Financial Mathematics

Description

The study of mathematics provides an excellent basis for the applied techniques of accountancy and finance. In this three-year joint honours programme you split your studies equally between the two related disciplines and gain the knowledge that responds to the needs and expectations of the modern accountancy profession.

The degree provides various exemptions from the examinations of the professional accountancy bodies.

Independent rankings

In the National Student Survey 2013, 88% of Mathematics and Statistics students were satisfied with the overall quality of their course. And according to The Guardian University Guide 2014 91% of Mathematics students were satisfied with their course.

You acquire many transferable skills including the ability to deal with challenging ideas, to think critically, to write well and to present your ideas clearly, all of which are considered essential by graduate employers.

Recent graduates have gone into careers in accountancy training with firms such as KPMG and Ernst & Young, medical statistics, the pharmaceutical industry, the aerospace industry, software development, teaching, actuarial work, Civil Service statistics, chartered accountancy, the oil industry and postgraduate research.

Professional recognition

The degree provides various exemptions from the examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline You are advised to apply as early as possible Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 28 September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS

Total Kent credits: 360

Credits 360

Total Kent credits: 360

Duration full-time 36 months Partnership Joint Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

• EC302 - Introduction to Economics
• MA306 - Statistics
• MA321 - Calculus and Mathematical Modelling
• MA322 - Proofs and Numbers
• MA323 - Matrices and Probability
• CB364 - Introduction to Business Modelling
• WSHOP097 - Mathematics Support Classes
• WSHOPMA1 - Core Stage 1 Tutorial Support

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• AC508 - Principles of Finance
• AC300 - Financial Accounting I
• MA552 - Analysis
• MA553 - Linear Algebra
• CB668 - Linear Programming and its Application
• MA629 - Probability and Inference
• MA632 - Regression
• MA564 - Functions of Several Variables
• MA584 - Computational Mathematics
• MA588 - Mathematical Techniques and Differential Equations
• MA590 - Mathematical Modelling

Year in industry

• Students on this course can coose to spend a year working in industry between Stages 2 and 3. We can offer help and advice in finding a placement. This greatly enhances your CV and gives you the opportunity to put your academic skills into practice. It also gives you an idea of your career options. Recent placements have included IBM, management consultancies, government departments, actuarial firms and banks.

Stage 3

• Possible modules may include:
• AC520 - Management Accounting 1
• CB600 - Games and Networks
• MA549 - Discrete Mathematics
• MA591 - Nonlinear Systems and Mathematical Biology
• MA587 - Numerical Solution of Differential Equations
• MA567 - Topology
• MA568 - Orthogonal Polynomials and Special Functions
• MA572 - Complex Analysis
• MA574 - Polynomials in Several Variables
• MA576 - Groups and Representations
• MA577 - Elements of Abstract Analysis
• MA636 - Stochastic Processes
• MA639 - Time Series Modelling and Simulation
• MA771 - Applied Stochastic Modelling and Data Analysis
• MA772 - Analysis of Variance
• MA781 - Practical Multivariate Analysis
• CB547 - Strategic Management
• AC502 - Business Finance
• AC504 - Auditing
• AC506 - Financial Accounting II
• CB611 - Futures and Options Markets

Teaching & Assessment

Teaching is by a combination of lectures and seminars. Modules that involve programming or working with computer software packages usually include practical sessions.

Assessment is by a combination of coursework and examination. Both Stage 2 and 3 marks count towards your final degree result.

Programme aims

The programme aims to:

• equip students with the technical appreciation, skills and knowledge appropriate to a degree in mathematics
• develop students’ facilities of rigorous reasoning and precise expression
• develop students’ abilities to formulate and solve mathematical problems
• encourage an appreciation of recent developments in mathematics and of the links between the theory of mathematics and its practical application
• provide students with a logical, mathematical approach to solving problems
• provide students with an enhanced capacity for independent thought and work
• ensure students are competent in the use of information technology and are familiar with computers and the relevant software
• provide students with opportunities to study advanced topics in mathematics, engage in research at some level, and develop communication and personal skills
• to enable those students who are taking a year in industry to gain awareness of the application of technical concepts in the workplace
• develop an understanding of some of the contexts in which accounting operates
• Introduce aspects of the conceptual underpinning to accounting
• provide knowledge, understanding and skills, predominantly from a UK perspective, relevant to a career in accounting or a related area and professional training in accounting
• offer the opportunity for students to obtain a range of exemptions at the initial stages of professional examinations
• develop cognitive abilities and intellectual and transferable skills
• examine aspects of the roles and functioning of accounting from a range of social scientific perspectives.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You gain knowledge and understanding of:

• the core principles of calculus, algebra, mathematical methods, discrete mathematics, analysis and linear algebra
• statistics in the areas of probability and inference
• information technology as relevant to mathematicians
• methods and techniques of mathematics
• the role of logical mathematical argument and deductive reasoning
• some of the contexts in which accounting operates
• aspects of the conceptual underpinning to accounting
• the main current technical language and practices of accounting in the UK
• some of the alternative technical languages and practices of accounting.

Intellectual skills

You develop your intellectual skills in the following areas:

• the ability to demonstrate a reasonable understanding of mathematics
• the calculation and manipulation of the material written within the programme
• the ability to apply a range of concepts and principles in various contexts
• the ability to use logical argument
• the ability to solve mathematical problems by various methods
• the relevant computer skills
• the ability to work independently.
• to critically evaluate arguments and evidence
• to analyse and draw reasoned conclusions concerning structured and unstructured problems
• to apply numeracy skills.

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-skills in:

• the ability to demonstrate knowledge of key mathematical concepts and topics, both explicitly and by applying them to the solution of problems
• how to comprehend of problems, abstract the essentials of problems and formulate them mathematically and in symbolic form so as to facilitate their analysis and solution
• computational and more general IT facilities as an aid to mathematical processes
• the presentation of mathematical arguments and conclusions with clarity and accuracy
• record and summarise economic events
• how to prepare financial statements
• analysis of the operations of business
• financial analysis and the ability to prepare financial projections.

Transferable skills

You gain transferable skills in the following areas:

• problem-solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information
• communication skills
• numeracy and computational skills
• information-retrieval skills, in relation to primary and secondary information sources, including through on-line computer searches
• information technology skills such as word-processing, spreadsheet use and internet communication
• time-management and organisational skills, as shown by the ability to plan and implement effective modes of working
• study skills needed for continuing professional development.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

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

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification, Typical offer/minimum requirement

A level

• ABB including Mathematics grade A (not Use of Mathematics)

Access to HE Diploma

• The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)

• The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

International Baccalaureate

• 34 points overall or 16 points at HL including Mathematics 6 at HL

International students

English language entry requirements

• 6.5 IELTS (with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing and 5.5 in Speaking and Listening)

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 Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 entry support package has not been finalised. However, our 2014 financial support package included a £6,500 cash bursary. Find out more on our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.