Finance and Mathematics (including Year Abroad)

The Bachelor of Science in Finance and Mathematics at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with a solid foundation in both financial principles and mathematical techniques. This interdisciplinary programme is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in banking, investment, risk analysis, financial consultancy, or data analysis, where advanced quantitative skills are essential. Throughout the course, students will explore core financial topics such as financial markets, investment analysis, corporate finance, and financial derivatives, alongside advanced mathematical concepts including calculus, linear algebra, probability theory, and statistical methods. A distinctive feature of this programme is the Year Abroad, which provides students with the opportunity to study at partner universities in Europe or beyond, enhancing their cultural awareness and broadening their academic and professional horizons. The Year Abroad also allows students to develop language skills and gain international perspectives on finance and mathematics. The programme combines theoretical instruction with practical applications, ensuring that students acquire not only knowledge but also the skills necessary for real-world problem solving. Collaboration with industry through guest lectures, workshops, and internships further enriches the learning experience, preparing students for competitive job markets. The course is suitable for students with strong analytical capabilities and an interest in quantitative approaches to financial issues. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in financial analysis, quantitative research, risk management, and related fields, or for further postgraduate study. With a focus on developing critical thinking, numerical proficiency, and global outlook, the Bachelor of Science in Finance and Mathematics at Essex aims to produce highly skilled professionals ready to meet the challenges of the evolving financial sector.

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

Year abroad

Year 4

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 Bachelor of Science in Finance and Mathematics at the University of Essex is a comprehensive degree program designed to equip students with a strong foundation in financial theory and mathematical methods. The course combines core modules in finance, accounting, and economics with advanced mathematics, providing students with analytical and quantitative skills necessary for a career in finance, banking, investment analysis, or further academic research. The program offers a distinctive Year Abroad option, allowing students to spend a year studying at an associate university in another country, gaining international experience and exposure to different financial markets and cultural perspectives. Throughout the course, students will develop proficiency in financial modelling, risk assessment, quantitative analysis, and data interpretation, which are highly valued in the modern financial industry. The curriculum typically includes modules such as financial markets, corporate finance, statistics, linear algebra, calculus, and probability theory, alongside optional courses to tailor the learning experience to individual career goals. The university's facilities support active learning, with access to financial laboratories, computer software, and industry-linked guest lectures. The program is suitable for students who have strong mathematical skills and an interest in finance, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to enter competitive roles in finance, investment management, or to continue academic research with postgraduate study opportunities. The course is designed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, emphasizing both teamwork and independent learning. The university's strong links with the financial sector provide opportunities for internships, networking, and career development. Overall, the program aims to produce versatile graduates capable of applying mathematical and financial principles to real-world problems, ready for the dynamic and evolving landscape of global finance.