lucky in that I was successful in getting my preferred role as a Business Systems Analyst in DePuy Synthes Supply Chain Analytics.
Having the chance to work in a renowned and progressive multinational is testament to the opportunity provided by the course. The skills I developed and enhanced on the course have
enabled me to secure an additional role with the organisation after my internship concludes. I would highly recommend the MSc GFIS to any prospective candidate.”
Ms. Emer Curtis – MSc in GFIS Graduate 2012-2013 – Technology Analyst, Sun Life Financial, Waterford, Ireland.
“The MSc in Global Financial Information Systems has given me the skills and knowledge needed for success within a multinational financial services organisation. The range of modules incorporated in this course enabled me to gain a better understanding of the multiple facets of a global financial organisation, from risk management, financial interpretation and particularly in analysing financial
information using statistical analysis software. In addition to the financial aspect to the course, there is a great emphasis on technological advancement in this area. During the course, we were exposed
to how the area of "Big Data" is now the cutting edge of how organisations can gain competitive advantage. Using tools such SAP we were enabled to discover on a practical level how organisations
can analyse data and transform it into meaningful information for decision-making. The practical element of this course is particularly helpful. Through the internship incorporated into this course, I was able to secure full time employment in a multinational financial organisation. MSc in GFIS has
created opportunities for me that would not have possible otherwise!”
Who should apply? The MSc GFIS accepts applications from all graduates of Business or
Technology undergraduate degree programmes who have achieved an honours grade (2.2) or higher.
Graduates from other undergraduate degree programmes, who have achieved an honours grade (2.2) or higher, are also eligible to apply. However, this does not guarantee automatic entry to the programme but participants may be considered for interview and short listing.
Prior work or industrial experience may be considered when short listing applicants.
Applicants who are not native speakers must have one of two English language qualifications – TOEFL/IELTS with a minimum score in TOEFL of 550 or IELTS of 6.5.
The MSc in GFIS is also offered under the Irish Government Springboard Programme for 2014/15 (www.springboardcourses.ie) Springboard applicants must satisfy the Springboard Terms and Conditions
outlined on the Springboard website. In addition, applicants must meet the above requirements with respect to undergraduate qualifications and English language qualifications.
Applications for the Programme Applications:
Applications for this programme are made online by going to www.pac.ie. You will first need to register on the website, and then continue to make your application for the MSc in GFIS under the WIT list of programmes.
Springboard applications: Applications for the MSc in GFIS by Springboard applicants
can be made by going to www.springboardcourses.ie. You will first need to register on the website, and then continue to make your application for the programme under the WIT list of programmes. You must satisfy the Springboard Terms and Conditions outlined on the Springboard website and the programme requirements outlined above.
Further Details
Programme Director: Dr. Aidan Duane [email protected]
Head of Graduate Business: Prof. Denis Harrington
Official Website: www.wit.ie/gfis
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/WITMScGFIS
