Mathematics with Finance BSc(Hons)

Overview

Mathematics is an essential tool in financial markets. Events in recent history have shown that there is a need for mathematics graduates who are aware of these analytical techniques, and who understand the underlying theory - both to apply the current methodologies, and to develop improved theories and products.
Private companies, public corporations, governments and individuals all need to borrow and to lend. The products to meet these needs are defined in mathematical terms, and the more sophisticated modern instruments are based on advanced mathematics.

Course duration
Full-time: 3 years
Sandwich: 4 years

UCAS code G1N3
Course content

Course structure

For the first two years of the course, the emphasis is on developing essential knowledge and techniques in mathematics and finance. This provides a solid foundation for later specialisation in the final year.
At the beginning of the second year, you may opt for the four-year degree which involves undertaking a paid work placement in year 3. Our dedicated placements unit identifies suitable employers and will support you during all stages of your placement The placement allows you to put the knowledge and techniques that you have learned into practice and to gain some useful contacts in the work place.
In the final year you will take a module in Finance and Risk Management and have a wide choice of optional modules. You will also undertake a major individual project supervised by an academic member of staff.

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, Financial Management and Accounting combine technical and practical aspects.
A wide range of computer packages are used for modelling and statistical analysis and there is a strong focus on presentation skills and communication.

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
Financial Accounting
Operational Research
Management Accounting
Analysis
Linear Algebra
Numerical Analysis
Statistical Modelling
Economics
Corporate and Business Law
Financial Decision-making
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
Electronic Commerce
Game Theory in Finance
Cost Management
Entrepreneurship
Management and Cost Accounting
Auditing
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. Applicants with only two full A-levels or a double award will be considered on an individual basis.
International Baccalaureate:
34 points, specified subjects.
QAA-approved access course:
individual assessment.
GCSE (minimum grade C):
at least three subjects including mathematics and English language.
Foundation degree/HND
direct to 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, futures and options has fuelled the demand for graduates 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 12,500 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