Programme Structure

• PolyU DFinTech is a part-time credit-based programme.
• Students are required to complete 51 credits, composed of 8 taught subjects (a total of 24 credits), 2 Residentials (1 credit for DFinTech Residential 1; 2 credits for DFinTech Residential 2) and a Thesis (8 credits for DFinTech Thesis I; 16 credits for DFinTech Thesis II).
• All taught subjects are at an advanced level, and students are assumed to have prior knowledge of each subject area.
• The normal duration of study is 3 years, with a maximum study period of 6 years.
• There is a possible exit award of Master of Science in Management Research Studies for students who have completed 8 taught subjects and 2 Residentials, and passed Thesis I (thesis proposal presentation) (a total of 35 credits).

Compulsory Subjects^

• Research and Design for Thesis
• DFinTech Residential 1
• DFinTech Residential 2
• DFinTech Thesis I
• DFinTech Thesis II

Core Subjects^  (any one)

• Introduction to Quantitative Research
• Introduction to Qualitative Research

Elective Subjects^ (any six)

• Big Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence 
• Cryptography and Blockchain 
• Digital Supply Chain Management
• Economics of FinTech
• Independent Studies in FinTech*
• Management and Marketing in the Digital World
• Overseas Executive Programmes
• Smart City and Urban Informatics

Remarks:

* Independent Studies in FinTech is only offered to students who are unable to follow the programme’s normal pattern of study due to exceptional circumstances such as illness or a work posting outside Hong Kong; these students can enrol in this elective subject in a particular semester.

^ All subject details (e.g. subject description form, offering pattern, class timetable etc.) are subject to continuous review and change. Not all subjects will be offered in a given year, subject to factors such as staff availability, student enrolment, programme resources and so on.

Residentials
Attendance at the 2 Residentials is compulsory.

DFinTech Residential 1 is a 2/3-day mandatory orientation workshop scheduled for the beginning of the programme in September.

DFinTech Residential 2 is a research workshop that is normally held in May/June after students have completed the required taught subjects. The main purpose of the workshop is to give students an opportunity to present their thesis proposals and to prepare them for writing their theses.

Thesis

Students must pass the Compulsory Subjects, 1 Core Subject and at least 4 Elective Subjects before beginning their theses. In the Thesis, students need to integrate and apply what they have learned to critically and rigorously examine a topic of interest. They are challenged to make an important contribution and/or provide innovative insights for management practice.

The latest information on the subjects offered can be obtained at https://fb.polyu.edu.hk/dfintech.