Mathematics with Finance BSc

Program Overview

The BSc Mathematics with Finance program at the University of Exeter offers a unique blend of mathematical skills and a solid foundation in finance. Graduates gain expertise in financial modeling, pricing techniques, and portfolio management, making them highly competitive in the job market. The program features an optional year of professional experience in industry, providing students with valuable real-world insights and connections. With a strong focus on research and a top-notch reputation, Exeter's program prepares students for successful careers in finance, technology, and other fields.

Program Outline

BSc Mathematics with Finance - University of Exeter

Degree Overview:

• Taught in partnership: The program is delivered jointly by Exeter's Mathematics department and the University's triple-accredited Business School.
• Invaluable skills: The program provides essential mathematical skills alongside a theoretical foundation in finance.
• Advanced financial techniques: It introduces advanced financial techniques such as derivatives pricing, risk management, and portfolio management.
• Financial reporting and management accounting: The program offers an understanding of financial reporting and management accounting within a market economy.
• Year in Industry option: Students have the opportunity to extend their degree and spend a "Year in Industry" at companies like Lloyds Banking Group, Coca-Cola, Met Office, and PwC.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• MTH1001 Mathematical Structures (30 credits):
This module introduces fundamental mathematical concepts and structures.
• MTH1002 Mathematical Methods (30 credits): This module focuses on essential mathematical methods used in various fields.
• BEE1006 Introduction to Finance (15 credits): This module provides an introduction to the financial markets and their operations.
• BEE1036 Economics I (15 credits): This module explores the principles of microeconomics and their application in business and public decision-making.
• BEE1037 Economics II (15 credits): This module delves into the principles of macroeconomics and their impact on the economy.
• Free Choice of Business School Module (15 credits): Students can choose from a range of modules offered by the Business School.
• MTH1000 Foundations (0 credits): This module assists students in transitioning from A-level to university-level mathematics.

Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• BEE2025 Microeconomics II (30 credits):
This module provides a deeper understanding of microeconomic analysis and its tools.
• BEE2027 Financial Markets and Decisions I (15 credits): This module explores the tools and strategies used in financial decision-making.
• Optional Modules (Select between 45 and 75 credits):
• MTH2003 Differential Equations (15 credits):
This module covers the theory and applications of differential equations.
• MTH2004 Vector Calculus and Applications (15 credits): This module explores vector calculus and its applications in various fields.
• MTH2008 Real Analysis (15 credits): This module delves into the rigorous study of real numbers and functions.
• MTH2009 Complex Analysis (15 credits): This module introduces the theory and applications of complex numbers and functions.
• MTH2010 Groups, Rings and Fields (15 credits): This module explores abstract algebraic structures like groups, rings, and fields.
• MTH2011 Linear Algebra (15 credits): This module covers the theory and applications of linear algebra.
• Free Choice (Up to 30 credits): Students can choose from a range of modules across different disciplines.

Placement Year (If taken):

• The placement year takes place in the third year of the four-year "with a Year in Industry" variant.
• Students gain practical experience in a business or industry related to mathematics.
• The placement is worth 120 credits and contributes to the degree.
• Students receive support and guidance throughout the placement year.

Final Year:

• Compulsory Module:
• BEE3034 Financial Markets and Decisions 2 (15 credits):
This module explores the theory of decision-making in financial markets.
• Optional Modules (Select between 15 and 30 credits):
• EMP3001 Commercial and Industrial Experience (15 credits):
This module allows students to gain paid work experience in a commercial setting.
• MTH3035 Mathematics Group Project (15 credits): This module involves a group project where students apply their mathematical skills to a real-world problem.
• Optional Modules (Select between 60 and 90 credits):
• MTH3001 Theory of Weather and Climate (15 credits):
This module explores the mathematical models used to understand weather and climate.
• MTH3004 Number Theory (15 credits): This module delves into the study of integers and their properties.
• MTH3006 Mathematical Biology and Ecology (15 credits): This module applies mathematical tools to biological and ecological systems.
• MTH3007 Fluid Dynamics (15 credits): This module explores the mathematical principles governing fluid motion.
• MTH3008 Partial Differential Equations (15 credits): This module covers the theory and applications of partial differential equations.
• MTH3011 Nonlinear Systems and Control (15 credits): This module explores the analysis and control of nonlinear systems.
• MTH3013 Applied Differential Geometry (15 credits): This module applies differential geometry to various fields.
• MTH3019 Mathematics: History and Culture (15 credits): This module explores the historical development and cultural impact of mathematics.
• MTH3022 Graphs, Networks and Algorithms (15 credits): This module covers the theory and applications of graph theory and algorithms.
• MTH3026 Cryptography (15 credits): This module explores the mathematical principles behind cryptography.
• MTH3030 Mathematics of Climate Change (15 credits): This module examines the mathematical models used to understand climate change.
• MTH3038 Galois Theory (15 credits): This module explores the theory of field extensions and its applications.
• MTH3040 Topology and Metric Spaces (15 credits): This module introduces the concepts of topology and metric spaces.
• MTH3042 Integral Equations (15 credits): This module covers the theory and applications of integral equations.
• MTH3050 Functional Analysis (15 credits): This module explores the study of function spaces and their properties.
• Free Choice (Between 0 and 30 credits): Students can choose from a range of modules across different disciplines.
• NSC3009 Aerosols, Clouds and Climate (15 credits): This module explores the role of aerosols and clouds in climate.

Course Variants:

• BSc Mathematics with Finance with a Year in Industry: This variant includes a placement year in the third year of the four-year program.

Assessment:

• Combination of examinations and coursework: Assessment is through a combination of written examinations and coursework.
• Examinations: Examinations are the primary assessment method.
• Coursework: Coursework includes tests, essays, presentations, and project reports.
• Final year project: The final year project is a major piece of research and writing.

Teaching:

• Combination of teaching methods: Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, examples classes, workshops, and tutorials.
• Lectures: Most mathematics modules involve three one-hour lectures per week.
• Tutorials: Tutorial classes are held every fortnight for most modules.
• Project work: Some modules involve project work and report writing.
• Computer tools: Students develop skills in using modern computer tools for data analysis, programming, symbolic algebra, typesetting, and presentation.
• Research and practice-led culture: Teaching is delivered by internationally recognized mathematicians, scientists, and practitioners.
• Research opportunities: Students have opportunities to participate in research projects.

Careers:

• Excellent reputation with graduate recruiters: Exeter has a strong employment record and graduates are highly sought after by employers.
• Specialist mathematical fields: Graduates excel in specialist mathematical fields.
• Broad range of sectors: Graduates find employment in various sectors, including finance, technology, and research.
• Examples of roles:
• Accountant
• Actuary
• Analyst Programmer
• Business Analyst
• Credit Risk Analyst
• Data Science Developer
• Investment Analyst
• Software Engineer
• Statistician
• Tax Manager
• Employer engagement: The university hosts events where students can meet with employers.
• Careers Service: The Careers Service provides support and guidance to students.
• Professional experience: Students can gain paid work experience through the "Commercial and Industrial Experience" module.

Other:

• Study abroad: Students can study abroad at partner universities in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, and China.
• Proficiency options: Students can gain proficiency in a second subject, such as a foreign language, data science, or law, by completing 60 credits in that subject.
• Top 20 in the UK for Mathematics: The University of Exeter is ranked highly for its mathematics program.

UK students: £9,250 per year International students: £27,000 per year