Financial Mathematics BSc (Hons) | University of Nottingham

International student

Course overview

Mathematics powers the modern financial world. From stock markets and investment strategies to insurance and risk management, high-level quantitative thinking sits at the heart of these major financial decisions. If you enjoy mathematical challenges and want to apply them directly to real financial systems, our BSc Financial Mathematics course is for you.

This accredited degree, delivered jointly with Nottingham University Business School, gives you the best of both worlds. Around 75% of the course focuses on mathematics, while the remainder introduces you to key financial principles. You will graduate with deep mathematical expertise alongside a clear understanding of how financial markets and institutions operate.

As you would expect, there is an emphasis on mathematical concepts – but with a practical application, too. We believe in collaboration and that’s why our students, industry professionals and alumni joined forces with our dedicated staff to design degrees suitable for the real world. Our co-created curriculum is redefining studying maths.

Course highlights

Opportunities to study abroad, complete an optional placement year in industry or gain hands-on experience through a research internship in the summer.
Get support on first-year topics from students in the years above through our award-winning Peer-Assisted Study Support (PASS) programme - and then become a PASS leader yourself.
Attend guest lectures, workshops and events run by our alumni, industry experts and our dedicated Faculty of Science careers team.

Proven results

We’re a world top 100 and UK top 20 university (QS World University Rankings 2026).
94.5% of School of Mathematical Sciences undergraduates secured graduate level employment, further study or both five years after graduation (LEO data from 2022/23 tax year, published in 2025).

How you will learn

You will broaden and deepen your knowledge of mathematical ideas and techniques using a wide variety of different methods of study. Teaching is predominantly in-person, supplemented by online methods (such as flipped learning) where appropriate.

In both academia and the wider world of work, mathematics has become a collaborative discipline, and our degree programme takes this into account. As well as more traditional individual study methods, where you work on challenging mathematical problems, you will also collaborate with other students in group problem solving sessions. You will write about your work in reports and present your findings to your study group.

Here’s just some of the changes we have introduced to the degrees to ensure you get the most out of your mathematical learning:

Interactive classes
Practical applications
Assessment by coursework and exams
Group project

Teaching methods

Computer labs
Lectures
Tutorials
Problem classes
Seminars
Workshops
Placements

How you will be assessed

You will be assessed using a combination of examinations, coursework, computing assignments, group projects and presentations. The specific combination of learning activities will depend on your choice of modules and will be aligned with the topics covered.

The first year is a qualifying year but does not count towards your final degree classification. Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained for your second and subsequent years of study. Year two is worth 33% with year three worth 67% of your final marks.

You will be given a copy of our marking criteria which provides guidance on how your work is assessed. Your work will be marked in a timely manner and you will have regular opportunities to give and receive feedback on your progress with your tutor and lecturers.

Assessment methods

Coursework
Group project
Poster presentation
Research project
Written exam
Presentation

Contact time and study hours

The majority of modules are worth 10 or 20 credits. You will study modules totalling 120 credits in each year. As a guide one credit equates to approximately 10 hours of work. During the first year, you will typically spend approximately:

15 hours each week in lectures and interactive learning sessions
two hours each week in mathematical skills workshops
one hour each week in a tutorial with your personal tutor
one hour each fortnight in student-led academic mentoring Peer-Assisted Study Support (PASS)

You can attend drop-in sessions each week up to a maximum of two hours and the remaining time will be spent in independent study.

In later years, you are likely to spend up to 15 hours per week in lectures and workshops subject to your module selection.

In your first year you will meet with your personal tutor every week during term time. In small groups of 5 to 6 students, you'll run through core topics and practice working together in a group to solve problems and communicate mathematics effectively.

All of our modules are delivered by lecturers or professors. PhD students sometimes support problem classes and computing workshops in their areas of expertise. Lectures in the first two years often include at least 200 students but class sizes are much more variable in the third year subject to module selection.

Modules

6 modules

Introduction to Finance

This module provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of finance and will help you:

understand that there is a relationship between the risk of an investment and the expected returns
understand the concept of the time value of money and be able to calculate the present value of a single and multiple future cash flows
to be able to apply NPV to project appraisal in realistic situations
understand the fundamental ideas or portfolio theory and be able to apply the CAPM
to be able to estimate cost of capital for equity (CAPM and dividend growth model) and bonds (market value and IRR)

Core Mathematics 1

In this Autumn semester module, you’ll be introduced to the basic mathematical concepts that underpin all degree programmes offered by the School of Mathematical Sciences. The major components are:

mathematical fundamentals: logic; complex numbers; functions; set theory; introduction to cardinality; ordinary differential equations.
linear algebra: systems of linear equations; introduction to matrices and matrix algebra.
analysis: the real numbers; sequences; infinite series; limits and continuity of functions.
programming in python: variables; logic and loops; functions; plotting graphs; debugging.

The overall aim of the module is to build on your existing mathematical knowledge, with an emphasis on developing mathematical skills, deepening understanding, and increasing confidence in applying a broad range of concepts and techniques. More specifically, the module introduces and provides practice in logical reasoning and rigorous mathematical thinking, particularly in relation to linear algebra and real analysis.

Core Mathematics 2

In this Spring semester module, you’ll build upon the basic mathematical concepts covered in ‘Core Mathematics 1’ and provides practice in logical reasoning and rigorous mathematical thinking, particularly in relation to linear algebra and real analysis. The major components are:

linear algebra: vector spaces; linear maps; eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
analysis: single-variable and multi-variable calculus (differential and integral).

Fundamentals of Financial and Management Accounting

This module covers:

key accounting concepts
the impact of accounting policy selection
the recording and collating of accounting information, including double entry bookkeeping
preparation of financial statement from accounting data
cost concepts and allocation of manufacturing overheads
absorption and variable costing
cost-volume-profit analysis
relevant costing
budgeting

Insurance in a Risky World

The module examines how insurance markets operate to satisfy commercial and individual customers' demand for protection against risk, and would usually include:

introduction to insurance
private and social insurance
the historical development of insurance
why buy property/liability insurance
why buy life, health and pensions insurance
the supply of insurance
Lloyd's and the London Insurance Market
how is insurance distributed to consumers
the role of insurance in the economy
international aspects of insurance
insurance and catastrophes

Probability and Statistics

Probability theory allows us to assess risk when calculating insurance premiums. It can help when making investment decisions. It can be used to estimate the impact that government policy will have on climate change or the spread of disease. In this module, you will study the theory and practice of discrete and continuous probability, including topics such as Bayes’ theorem, multivariate random variables, probability distributions and the central limit theorem.

Statistics is concerned with methods for collecting, organising, summarising, presenting and analysing data. It enables us to draw valid conclusions and make reasonable decisions based on statistical analysis. It can be used to answer a diverse range of questions in areas such as the pharmaceuticals industry, economic planning and finance. In this module you’ll study statistical inference and learn how to analyse, interpret and report data. Topics that you’ll learn about include, point estimators and confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, linear regression and goodness-of-fit tests.

Other opportunities to undertake

Become a PASS leader in your second or third year. Teaching first-year students reinforces your own mathematical knowledge. It develops communication, organisational and time management skills which can help to enhance your CV when you start applying for jobs.

7 modules

Complex Analysis

This course introduces the theory and applications of functions of a complex variable, using an approach oriented towards methods and applications. You will also learn about functions of complex variables and study topics including, analyticity, Laurent series, contour integrals and residue calculus and its applications.

Differential Equations

This module introduces various analytical methods for the solution of ordinary and partial differential equations.

You will begin by studying asymptotic techniques, which can be used when the equations involve a small parameter, which is often the case. We will also study some aspects of dynamical systems theory, which has wide applicability to models of real world problems.

Markov Chains

The purpose of this module is to provide a thorough grounding in a broad range of techniques required in the analysis of probabilistic models, and to introduce stochastic processes by studying techniques and concepts common in the analysis of discrete time Markov Chains.

Methods for Probability and Statistics

In this module you will develop your understanding of probability theory and random variables, with particular attention paid to continuous random variables. Fundamental concepts relating to probability will be discussed in detail, including limit theorems and the multivariate normal distribution. You will also meet some new statistical concepts and methods. The key concepts of inference including estimation and hypothesis testing will be described as well as practical data analysis and assessment of model adequacy.

Real Analysis

In this module you will further develop your understanding of the tools of real analysis. This provides you with a solid foundation for subsequent modules in metric spaces, numerical analysis and PDE modelling. You will study topics such as convergence, norms and topology of multidimensional space, convergence of sequences of functions and applications of differentiation and integration.

Scientific Computation

Most mathematical problems cannot be solved analytically or would take too long to solve by hand. Instead, computational algorithms must be used. In this module, you’ll learn about algorithms for approximating functions, derivatives, and integrals, and for solving many types of algebraic and ordinary differential equations.

Linear Models

In this module, you will be introduced to a wide range of statistical concepts and methods fundamental to applications of statistics, and meet the key concepts and theory of linear models, illustrating their application via practical examples drawn from real-life situations.

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3 modules

Corporate Finance (Level 2)

This module concentrates on the major investment and financing decisions made by managers within a firm.

Economic Principles

This module introduces you to the microeconomic theory of the market, firm and consumer, and to the nature and scope of the macroeconomic policy agenda, developing the analytical frameworks necessary for the evaluation of policy instruments. The module enables you to understand the economic arguments that underlie different views and to evaluate relevant arguments.

Topics include: market demand, supply and equilibrium; firm production and costs; market structure (perfect competition, oligopoly, monopoly); consumer theory; market failure; asymmetric information; externalities; aggregate demand; money and interest rates; aggregate supply; unemployment and inflation; balance of payments and exchange rates.

This module provides you with the opportunity to apply for CIMA accreditation in the CIMA paper: Fundamentals of Business Economics. It also provides you with the foundations to build upon in quantitative and econometric modules which provides you with the opportunity to apply for additional CIMA accreditation.

Vector Calculus and Electromagnetism

This module provides a grounding in the techniques of vector calculus and illustrates their use by developing the theory of electromagnetism and Maxwell’s equations. You will be introduced to the vector differentiation operations of gradient, divergence and curl, integration methods for scalar and vector quantities over paths, surfaces and volumes, and the relationship of these operations to each other via the integral theorems of Green, Stokes and Gauss. These concepts will be illustrated through examples drawn from the theory of electromagnetism

2 modules

Mathematical Finance

You will explore the concepts of discrete time Markov chains to understand how they used. We will also provide an introduction to probabilistic and stochastic modelling of investment strategies, and for the pricing of financial derivatives in risky markets.

You will gain well-rounded knowledge of contemporary issues which are of importance in research and workplace applications.

Mathematics Group Projects

This module involves the application of mathematics to a variety of practical, open-ended problems - typical of those that mathematicians encounter in industry and commerce.

Specific projects are tackled through workshops and student-led group activities. The real-life nature of the problems requires you to develop skills in model development and refinement, report writing and teamwork. There are various streams within the module, for example:

Pure Mathematics
Applied Mathematics
Data Analysis
Mathematical Physics

This ensures that you can work in the area that you find most interesting.

14 modules

Coding and Cryptography

This module provides an introduction to coding theory in particular to error-correcting codes and their uses and applications. You’ll learn cryptography, including classical mono- and polyalphabetic ciphers. There will also be a focus on modern public key cryptography and digital signatures, their uses and applications.

Communicating Mathematics

This module provides an opportunity for mathematics students to gain first-hand experience of being involved with providing mathematical education. Students will work at local schools alongside practising mathematics teachers in a classroom environment and will improve their skills at communicating mathematics. Typically, each student will work with a class (or classes) for half a day a week for about fifteen weeks. Students will be given a range of responsibilities from classroom assistant to leading mathematical activities. As well as half a day a week spent in local schools, students will typically attend 4 timetabled seminars during the year, as outlined in the “Method and frequency of class” section below.

The assessment is carried out by a variety of means: writing a collection of reflective logs (on-going throughout the year); contributing to a reflective group seminar; giving an individual oral presentation; and writing a research project report.

Please note that applications for the module are made during the Spring semester for the following academic year, and information about the application process will be sent to eligible students. Students who select this module during module enrolment without confirmation from the module convenor of their successful application will automatically have their choice rejected.

Financial Economics

This module will offer an introduction to some theoretical concepts related to the allocation of risk by financial institutions. Then it will apply these concepts to the analysis of financial and banking crises.

Financial Markets: Theory and Computation

This module examines the workings of the major financial markets. Markets for equity and debt are dealt with (money and foreign exchange markets are also the focus) as are markets for derivative instruments. The module covers the key theoretical models of modern finance, key market conventions and mechanisms, financial risk management with derivative instruments.

Game Theory

Game theory contains many branches of mathematics (and computing); the emphasis here is primarily algorithmic. The module starts with an investigation into normal-form games, including strategic dominance, Nash equilibria, and the Prisoner’s Dilemma. We look at tree-searching, including alpha-beta pruning, the ‘killer’ heuristic and its relatives. It then turns to mathematical theory of games; exploring the connection between numbers and games, including Sprague-Grundy theory and the reduction of impartial games to Nim.

International Finance

This module discusses and analyses the management of the international finance function of firms. Typical issues include:

foreign exchange markets
foreign exchange and other international risks
international financial markets
international investment decisions
foreign trade

Optimisation

In this module a variety of techniques of mathematical optimisation will be covered including Lagrangian methods for optimisation, simplex algorithm linear programming and dynamic programming.

These techniques have a wide range of applications to real world problems, in which a process or system needs to be made to perform optimally.

Risk, Information and Insurance

This module examines individual decision-making under conditions of risk and uncertainty, and investigates the effectiveness of insurance as a means of controlling risk.

Risk Management Decisions

This module will introduce the different aspects of corporate risk and examine how the risk of fortuitous loss may affect the various stakeholders in the operations of firms.

Risk Management Processes

This module will discuss the processes utilised by corporate enterprises to manage the risk of fortuitous loss. Once corporate risks have been identified and their impact on the firm measured, risk management attempts to control the size and frequency of loss, and to finance those fortuitous losses which do occur.

Scientific Computation and Numerical Analysis

Scientific Computation and Numerical Analysis covers advanced numerical methods, and its analysis, for the approximate solution of important mathematical problems, such as solving partial differential equations (PDEs), finding solutions to overdetermined systems, rapidly solving large linear systems of equations, and finding matrix approximations. Methods discussed have important applications in modern-day society, including PDEs in engineering and applied sciences, Google's PageRank algorithm, model reduction and machine learning in data science. Specific techniques include:

The finite element method (FEM) for PDEs, including weak formulations and its Galerkin discretization, and a priori error analysis
Advanced methods for linear systems, including QR factorization, perturbation and conditioning theory, and the innovative Conjugate Gradient (CG) method
Methods for low-rank approximation, including computation of eigenvalues, the singular value decomposition (SVD), and the fundamental Eckart-Young theory for best rank-k matrix approximation.'

Statistical Inference

This module is concerned with the two main theories of statistical inference, namely classical (frequentist) inference and Bayesian inference.

You will explore the following topics in detail:

sufficiency
estimating equations
likelihood ratio tests
best-unbiased estimators

There is special emphasis on the exponential family of distributions, which includes many standard distributions such as the normal, Poisson, binomial and gamma.

Stochastic Models

This module will develop your knowledge of discrete-time Markov chains by applying them to a range of stochastic models. You will be introduced to Poisson and birth-and-death processes. You will then move onto more extensive studies of epidemic models and queuing models, with introductions to component and system reliability.

Time Series Analysis

This module will provide a general introduction to the analysis of data that arise sequentially in time. Several commonly occurring models will be discussed and their properties derived. Methods for model identification for real time series data will be described. Techniques for estimating the parameters of a model, assessing its fit and forecasting future values will be developed. You will gain experience of using a statistical package and interpreting its output.

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Language study as part of this degree

Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level and you may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.

Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages. If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.

Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree.

Select student type

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2027 entry.

A levels

A*AA-AAA

34 points overall

A level and GCSE requirements

A levels

A*AA or A*A*B including A* in mathematics

AAA including A in mathematics and further mathematics

A*AB including A*A in any order from mathematics and further mathematics

A*A*C including A*A* in mathematics and further mathematics

AAA or A*AB including A in mathematics, plus A in AS further mathematics

Required subjects

At least A level mathematics. Offer conditions will depend on whether applicants have A level or AS level further mathematics.

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking, citizenship studies, thinking skills, global perspectives and research

GCSEs

English 4 (C) or equivalent

University admissions tests

Tests such as STEP/MAT/TMUA are not factored into the offer-making process. However, they may be considered on the release of A level results.

IB requirements

IB score

34 points overall including HL6 Mathematics Analysis and Approaches

IB requirements

Alternatively: Higher Level Certificates 666 or 765 with HL6 Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, or Higher Level Certificates 774 with HL7 Mathematics Analysis and Approaches

We do not accept Higher Level Applications and Interpretations to meet the subject-specific requirement.

Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme

Applicants to this course may be eligible for our Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme. If you achieve a grade A in an EPQ, Core Maths*, IB Extended Essay or additional AS level qualification* then you will receive a one grade reduced offer for this course.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer or receive an alternative offer based on taking four A levels, your additional qualification will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

*Additional eligibility requirements apply. View further details on this scheme.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma grades D*DD plus A level mathematics grade A*
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma grades DD plus A level mathematics grade A*
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate grade D plus A level grades A*A including A* mathematics

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma 42 graded Level 3 credits at Distinction and 3 graded Level 3 credits at Merit, plus A level mathematics grade A*

Contextual offers

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

Foundation progression options

If you are a Home applicant and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry to this course, you may be interested in researching our Engineering and Physical Sciences foundation programme.

If you satisfy the progression requirements, you can progress to any of our mathematics courses.

Other foundation year programmes are considered individually, but you must have studied maths at an advanced level (A level standard).

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Study abroad

On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham China.

If you are successful in applying to study abroad, you will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your CV by experiencing another culture. Teaching is typically in English, but there may be opportunities to study in another language if you are sufficiently fluent.  

You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.  

The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.  

Please note

In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.

Optional placement year

If your course does not have a compulsory placement, integrated year in industry or compulsory year abroad where there is already an opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of that experience, you may be able to apply to undertake an optional placement year. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a placement, our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout this process. Contact placements@nottingham.ac.uk to find out more.

The school/faculty you are joining may also have additional placement opportunities. Please visit the school/faculty website for more information.

Please note

In order to undertake an optional placement year, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an optional placement as part of your course.

Placements

The optional module Communicating Mathematics involves a placement in a local school as a teaching assistant.

This placement allows you to gain authentic experience of teaching mathematics, whilst undertaking research to develop your teaching practice and understanding of mathematics education theory.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Tuition fees

2027/28 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 27/28. It may increase for the academic year 28/29 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), please visit our fees page.

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus.

If you are looking into buying a new device, we recommend you buy a Windows laptop, as it is more flexible and many software packages you will need are only compatible with Windows.

For more information, please check the equipment advice.

Depending on your course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though we also make recommendations of specific titles which you may wish to consider purchasing.
If you choose to take an optional placement module, you will need to factor in travel costs, which will be dependent on location of placement and proximity to term-time address.
If you study abroad, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with your country of choice. This may include visa costs and medical insurance.
If your course includes a year in industry, you may be paid but you will need to factor in accommodation or travel costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2027 entry.

34 points overall

A levels

A*AA-AAA

IB requirements

IB score

34 points overall including HL6 Mathematics Analysis and Approaches

IB requirements

Alternatively: Higher Level Certificates 666 or 765 with HL6 Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, or Higher Level Certificates 774 with HL7 Mathematics Analysis and Approaches

We do not accept Higher Level Applications and Interpretations to meet the subject-specific requirement.

A level and GCSE requirements

A levels

A*AA or A*A*B including A* in mathematics

AAA including A in mathematics and further mathematics

A*AB including A*A in any order from mathematics and further mathematics

A*A*C including A*A* in mathematics and further mathematics

AAA or A*AB including A in mathematics, plus A in AS further mathematics

Required subjects

At least A level mathematics. Offer conditions will depend on whether applicants have A level or AS level further mathematics.

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking, citizenship studies, thinking skills, global perspectives and research

GCSEs

English 4 (C) or equivalent

University admissions tests

Tests such as STEP/MAT/TMUA are not factored into the offer-making process. However, they may be considered on the release of A level results.

Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme

*Additional eligibility requirements apply. View further details on this scheme.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma grades D*DD plus A level mathematics grade A*
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma grades DD plus A level mathematics grade A*
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate grade D plus A level grades A*A including A* mathematics

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma 42 graded Level 3 credits at Distinction and 3 graded Level 3 credits at Merit, plus A level mathematics grade A*

IELTS/English requirements

IELTS

6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Foundation progression options

If you are an International applicant who does not have the required qualifications or grades for direct entry to this course, you may be interested in the Science and Engineering Foundation Certificate delivered through the University of Nottingham International College.

If you satisfy the progression requirements, you can progress to any of our mathematics courses.

Other foundation year programmes are considered individually, but you must have studied maths at an advanced level (A level standard).

Mature students

Study abroad

On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham China.

You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.  

The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.  

Please note

Optional placement year

The school/faculty you are joining may also have additional placement opportunities. Please visit the school/faculty website for more information.

Please note

Placements

The optional module Communicating Mathematics involves a placement in a local school as a teaching assistant.

This placement allows you to gain authentic experience of teaching mathematics, whilst undertaking research to develop your teaching practice and understanding of mathematics education theory.

Disclaimer

Tuition fees

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus.

If you are looking into buying a new device, we recommend you buy a Windows laptop, as it is more flexible and many software packages you will need are only compatible with Windows.

For more information, please check the equipment advice.

Depending on your course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though we also make recommendations of specific titles which you may wish to consider purchasing.
If you choose to take an optional placement module, you will need to factor in travel costs, which will be dependent on location of placement and proximity to term-time address.
If you study abroad, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with your country of choice. This may include visa costs and medical insurance.
If your course includes a year in industry, you may be paid but you will need to factor in accommodation or travel costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

I wanted to be able to learn maths in a more practical sense. Financial maths is all about applying the maths you learn to real-life situations. Not only is it really interesting but it is also really useful when applying for jobs."

Poppy Farrow

Financial Mathematics BSc

Careers overview

Mathematics is a broad and versatile subject leading to many possible careers. Skilled mathematicians are found in a variety of organisations, in lots of different sectors.

Our graduates are helping to shape the future in many sectors including data analysis, finance and IT. Many work in science, engineering or consultancy, others pursue careers within government departments. Some graduates choose a career in mathematical research.

The knowledge and skills that you will gain during this degree, can typically lead to roles working as:

Actuarial analyst
Financial auditor
Forensic accountant
Trainee chartered accountant
Maths teacher

Graduate destinations include:

Co-op
Lewis Golden LLP
Saint Peter's School

Read our alumni profiles for the sort of jobs our graduates go on to do.

Further study

Each year some students choose to stay at Nottingham and join our lively group of postgraduate research students.

Job prospects

94.5% of School of Mathematical Sciences undergraduates secured graduate level employment, further study or both five years after graduation. These graduates earned a median salary of £47,800 (LEO data from 2022/23 tax year, published in 2025).

Support every step of the way

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Careers and Employability

Institute of Mathematics and its Applications

This programme will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught masters degrees.

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Financial Mathematics - U6UFNMTH

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

6 modules

Introduction to Finance

Core Mathematics 1

Core Mathematics 2

Fundamentals of Financial and Management Accounting

Insurance in a Risky World

Probability and Statistics

Core modules

Other opportunities to undertake

7 modules

Complex Analysis

Differential Equations

Markov Chains

Methods for Probability and Statistics

Real Analysis

Scientific Computation

Linear Models

Optional modules

Core modules

2 modules

Mathematical Finance

Mathematics Group Projects

Optional modules

Language study as part of this degree

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Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£10,050 per year

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

Fees

Careers

Accreditation

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