Finance and Mathematics

This undergraduate programme in Finance and Mathematics at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive education that combines the theoretical foundations of financial analysis with the quantitative skills of advanced mathematics. Designed to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers in finance, banking, investment, and beyond, this programme provides a rigorous curriculum that balances practical applications with academic theory. Throughout the course, students will develop a deep understanding of financial markets, risk management, and investment strategies, alongside core mathematical concepts such as calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics. The programme emphasizes the importance of quantitative methods in solving complex financial problems, enabling students to analyze data, build financial models, and make informed decisions based on mathematical evidence. Students will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and access to industry-standard software, ensuring they gain hands-on experience that is directly applicable to real-world financial environments. The programme is delivered by expert academic staff with extensive professional experience and active research interests, providing students with both academic insight and practical perspectives. The curriculum includes opportunities for work placements, further enhancing employability by allowing students to apply their knowledge in professional settings. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to pursue careers in areas such as financial analysis, risk management, quantitative research, and actuarial work. The combination of finance and mathematics disciplines ensures that students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and analytical skills vital for success in a competitive global job market. Additionally, the programme offers pathways for postgraduate study, should students wish to continue their academic pursuits. With its focus on combining rigorous mathematical training with practical financial knowledge, this degree prepares students to become innovative professionals capable of tackling complex financial challenges with confidence and expertise.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking science and engineering subjects, then these options are slightly restricted because our science modules tend to rely on previous knowledge of the subject.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully computer the first year of your BSc, then you are qualified to enter the second year not only of that course but also of a range of other courses: for example, if you are a BSc student who takes economics, politics, philosophy and sociology in your first year, then you have a choice of at least two courses and, in some cases, as many as five. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you. Some of our science courses offer an optional extra year of an industrial placement.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Calculus;
Linear Mathematics;
Statistics;
Further Calculus;
Introduction to Finance;
Discrete Mathematics; and
Introduction to Economics

Year 2

Corporate Finance;
Portfolio Analysis;
Foundations of Finance;
Microeconomics (Intermediate);
Mathematical Methods;
Probability and Statistics I; and
Linear Models

Year 3

The Pricing of Securities in Financial Markets;
Mathematics of Portfolios;
Optimisation (Linear Programming);
Ordinary Differential Equations; and
four mathematical sciences, economics or Essex Business School options
Please note that Mathematics Careers and Employability is a compulsory module which must be taken in all years (not including Year Abroad) but is non-credit bearing and does not contribute towards your final degree.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB, including Mathematics (please note that we are unable to accept A-level Use of Mathematics in place of A-level Mathematics)
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points, including a 5 in Higher Level Mathematics (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The University of Essex offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in Finance and Mathematics designed to equip students with a strong foundation in financial theory and mathematical techniques. This course combines rigorous training in quantitative skills with an understanding of how financial markets operate, preparing graduates for careers in banking, finance, actuarial work, and related fields. The program typically spans three years for full-time study, with opportunities for industrial placements and year abroad options, depending on the specific curriculum structure. Students will engage with core modules such as Financial Mathematics, Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis, Risk Management, and Advanced Calculus, alongside optional modules allowing specialization in areas like econometrics, derivatives, or financial technology. The program emphasizes practical skills through case studies, computer-based simulations, and coursework, ensuring students can apply theoretical concepts to real-world financial problems. In addition to the technical training, there is a focus on developing analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills vital for a successful career in finance. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, delivered by academics with expertise in finance, mathematics, and related disciplines. The university provides excellent facilities, including access to financial databases, statistical software, and dedicated computational labs. Assessment methods combine exams, coursework, presentations, and group projects. The program is accredited by relevant professional bodies, enhancing employability after graduation. Students can take advantage of the university’s strong links with industry and attend guest lectures, networking events, and career fairs to increase their professional prospects. The University of Essex’s Department of Economics and Finance, which offers this program, is known for its research output and innovative teaching approaches. Graduates from the program have gone on to work in financial services firms, auditing companies, insurance companies, and government agencies, often securing roles in analysis, consultancy, and financial management. The program aims to produce well-rounded, highly skilled individuals capable of critical thinking and adapting to rapidly changing financial environments, fostering both academic and professional growth.