Mathematics with Finance BSc(Hons)

Overview

Mathematics is an essential tool for financial markets, private companies, public corporations, governments and any individuals wishing to borrow or lend. This has led to a need for mathematics graduates who are aware of analytical techniques and understand their underlying theories, in order to apply current methodologies to develop improved theories and products.

Course duration
Full-time: 3 years
With placement year: 4 years

UCAS code G1N3
Course content

Course structure

The first two years of the course is dedicated to developing essential knowledge and techniques in both mathematics and finance. A wide range of computer packages are used for modelling and statistical analysis and there is a strong focus on presentation skills and communication.
From there, you may choose to undertake a paid work placement year to help build your real-world experience, before choosing from a range of optional modules to tailor your learning outcomes for the final year.

Areas of study

This course ensures a sound basis of analytical mathematical techniques, probability and statistics, backed up by strong IT support. Specialist modules in economics and financial management combine technical and practical aspects.

Syllabus

Years 1 and 2
- Applications of Mathematics
- Applications of Statistics
- Discrete Mathematics
- Introduction to Analysis
- Mathematical Methods
- Introduction to Linear Algebra
- Probability and Statistics
- Operational Research
- Financial Knowledge and Skills
- Global Business Environment
- Linear Algebra
- Numerical Analysis
- Statistical Modelling
- Financial Theory and Practice
- International Business Analysis
Optional placement year
Final year
- Project
Options from:
- Topics in Abstract Algebra
- Nonlinear Optimisation
- Graph Theory and Applications
- Decision Support
- Foundations of Mathematics
- Functions of a Complex Variable
- Topology
- Time Series and Forecasting
- Medical Statistics
- Statistical Modelling
- Stochastic Methods
- The Mathematics of Finance
- History and Philosophy of Mathematics
- Partial Differential Equations
- International Finance
- Game Theory in Finance
- Corporate Governance
- Emerging Financial Markets
Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements
individual offers may vary
A-levels:
ABB. Must include grade B in mathematics at A-level. Free-standing mathematics units are excluded.
BTEC
DDM.
International Baccalaureate:
34 points, specified subjects.
Access to HE Diploma
pass (at least 45 credits at level 3), with 30 credits at merit or distinction. Level 3 units in maths required.
GCSE (minimum grade C) or Access Equivalent
at least three subjects including mathematics and English language.
Foundation degree/HND
may enable you to start the course in year 2 or 3. HNC may also count towards direct entry.
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.
Location

Location Moulsecoomb
Career opportunities

In the last two decades the growth of financial derivatives, actuaries, hedging, futures and options has fuelled the demand for employees able to deal with the mathematics which underpins these financial products.

Visit the careers centre website.
Fees and costs

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.

To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.

Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

BSc(Hons) Mathematics with Finance [J4EG025]

UK/EU 9,000 GBP
Island Students 9,000 GBP
International 12,900 GBP

When on a placement (sandwich) year, students pay a reduced fee in the placement year of this course. This is currently £750 for Home and Island Students and £1,760 for International students. This fee is likely to increase with inflation.
Student views

Samantha

I decided to study at Brighton on the main principle that they offered a placement scheme with good support of how to get one and help if I needed it while on placement.

I completed a placement at Lloyds TSB based mainly in Brighton but some days in London. I was in the Credit Risk department largely in the Credit Card section where I was in charge of management information (MI) for the risk of new business. This included monthly reporting and I used a range of skills to accomplish this including statistical programming.

My team and I were in charge of implementing strategies to control the risk of new credit card customers coming in.We would do this by segmenting the new business population and giving different strategies to the different segments to better target the appropriate product (if any) to the customer. I used SAS, SQL and Excel on a daily basis to do analysis on different projects and the monthly MI. I also attended 3 courses; a SAS course in Maidenhead, a SQL course in Bristol and a credit risk course near Heathrow.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement and learned so much. I now have more confidence in myself and my abilities and feel better prepared for the world when I graduate this summer.

Melody Adams

My course provided me with skills and knowledge and mathematical rigour that put me at an advantage in both obtaining my job and performing well in it. I gained a solid grasp of the mechanisms behind the major markets and the mathematics behind asset pricing.

Quantitative skills are regarded highly in this type of work as financial markets develop and become increasingly complex. The university provided me with the resources and supervision I needed to complete a finance-orientated dissertation in my final year enabling me to develop skills in my area of interest.

I started my graduate job as an investment analyst at Credaris Portfolio Management based in Mayfair, London. The company manages portfolios of credit derivative assets; these are assets derived from the credit worthiness of a company. No two days are the same, making it a fresh and dynamic place to work