Financial Mathematics

The Financial Mathematics degree course was established in response to the increasing demand from employers in the financial sector for graduates with an understanding of mathematics. The mathematical core of the degree will teach you key skills in algebra, calculus and statistics, for example. In addition, you will study mathematics in a financial context, for example in stochastic modelling of the stock market, and gain a solid understanding of the principles of economics and of financial accounting and management.

Why Study Financial Mathematics at Aberystwyth University?

• Explore a discipline that is both intellectually demanding and vocationally useful, giving you skills that are applicable to a wide range of career choices. 
• You will study under experts in a wide range of disciplines. Our lecturers are committed teachers; some come from a professional background, grounding your study in a proper professional context, and many are active researchers, expanding the boundaries of knowledge.
• 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.
• The Department also offers a number of modules taught entirely or partially through the medium of Welsh. Further details may be obtained from the department.

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.

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 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. These include:

• research and data analysis skills
• enhanced mathematical and computational skills
• effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
• a thorough grounding in information technology skills
• the ability to work independently
• time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
• the 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.

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer. 

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

What will I learn?

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

In your first year you will study:

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

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

• econometrics and investment analysis
• pure and applied statistics and stochastic methods

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.

There is never a boring topic and it 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