Menu
  1. 2013 entry
  2. 2014 Entry

Mathematics and Finance  BSc (Hons) / MMath

This course combines mathematics with various aspects of finance and economics, and focuses particularly on actuarial science.

Overview

Mathematical Sciences brochure - download a pdf version

This course combines mathematics with various aspects of finance and economics, and focuses particularly on actuarial science.

Why study Mathematics and Finance at City?


  • Students acquire a core set of skills in Mathematical Science together with the basics in Actuarial Science. This provides a particular good starting point for a career in the finance sector, especially in risk assessment, insurance and statistical finance.
  • The option to undertake a one year placement scheme with paid salary typically between £15,000 and £22,000 pro rata per year
  • Our graduates are highly sought after in many different careers and many of our graduates secure careers in the financial sector. Some of our recent graduates have gone on to untake graduate roles for are Deloitte, Ernst and Young, Lloyds TSB, KPMG, Natwest, John Lewis British Museum, UK Border Agency, Orange and Sainsbury's. In addition a number of our students choose to further study at the graduate level. The courses taken include: PGCE, MSc in Operational Research and PhD (research degree in Mathematics)
  • As is the case for our Mathematics degrees, this degree can be taken to either the BSc or MMath level. The MMath is enhanced first degree requiring an extra academic year of study that includes more advanced topics.

This course is a little different in focus from the other degrees in Mathematics as it is best regarded as a hybrid between Mathematical Science and the BSc in Actuarial Science offered by Cass Business School. The mathematical focus is as for Mathematical Science, but the Finance aspects focus on the particular area of Finance which is used in the actuarial profession. There is a greater proportion of Finance (and a smaller proportion of Mathematics) than in any of the other degree courses. As for the degree in Mathematical Science with Finance and Economics, the Finance and Economics modules are delivered by staff from Cass Business School and the Economics Department.

Course Fees:

  • Full-time EU: £9,000
  • Full-time Non EU: £13,000

UCAS code:

GN13

Entry Requirements

For entry in 2013

  • A/AS-level: 360 UCAS tariff points with an A in mathematics or further mathematics at A-level. Point scores exclude general studies and key skills, and count at half value A/AS-levels in a mother tongue other than English
  • IB: 32, with 6 in Higher Level mathematics
  • 14-19 Advanced Diploma: Engineering or business administration and finance at grade B/250; A-level mathematics at grade A/120

Pre-requisites

Mathematics GCSE at grade C or above.

Other Suitable Qualifications

Foundation Programmes

If you do not qualify for direct entry, our partner INTO City University London offers academic preparation programmes which focus on the skills you need. Successful completion of the International Foundation in Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics at INTO City University London means guaranteed progression to this degree.

English Requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0
  • TOEFL: 87 internet-based total
  • GCSE: English language grade C

English Language Programmes

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner, INTO City University London offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree. Please click the links below for more information.

English for Undergraduate Study

Pre-sessional English

Visa Requirements

City University London retains Highly Trusted Status from UKBA, enabling us to sponsor international students to study in the UK.

The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course at City, there are different rules for:

  • Students on courses of more than 6 months
  • Students on courses of less than 6 months
  • Students on a pre-sessional English Language course

For more information see our main Visa page.

When and Where

Duration:
BSc, full-time: Three years or four years including a professional placement or study abroad. MMath, full-time: Four years or five years including a professional placement or study abroad.

Course Content

The civil service, government agencies and research establishments require mathematicians, as do large corporations, public utilities and financial companies. Upon graduation, you will be equipped with skills for a wide variety of careers in industry, commerce, education and research.

This course provides an introduction to a wide range of mathematical techniques. A central theme is the development of capacity for solving practical problems.

Course Structure

Year one:

In year one you will concentrate on basic mathematical and actuarial techniques.

Core modules:

  • Algebra
  • Finance and investment mathematics A
  • Functions, vectors and calculus
  • Introduction to macroeconomics
  • Introduction to microeconomics
  • Probability and statistics
  • Programming

 
Year two:

Core modules:

  • Calculus and vector calculus
  • Complex variables
  • Finance and financial reporting A & B
  • Finance and investment mathematics B
  • Linear algebra

Plus an optional module from various topics in mathematics and statistics including:

  • Applied mathematics
  • Dynamical systems
  • Applications of probability and statistics
  • Real analysis


Year three:

Core modules:

  • Mathematical methods
  • Differential equations for finance
  • Project

Plus a wide selection of optional modules in mathematics, statistics and finance, including:

  • Corporate risk management
  • Discrete mathematics
  • Fluid dynamics
  • General insurance
  • Introduction to financial derivatives
  • Investment
  • Mathematical processes for finance
  • Operational research
The MMath Mathematical Science is a four year version of the corresponding three year degree. The fourth year contains a compulsory special topic, a second project and further optional modules from the third year course.

Read the full programme specification: BSc, MMath.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching:
Excellent facilities have been developed for students so that lectures and tutorials are supported through PCbased laboratory sessions as well as web-based learning material. Tutorials give you an opportunity to discuss the content of lectures or coursework with a member of staff. A particular feature of our course is the weekly small group tutorial for first year students, which allows us to provide intensive individual assistance in the early stages of the course.

Assessment:
Assessment is based on coursework, project work and examinations. Marks for the BSc course are weighted in the ratio 1:3:6 to produce an overall aggregate. For the MMath course, the marks are weighted in the ratio 1:3:6:6. A professional placement will not contribute to your final degree classification but will be indicated on your degree certificate.

Read the full programme specification: BSc, MMath.

Fees

  • Full-time EU: £9,000
  • Full-time Non EU: £13,000

Funding

For up-to-date information about tuition fees, living costs and financial support, visit Undergraduate Fees and Finance or Postgraduate Fees and Finance.

Scholarships

Scholarships are offered to certain UK/EU students on the basis of their academic performance at A-level. These are renewable each year subject to good progress.

Scholarship for 2013 entrants: Up to £3,000 cash each year for at least three years for students on this course. Read more here to see if you might qualify.

Placements

If you choose to undertake a one-year placement, then you will take this between the 2nd and 3rd year of your BSc/MMath. During the 1st and especially 2nd year you will receive extensive careers support targeted at identifying job opportunities for mathematicians and applying for jobs.

Career Prospects

Good performance in certain modules can lead to exemptions from some professional examinations of the Institute of Actuaries. The course equips students with a wide range of mathematical skills, and our students have gone on to a wide range of careers in business, finance, the civil service, teaching and accountancy.

Students also go on to undertake PGCEs and specialist MSc courses as well as choosing to undertake research in Mathematics and to obtain a PhD.

Find out how studying at City University London helps you to improve your job prospects.

Mathematics and Finance

UCAS code: GN13


Applications for degree courses must be made through UCAS. You can apply through your school or college using the Apply system, which enables you to submit your application directly to the UCAS website.

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
Rosehill, New Barn Lane,
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3LZ
www.ucas.com

UCAS Customer Service Unit telephone numbers:

  • For callers in the UK: 0871 468 0 468
  • For callers outside the UK: +44 (0)871 468 0 468
  • For callers with hearing difficulties
  • From the UK use the Text Relay service on 18001 0871 468 0 468
  • From outside the UK dial +44 151 494 1260 (text phone) and then ask the operator to dial 0871 468 0 468.
You can apply for up to five universities on the form. Please take care to enter the correct course code, particularly for subjects with a foundation year or with BSc and BEng options. UCAS has implemented an 'invisibility of choices' policy so that, on the initial application and while you are receiving decisions, each university can only see their entry and not those of other universities you have chosen. This ensures that your application for a course at City University London is considered solely on your academic and personal qualities. You should submit your completed application form to UCAS with a £21 application fee. If you want to apply to City only, you can make a single choice application at a reduced rate of £11. The UCAS code for City University London is C60.

When to apply

Your application for entry in September 2013 should arrive at UCAS between 1 September 2013 and 15 January 2014. Applications that arrive after 15 January 2014 will be considered only at the University's discretion. When your application is acknowledged by UCAS, you will be sent a personal identification number so that you can access your records via Track on the UCAS website.

Enquiries

For general enquiries about the admissions process, please contact the
Admissions Office.
T: +44 (0)20 7040 8716/0223
E: ugadmissions@city.ac.uk

If your enquiry is about admission to a particular course, you should contact the admissions tutor for that course (please see the course description for contact details).