Financial Mathematics BSc

This course integrates the study of mathematics with business finance, accounting, and economics. You’ll be introduced to the major areas of mathematics and finance and develop a broad base of mathematical and financial skills. The programme is designed to prepare you for a career in the finance industry or other parts of the private and public sector where analytical and mathematical skills are valued.

Two thirds of your time is spent on mathematics, including modules in financial mathematics covering mathematical modelling of financial and insurance markets, as well as pure, applied and statistical mathematics modules. You’ll be taught by Leeds University Business School, which is internationally renowned for the quality of its teaching, research and facilities, in the areas of business finance, accounting and economics. As you progress through the course, you’ll have more flexibility and choice of modules, allowing you to explore your particular areas of interest.

Enhancing your degree

This course offers you the opportunity to spend a year working in industry or studying at a university abroad, both of which provide valuable experience and help your personal development. Both of these schemes add an additional year to your course, taking the total course length to 4 years.

Our industrial placement scheme gives you the opportunity to gain work experience in an industry relevant to your degree and interests. Our students often describe this industrial experience as an invaluable part of their degree and one which stands them in good stead for their future careers.

The study abroad year enables you to gain insight into the study of mathematics with finance at one of our partner universities overseas. Many students have found this to be extremely worthwhile in helping broaden their horizons in terms of learning about a new culture and improving their foreign language skills.

The School of Mathematics offers 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.

Accreditation

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

Overall the 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.

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.

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 environmental statistics.

In the final year, about one third of your time is spent on core modules in banking and finance, data analysis and stochastic financial modelling. In the remaining time, you have freedom of choice to pursue particular interests through a wide range of optional modules devoted to mathematics, finance, business studies and economics.

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

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the 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.

Assessment

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

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA - A*BB

AAA/A*AB where the first grade quoted is Mathematics.

AAB/A*BB including Further Mathematics and where the first grade quoted is Mathematics, or AAB/A*BB where the first grade quoted is 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).

• 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/M1 or D2/M1/M1. If further mathematics is being taken we ask for D3/M1/M1 or D2/M1/M2.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall with 17 at Higher Level including 6 in Higher Level Mathematics

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  H1 in Mathematics, H2 grades in four other subjects, and H3 grade in one further subject in your Irish Leaving Certificate

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  Suitable combinations of Scottish Higher and Advanced Highers are acceptable, though mathematics must be presented at Advanced Higher level. Typically AAAAB 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 on the School Foundation year programmes page.

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.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the School of Mathematics Admissions Team.

Foundation year

If you have the ability to study for a degree but don’t have the qualifications to enter directly to level one, you might consider studying a foundation year. We have formal links with the following foundation year programmes:

- University of Leeds International Foundation Year (IFY)

- Northern Consortium of UK Universities (NCUK)

- Study Group Leeds International Study Centre (LISC)

If you are applying from an alternative foundation year provider, please contact our admissions team to find out if your qualification is suitable for entry to our courses.

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. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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.

Applicant days

Suitable applicants will be invited to an applicant day, which is not mandatory, but for which we strongly encourage attendance, as this gives you the opportunity to meet our staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course.

After you apply we will send you a link to book your place on the applicant day, but please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend, so your place can be allocated to another applicant.

If you have non-standard qualifications, or when there is no evidence of recent mathematical study, a 30-minute interview and/or a 90-minute test covering the core A-level Mathematics syllabus may be part of the selection procedure. This is to ensure that the course is suitable for you and that your current studies have prepared you for the curriculum at Leeds. If you are unable to attend, a telephone or Skype interview may be arranged. For further information, read our admissions policy.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £20,750 (per year)

For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2018, the fee for 2018/19 will be £9,250. 

For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

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.

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.

A mathematics degree can take you down many career paths into some of the highest paid and most satisfying roles in employment. The University of Leeds is in the top ten most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2018 report.

In virtually all areas of life, mathematical skills are highly valued. 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 across sectors, including financial services, IT, software design, data analysis, engineering, and teaching. This course also allows you to develop the transferable skills that employers seek.

Careers Support

Throughout your degree course we will make sure that you have the support and opportunity to develop the skills and experience you’ll need to make the most of your career choices.

Our industrial placement scheme allows you to gain valuable work experience that can help you stand out from the crowd. You could also secure a part-time job that you can feature on your CV through the students’ union's Joblink.

Our study abroad scheme allows you to experience another culture and develop life skills, which many employers value. The students’ union also provides volunteering opportunities which can help you in your personal development.

We teach problem-solving and high level thinking at all stages of your degree. We also provide modules that are specifically designed to boost your employability. The second year module “maths at work” engages you in group-based project. At the start of the module, you’ll undertake a skills audit, then prepare a CV, research a company for a mock interview, and participate in an interview workshop. Depending on the nature of your specific project, you may produce a report for a client or deliver a piece of software or webpage. Throughout the module, you’ll develop team work, communication, and presentation skills.

If you’re considering a career in teaching, you can gain experience of working in a local school or college through our “mathematics into schools” module. You’ll prepare teaching materials, deliver mathematics activities through lessons or a club, and organise a mathematics-based project that shows students how exciting the subject can be.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has over 300 partnerships with universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Spending a year living and studying in another country is a unique experience. Unlike the passing tourist, you have the chance to totally immerse yourself in another culture. You will gain unforgettable experiences and memories that you will draw upon in your working and personal life for years to come. In addition to this, the proven ability to live and work in an international context is an asset that many employers actively seek.

On this course, your year abroad adds an additional year to your studies. During your year abroad, you will study mathematics with finance at your host institution.

Students who spend a year in Europe through the ERASMUS programme also receive a maintenance grant for their year away and pay a reduced tuition fee for the year abroad.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

The industrial placement (“Year in Industry”) scheme provides you with the opportunity to experience salaried work before you graduate. Employers actively seek graduates who already have work experience and it can make all the difference in interviews.

On this course, your industrial placement adds an additional year to your studies.

An industrial placement will boost your self-confidence, not only in your chosen subject area, but in the marketplace generally. You will be able to choose from a range of financial services organisations in which to work. In previous years, students have worked at many prestigious companies.

During your industrial placement you will have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.

If you are not sure right now whether or not an industrial placement is right for you, don't worry - you will not have to start applying for placements until the beginning of your second year.