Tomorrow’s business innovators from Lancaster University’s MSc Digital Business, Innovation and Management (DBIM) programme recently witnessed the transformative power of financial technology during an exclusive tour of Barclays’ cutting-edge Technology Centre Park in Knutsford.

The students, accompanied by Dr Amjad Fayoumi, Director of the DBIM programme, explored how Barclays—a leading British multinational bank—leverages cutting-edge innovations to drive digital transformation in the financial sector.

Throughout the day, the students explored AI-driven customer engagement tools, machine learning applications for secure transactions, and advanced cybersecurity measures critical to safeguarding digital banking ecosystems. They also enjoyed tours of the ATM lab and the command centre.

“This experience allowed our students to engage directly with Barclays’ vision for a tech-enabled future,” Dr Fayoumi explains. “As a bank consistently recognised for both innovation and workplace excellence, Barclays provided a tangible link between classroom theory and real-world fintech applications. The students left inspired by how rapidly technology is reshaping financial services.”

During the visit, students also got to hear more about Barclays’ early-career opportunities, including apprenticeships and internships designed to nurture talent in services, fintech, data analytics, and digital innovation.

Dr Fayomi added, “Our students gained direct exposure to a worldwide bank’s digital transformation efforts, seeing firsthand how the lessons learned in class underpin modern, technology-focused financial operations.

“We are grateful to Tim McCoy, Sharon North, Neil Thompson and colleagues at Barclays for their hospitality and expertise that helped make the day such a success. Partnerships like this are pivotal in preparing our students for leadership roles in digital business.”

Building on this partnership, opportunities are now being explored for LUMS students to engage in a series of cross-functional workshops with Barclays’ banking services and tech leaders, simulating real-world fintech development cycles and cyber resilience actionable plans. Topics will range from AI-powered risk modelling to blockchain-based asset tokenisation, with students contributing fresh perspectives to Barclays’ innovation roadmap.

Lancaster University is consistently in the top 15 of the three main domestic league tables out of more than 120 universities.

Lancaster University Management School is amongst the few triple crown business schools that hold accreditation with AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. These international accreditations recognise the quality of everything LUMS does, and provides assurance that it is a globally leading business school.

To find out more about the MSc Digital Business, Innovation and Management (DBIM) programme visit: Digital Business, Innovation and Management MSc - Lancaster University

For information on other Master’s programmes available at Lancaster University Management School visit Master's programmes in LUMS - Lancaster University