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The programme is delivered over a 12-month period whereby the first 9 months are spent on-campus at WIT, and the final 3 months comprise of a Professional Internship.

The delivery method is innovative and challenging, consisting of lectures, ICT workshops and e-learning, group work, industry focused problem based learning, presentations, a seminar series with industry experts, and educational visits to the headquarters of Financial Services organisations. The programme also integrates the research activities of the SETU Waterford AIB Centre for Finance and Business Research.

In particular, the students receive intensive practical training in key skills including

  • Data Modeling and Analysis

  • Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing

  • Econometrics

  • Corporate Financial Interpretation

  • Project Management

Msc in GFIS Students at Realex Payments


Students also develop an in-depth knowledge of

  • Financial Risk and Regulation

  • Financial Derivatives

  • Banking Transactions and Payment Systems

  • Security, Continuity, and Ethics

The programme team, led by Dr. Aidan Duane, has significant experience in industry and academia, and is highly research active on national and international levels. Thus, interaction and engagement with industry is an integral aspect of the programme. Students have the opportunity to learn from, and engage with CEO’s, senior executives, and leading talents from the Financial Services and ICT industries, through an extensive Seminar Series hosted on-campus in WIT. Participants also visit the Irish Headquarters of several leading Financial Services companies for daylong information sessions and discussions.

Video-conferencing presentations and online Q&A sessions with Financial Services industry representatives are also integrated with module content.

Thus, the delivery of key ICT and Financial Services skills and knowledge through a targeted suite of highly interactive modules, and 3 months Professional Internship underlines the uniqueness of this programme offering in Ireland and internationally.

The programme is structured into 3 semesters consisting of the following modules and credits:
 

Semester 1 Credits (30)
1. Data Modeling and Analysis 10
2. Seminar Series 5
3. Econometrics 5
4. IS Project Management 5
5. Financial Derivatives 5
   
Total Credits 30

 

Semester 2 Credits (30)
1. Business Intelligence 10
2. Global Banking Transaction & Payment Systems 5
3. Global Financial IS Security, Continuity & Ethics 5
4. Global Risk Management and Regulation 5
5. Corporate Financial Interpretation 5
   
Total Credits 30

(* see note 1)

Semester 3 Credits (30)
Professional Internship (see note 2) 30
or  
Financial Information Systems Project (see note 3) 30
   
Total Credits 30

*Note 1: Students can opt for an exit award of Postgraduate Diploma in Business (Global Financial Information Systems) at the end of Semester 2 having being awarded 60 Credits.

*Note 2: All students must complete all taught elements in Semester 1 and Semester 2 to the satisfaction of the Head of the School of Business, before being eligible for a Professional Internship.

*Note 3: Students who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Internship will have to complete a Financial Information Systems (FIS) Project.

ICT and Communications Skills

The programme provides students with training on a wide range of software including:

  • SWIFT e-Learning Software: (1) SWIFT Introduction; (2) SWIFT and International Payment Systems; (3) SWIFT Guide to the Securities Market.

  • Oracle, MS Access, and SQL

  • ERwin Data Modeler

  • SAP BI and Business Warehousing

  • Advanced Excel Analysis

  • MS Project

  • StockTrak

  • Thomson One Banker

  • Financial Times

  • SPSS

  • Social media for business applications

  • e-Conferencing/e-Meeting applications.

  • Video Conferencing

  • Presentation skills

  • Report writing skills

 

Professional Internship

This module requires students to engage in a 3 month Professional Internship. The roles and functions fulfilled by students on Professional Internships will reflect the skills and knowledge base of the MSc in Global Financial Information Systems (GFIS).

The skills-based and knowledge-based components of the Professional Internship will complement the course content, and further develop the “action-learning” skills that are essential in the Financial Services Industry and other industries.

The Professional Internship is scheduled at the end of the programme, to ensure that once students complete their internships, they have every possibility of being retained on an extended employment contract by their Internship Hosts.All applications for Internships are competitive. The MSc in GFIS programme team in association with the SETU Waterford Careers Office provides students with significant preparation and mentoring for internships and future careers including:

  • One-to-one career interview to discuss options and preferences.

  • One-to-one professional CV and draft Cover Letter layout, preparation, and feedback.

  • One-to-one professional e-Profile preparation using social media and the web.

  • One-to-one advice on employment contracts etc.

  • Ongoing e-notifications of vacancies/openings for internships/graduate positions/jobs.

  • Ongoing updates and advice regarding applying for positions in companies.

  • Mock interviews and feedback via the Wit Careers Office.

  • Ongoing careers mentoring.

  • Internship visitation, support, and interaction with employer.

  • Post-internship advice and support for career development.

Postgraduate Internships are a participant-initiated process for which the Institute will provide support. All Internship applications are a competitive process, and ultimately success will depend on each student’s performance on the programme, and each student’s performance in company aptitude, knowledge, skills, and ability testing, and the internship interview and follow-up interviews/correspondence.

Students who are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Internship will have to complete an intensive Financial Information Systems (FIS) Project.

Overseas students have responsibility of ensuring that their visa requirements are not violated. All students must complete all taught elements in Semester 1 and Semester 2 to the satisfaction of the Head of the School of Business, before being eligible for a Professional Internship.

Module Assessment & Examination

The MSc in Global Financial Information Systems (GFIS) consists of skills-based and knowledge-based modules, and this is reflected in the programme assessment strategy. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the modules scheduled for Semesters 1 and 2 have a well-balanced approach to the allocation of Continuous Assessment and end of year Final Examinations.

The MSc in GFIS is underpinned by WIT’s longstanding reputation for providing high quality, innovative, business and finance programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Thus, in the interests of continuous improvement of the programme, modules and assessment/examination schedules and allocations are subject to change.

gfis_chart

For an in-depth copy of the programme modules CLICK HERE

Overview of Eligibility Requirements

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, including Science, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, etc., who have achieved an honours grade (2.2) or higher, are also eligible to apply. In fact, undergraduates from Archaeology, Mathematics, Construction Studies, Social Studies, Engineering, Science, Business (General, Economics, Management, Accounting, Marketing, Finance, and HR) and Computing and ICT have all successfully completed the MSc in GFIS.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT’s English Language Requirements for details.

However, this does not guarantee automatic entry to the programme. We receive a substantial number of applications every year, and on average, there are four applications for every position on the programme. Therefore, participants may be considered for interview and short listing. Prior work or industrial experience may be considered when short-listing applicants.

 

Submitting a Standard (Fee-Paying) PAC Applications

Standard applications for this programme are made online by going to www.pac.ie. You will first need to register on the PAC website, and then continue to make your application for the MSc in GFIS under the SETU Waterford list of programmes.

 

Submitting a Springboard Application

The MSc in GFIS is also offered under the Irish Government Springboard Programme for 2014/15. Springboard applicants must satisfy the Springboard Terms and Conditions outlined on the Springboard website (www.springboardcourses.ie). In addition, applicants must meet the above requirements with respect to undergraduate qualifications and English language qualifications.

Springboard applicants will also have to complete a Springboard form to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in line with the Institute’s RPL policy. The programme will conform to the standard SETU Waterford Postgraduate recruitment policies with regard to accreditation of prior learning.

There is no cost for eligible Springboard applicants. Applications for the MSc in GFIS by Springboard applicants can only be made via www.springboardcourses.ie. You will first need to register on the website, and then continue to make your application for the programme under the SETU Waterford list of programmes.

Very Important Checklist for all Applicants (PAC & Springboard)

All applications must be accompanied by the following documentation:

  1. An up-to-date CV.

  2. Scanned copies of all of your official educational qualification parchments.

  3. Scanned copies of all of your official educational transcripts clearing showing the results you achieved in each subject/module.

  4. Scanned copies of any professional qualifications/awards you wish to be considered.

  5. A scanned copy of your English language qualification, Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT’s English Language Requirements for details.

  6. A scanned copy of your Certificate of Qualification from the NQAI if your prior education is from outside the EU. For further information, please visit http://www.qualificationsrecognition.ie/. Please note that applications will not be considered without this Certificate of Qualification, irrespective of any prior participation on other educational programmes in the EU.

  7. Scanned copies of all of your employment references.

Given the high volume of applications received for this programme, the documentation filenames you submit should be descriptive (i.e. the filenames should clearly describe the document along with your name (e.g.) JohnDoe-EnglishLanguageQual; JohnDoe-DegreeParchment; JohnDoe-EmployerRef1; etc., etc.).

This documentation should be scanned and emailed to Dr. Aidan Duane, MSc in GFIS Programme Director at [email protected] immediately after you have submitted your application via www.pac.ie or www.springboardcourses.ie depending on the nature of your application. If this documentation is not received in full, and/or if all sections of the application form are not completed in full, then we will be unable to process your application.

Given the high volume of applications for this programme, and the highly competitive nature of the application process, we regret that we will not be able to process applications where candidates do not meet the minimum requirements for the programme. We welcome your application and we wish you every success in the process.

The goal of the MSc in GFIS is to ensure that graduates have the practical skills, knowledge, and experience required to immediately take-up employment positions in the Financial Services industry. The majority of graduates from the MSc in GFIS are employed in graduate roles such as Investment Banking Analyst; Business Analyst; Data Analyst; Risk Analyst; FIS Analyst; Operations Analyst; Business Operations Executive; Policy Executive, etc. Past graduates of the MSc in GFIS are now employed with companies such as the Central Bank of Ireland; Bank of Ireland; Sun Life Financial; Citco Global Securities; Ernst & Young; EBS; AON Centre for Innovation and Analytics; FCOS Accounting Solutions; Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Cowen and Company; IBM; Synchronoss Technologies; Depuy Synthes (J&J); The Kerry Group; Glanbia; and, Fingal County Council. Graduates may also apply for Post Graduate Level 10 studies, such as a PhD by Research, either nationally or internationally.

 

 

 

MSc in GFIS Students with Dr. Ronnie O'Toole and Mr. Russell Burke of the Central Bank


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.”

 

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, Sunlife 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!”

Head of Graduate Business: Dr. Denis Harrington

Email: [email protected]

Programme Director: Dr. Aidan Duane

Email: [email protected]

 

You will find further information regarding the programme, the content and topics discussed and career opportunities online at:

You can also connect with Dr. Aidan Duane, Programme Director for the MSc in Global Financial Information Systems (GFIS) on: