BSc

Financial Mathematics

Financial Mathematics Code G1NF Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

Apply Now

You are viewing this course for September start 2024

Designed for students who do not have a sufficient or relevant academic background, the BSc Financial Mathematics with integrated foundation year course at Aberystwyth University is the perfect option to access this highly sought-after degree scheme. In the foundation year, you will be brought up to speed on the fundamentals of Mathematics, providing a solid base for you to continue onto the full undergraduate degree.

At Aberystwyth you will be taught core mathematical skills, including algebra, calculus and statistics, along with specialist mathematical techniques in a financial context, for example, in stochastic modelling of the stock market. During your degree you will acquire a solid understanding of the principles of economics and of financial accounting and management.  

This degree is accredited by the IMA (Institute for Mathematics and its Applications), the UK's learned and professional society for mathematics, directly contributing to your recognition as a Chartered Mathematician.

Course Overview

Why study Financial Mathematics with foundation year at Aberystwyth University?

  • You will explore a discipline that is both intellectually demanding and vocationally useful, giving you skills that are applicable to a wide range of career choices in the financial industry
  • This scheme is aimed at those who lack the adequate entry qualifications in mathematics and covers the essential mathematics and finance to allow students to continue on to an honours degree
  • You will study under experts in a wide range of mathematical and financial disciplines. Our lecturers are committed teachers, some coming from a professional background, ensuring your study is grounded in a proper professional context
  • Many members of staff are also active researchers, able to introduce you to the boundaries of knowledge in their fields
  • This scheme offers you the possibility to study a number of modules taught entirely or partially through the medium of Welsh.
Our Staff

All lecturers in the Department of Mathematics are qualified to PhD level and are research active. The majority have a postgraduate teaching qualification and new staff are required to complete the PGCTHE. The department also employs a number of part time tutors, with extensive teaching experience, and some student demonstrators, who are selected from our undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Modules September start - 2024

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Accounting and Finance for Specialists AB11220 20
Algebra * MA10510 10
Calculus * MP10610 10
Coordinate and Vector Geometry MA10110 10
Differential Equations MA11210 10
Fundamentals of Accounting and Finance * AB11120 20
Further Algebra and Calculus * MP11010 10
Mathematical Analysis * MA11110 10
Probability MA10310 10
Statistics MA11310 10

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Applied Statistics MA26620 20
Corporate Finance and Financial Markets AB21420 20
Distributions and Estimation MA26010 10
Intermediate Management Accounting AB21220 20
Introduction to Numerical Analysis and its applications MA25220 20
Linear Algebra * MA21410 10

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Complex Analysis * MA21510 10
Introduction to Abstract Algebra MA20310 10
Real Analysis MA20110 10

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Investments and Financial Instruments AB31320 20
Probability and Stochastic Processes MA37410 10
Stochastic Models in Finance MA37810 10

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Advanced Financial Accounting AB31120 20
Comparative Statistical Inference MA36010 10
Graphs and Networks MA32410 10
Linear Statistical Models MA36510 10
Norms and Differential Equations MA30210 10
Partial Differential Equations MA34110 10
The Role and Practice of Auditing AB31620 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

What can I do with a degree in Financial Mathematics?

A degree in Financial Mathematics will put you in a position to fulfil an increasing demand in the financial sector for graduates with a solid understanding of mathematics. In addition, during your time at Aberystwyth you will be given a number of opportunities to enhance your employability or gain valuable work experience. Our graduates have found employment in the accountancy, banking, risk analysis, actuarial work, financial management and investment analysis.

What opportunities are there at Aberystwyth University for me?Employability is embedded across all of our teaching. Studying for a degree in Financial Mathematics will equip you with a range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers:

  • research and data analysis skills;
  • enhanced mathematical and computational skills;
  • effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills;
  • thorough grounding in information technology skills;
  • ability to work independently;
  • time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines;
  • ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form;
  • self-motivation and self-reliance;
  • team-working with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.

Our Careers Service offers various opportunities to enhance your employability prospects, including GO Wales and the Year in Employment Scheme.

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four-year degree scheme.

In your first (foundation) year you will study introductory modules:

  • Foundations of Mathematics and Mathematical Methods;
  • Introduction to Statistics;
  • Economics, Finance and Accounting.

In your second year you will study:

  • algebra and calculus;
  • differential equations and mathematical analysis;
  • probability and statistics;
  • principles of economics and financial accounting.

In your third and fourth years you will be able to choose modules from a wide range of options to tailor your learning, including:

  • financial accounting;
  • econometrics and investment analysis;
  • abstract algebra and group theory;
  • partial differential equations and hydrodynamics;
  • statistical inference, stochastic models in finance.

How will I be taught?

  • This degree is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and practicals;
  • You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, presentations, reports and examinations;
  • You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree course who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues. You should feel free to contact them at any time for help and advice.

Student Testimonials

There is never a boring topic and the course goes much deeper into mathematics than I was expecting. There are so many different modules to choose from that you will always find something to interest you. The lecturers are always willing to help. Elin Wyn Hughes

Financial Mathematics is a great course with really friendly and approachable lecturers. The content is always really interesting, but challenging to the right extent. The whole department works effectively to offer all the facilities needed to gain a good degree. Jennifer O'Neil

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff

A Levels Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

International Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

European Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

Back to the top