Financial Mathematics BSc

Mathematics is the key to robust financial management across a multitude of industries spanning both the public and private sector. Demand for employees with a sound financial perspective backed-up with mathematics skills comes from multiple sectors – from business and technology to financial services and IT – and the career options available are varied. Finance professionals often go on to become business leaders, thanks to the skills they develop in analysis, management, prioritisation, problem-solving and commercial awareness.

Studying Financial Mathematics at Leeds will give you a firm foundation in the theory and applications of mathematics and business finance, as well as specific disciplines such as accounting and economics. Analytical and mathematical skills are highly valued by employers and this course provides an integrated approach which fully prepares you for a career in the finance industry.

You will focus on mathematics, including modules in financial mathematics covering mathematical modelling of financial and insurance markets, as well as pure, applied and statistical mathematics modules. As you progress, you’ll have more flexibility and choice, allowing you to explore your particular areas of interest.

Here at Leeds, we understand the importance finance and mathematics have in everyday life, which is why we have one of the largest mathematics research departments in the UK and our courses are shaped by the latest thinking. This course is delivered jointly by the School of Mathematics and the Leeds University Business School, equipping you with the relevant knowledge, skills and experience you need to begin your career in finance.

Why study at Leeds:

• Graduate with a degree from a university ranked 7th in the UK for Accounting and Finance, Guardian University Guide 2022, and accredited by the Royal Statistical Society.

• Our courses are shaped by our leading research in areas such as probability and financial mathematics, modern applied statistics, and analysis.

• Put theory into practice with access to modern facilities and computing equipment, complemented by social areas, communal problem-solving spaces and quiet study rooms.

• Develop your experience and boost your career prospects with our paid industrial placement opportunities or study abroad programmes.

• Benefit from our close links with the financial services industry as well as organisations like Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics.

• Benefit from our partnership with the Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence.

• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our student society MathSoc where you can meet more of your coursemates, enjoy social events and join the MathSoc football or netball team.

Accreditation

Certain options can receive Royal Statistical Society accreditation and others can receive exemptions from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

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This course will provide you with an integrated programme of finance, economics and accounting combined with mathematics, specifically tailored to working within financial services. Each year, you’ll take 80 credits in mathematics, including financial mathematics modules, and 40 credits in modules taught by Leeds University Business School.

Year one

In the first year of the course you’ll study key mathematics topics, including calculus and mathematical analysis, numbers and vectors, probability and statistics, and financial mathematics. In addition, you’ll be introduced to financial accounting, management accounting and economic theory.

Our Actuarial Mathematics BSc and Financial Mathematics BSc degrees share a common first year, allowing you to move from one programme to the other until the end of your first year. Find out more about our flexible degrees.

Year two

The second year builds on the knowledge you acquired in first year, with more in-depth modules on financial mathematics, statistics, accounting, microeconomics and macroeconomics. There is also a chance for you to broaden your knowledge base through optional modules in topics such as computational mathematics and numerical analysis.

(Optional) One-year work placement or study abroad

To advance your skill set and boost your experience, you can apply to take up an industrial placement or study abroad at one of the many universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

Year three

In your final year you study core modules in stochastic calculus for finance, and time series. You also undertake a project, in which you’ll develop vital skills such as carrying out independent research. There are many project topics to choose from, including topics related to financial maths.

You will also undertake a research project, which gives you the opportunity to follow your interests and investigate a topic at the cutting edge of mathematics. You’ll work collaboratively with your supervisors throughout the project, who’ll be experts in your particular research area.

See examples of recent projects on our Research-based degrees webpage.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Financial Mathematics BSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught through lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical classes. You’ll enjoy extensive tutorial support and have freedom in your workload and options.

We offer a variety of welcoming spaces to study and socialise with your fellow students. There’s a café, social and group study areas, a library and a seminar room, as well as a Research Visitors Centre and a Mathematics Active Learning Lab.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• Playing with Infinity ∞ Two Famous Infinite Series

• What Does it Mean to be Round?

• Fractals – What, How, Why?

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’re assessed by a range of methods, including formal exams and in-course assessment.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA/A*AB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics

AAA/A*AB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics, AAB/A*BB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics plus Further Mathematics, or AAB/A*BB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics, plus A in AS Further Mathematics.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

GCSE: You must also have GCSE English at grade C (4) or above (or equivalent). We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Other course specific tests:

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), International Project Qualification (IPQ) and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (ASCC): We recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, and where an applicant offers the EPQ, IPQ or ASCC we may make an offer of AAB/A*BB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics, plus A in EPQ/IPQ/Welsh Bacc ASCC.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Normally only accepted in combination with grade A in A Level Mathematics or equivalent.

• BTEC

  BTEC qualifications in relevant disciplines are considered in combination with other qualifications, including grade A in A-level mathematics, or equivalent

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3 D3 M2 or D2 M1 M1 where the first grade quoted is in Mathematics OR D3 M1 M2 or D2 M2 M2 including Further Maths where the first grade quoted is Mathematics.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall with 17 at Higher Level including 6 in Higher Level Mathematics (Mathematics: Analytics and Approaches is preferred).

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  Suitable combinations of Scottish Higher and Advanced Highers are acceptable, though mathematics must be presented at Advanced Higher level. Typically AAAABB Including grade A in Advanced Higher Mathematics.

• Other Qualifications

  We also welcome applications from students on the Northern Consortium UK International Foundation Year programme, the University of Leeds International Foundation Year, and other foundation years with a high mathematical content.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: ABB including A in Mathematics and pass Access to Leeds OR A in Mathematics, B in Further Mathematics and C in a 3rd subject and pass Access to Leeds.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with a Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any one component, or IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any one component, depending on other qualifications present. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

UK: £9,250

International: £24,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Mathematical skills are highly valued in virtually all walks of life, which means that the employment opportunities for mathematics graduates are far-reaching, with the potential to take you all over the world.

University of Leeds students are among the top five most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2022, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after.

Qualifying with a degree in Financial Mathematics from Leeds will set you up with the core foundations needed to pursue a career in the finance industry or other parts of the private and public sector where analytical and mathematical skills are valued including:

• Banking and finance

• Asset management and investment

• Utilities

• Insurance

• Accountancy

• Consultancy

The numerical, analytical and problem solving skills you will develop, as well as your specialist subject knowledge and your ability to think logically, are highly valued by employers. This course also allows you to develop the transferable skills that employers seek.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our most recent graduates have obtained:

• Financial Analyst, American Express

• Auditor, Deloitte

• Motor Pricing Analyst, Direct Line Group

• Equity Trader, Direct Market Touch

• Financial Reporter, Elan Publishing

• Senior Risk Analyst, G E Money

• CFO & Controller, GE Capital Transportation Finance

• Associate Auditor, Grant Thornton

• Tax Specialist, HMRC

• Audit Assistant Manager (ACA), KPMG UK

• Assistant Financial Planner, London Wall Partners

• Financial Accountant, McDonalds Restaurants

• Banking Consultant, SunGard

• Group Risk and Internal Audit Manager, WM Morrison Supermarkets Plc

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You will be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

This programme offers you the chance to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year between years two and three. You then return to Leeds for your final year.

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

The graduate recruitment market is highly competitive so it’s important that you stand out. An industrial placement could be the opportunity you need to impress potential employers and improve your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas

• All placements are salaried

• Build industry contacts within your chosen field

• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers

• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice

• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry

• Improve your employability

If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• Actuarial Consulting – Pensions, Aon

• Supervisory Risk Specialist,Bank of England

• Audit Placement, PWC

• IBA Cashier, PIB Group

• Actuarial Analyst, Capita plc

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.