Financial Mathematics BSc

You will broaden and deepen your knowledge of mathematical ideas and techniques using a wide variety of different methods of study.

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.

Teaching methods

• Computer labs
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops
  
• Problem classes

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

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
  
• 2 hours each week in mathematical skills workshops
  
• 1 hour each week in a tutorial with your personal tutor
  
• 1 hour each fortnight in student-led academic mentoring Peer-Assisted Study Support (PASS)

You can attend drop-in sessions each wee 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 5-6 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.

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.

Average starting salary and career progression

86.8% of undergraduates from the School of Mathematical Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £27,295.*

* Data from University of Nottingham graduates, 2017-2019. HESA Graduate Outcomes. Sample sizes vary. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

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.