Bachelor of Applied Business Administration in Banking and Financial Technology

FinTech (Financial Technology) is disrupting and changing the role of traditional financial intermediaries like banks and introducing new players. This is being achieved through low-cost, inclusive, and secure alternative payment systems. According to a recent IMF research paper, technology is changing the landscape of the financial sector in profound ways and increasing access to financial services. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this change, letting FinTech companies create new opportunities for financial inclusion to overcome social distancing and containment measures. Access to government electronic systems that are integrated with digital financial services platforms such as fintech firms, mobile money companies, and digital banking, have proved critical in providing wide-reaching policy support promptly and without physical contact. This program will enable students to build both theoretical and practical 'banking' related skills and competencies applicable to areas such as; general banking, retail, corporate, investment banking, financial planning, consumer and commercial lending. It will also equip graduates with a detailed understanding of evolving technological innovations such as; Data Sciences, AI, blockchain, machine learning, cloud computing, and programs like Python and R, which are an essential part of FinTech.

Admission Requirements

High School or Academic Requirement

1. High school graduation certificate or equivalent approved by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education with a minimum average of 60%; or
2. Two-year Accounting Diploma from CNA-Q, or equivalent; or
3. One-year Advanced Accounting Diploma from CNA-Q, or equivalent.

English Language Requirement

1. The required score on the University English Placement Test or a passing score from another approved internationally recognized English language test, as validated by the Admissions & Registration Department; or
2. A valid (within two years) IELTS Academic Test Report Form with an overall band of 5.0 with no individual band score (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) below 5.0; or
3. Successful completion of Foundation Program requirements.

Mathematics Requirement

1. A minimum of 60% on the University Math Placement Test; or
2. A valid SAT Report Form with a minimum score of 480; or
3. Successful completion of Foundation Program requirements.

Additional Admission Criteria:

1. Admission is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked based on their overall final year (Grade 12 or equivalent) high school percentage, placement tests rankings, and Admission Priority Category.
   
   

Program Structure

Example: Innovation Management Concentration

Year 1

Semester 1

• Principles of Finance
• English Communication I
• Applied Math
• Effective Learning

Semester 2

• English Communication II
• Principles of Human Resource Management
• Financial Accounting
• Introduction to Computing & Problem Solving

Semester 3

• Mathematics & Natural Sciences cluster
• Ethical Reasoning

Year 2

Semester 1

• Trends in Global Payment Ecosystems
• Banking & Financial Institutions
• Principles of Marketing
• Business Economics

Semester 2

• Managerial Accounting
• Computer Programming
• Numerical Problem Solving
• Management Information Systems
• Qatar Business Law

Semester 3

• Globalization Awareness & Regional Challenges cluster
• Organizational Behavior

Year 3

Semester 1

• Introduction to Data Science & AI
• Strategic Financial Decision Making
• Entrepreneurship
• Business Ethics

Semester 2

• Principles of Corporate Finance
• FinTech in Retail Payment Systems
• Database Management Systems
• Research & Statistics
• Strategic & Sustainable Management

Semester 3

• Global Economic Concepts
• Leadership & Change Management

Year 4

Semester 1

• Cyber Security, Analytics, & Visualization
• Innovations in Personal & Corporate Lending
• Financing Innovations
• Practicum in Business

Semester 2

• Innovations in Trade Finance
• Financial Innovation in Markets & Technologies
• Capstone Project

Semester 3

• Work Placement