Mathematics for Finance with a Year Abroad

Mathematics can be seen as the most international of subjects – a global ‘language’ with ancient origins and which is now vitally important in our data-driven world.

As a student on our BSc Mathematics for Finance, you will have the opportunity to focus on Mathematics for Finance in addition to the general range of mathematical material that you will cover.

You will be taught in our new £32.5m Computational Foundry, a world class centre with state-of-the-art facilities for teaching and research, as well as networking and meeting spaces, to help prepare you for a successful and rewarding career.

As part of this degree scheme, you will be able to study at one of our huge range of partner universities in your third year. Studying abroad is a great opportunity to experience another culture, make friends from around the world and gain valuable experience to prepare you for the world of work after you complete your studies.

Employers place great value on the ability to think rationally and to process data clearly and accurately, and Mathematics graduates earn on average 50% more than most other graduates. The most popular careers are the actuarial profession, the financial sector, IT, computer programming and systems administration, and opportunities within business and industry where employers need mathematicians for research and development, statistical analysis, marketing and sales.

On the BSc Mathematics for Finance course you will cover the general range of mathematical material over your three years including elements of different aspects of the subject such as Applied Mathematics and Pure Mathematics, but with a particular focus on Mathematics for Finance.

You will have the chance to explore the number theory that Pythagoras studied, the Financial Mathematics that the highest flyers on Wall Street rely on, and a wealth of other topics reflecting our lecturers’ research expertise in probability, analysis, nonlinear partial differential equations, non-commutative geometry and algebraic topology.

The degree will give you a sound grounding in the basic concepts of Mathematics, allowing you to specialise in your chosen areas. It will also develop your ability to use and evaluate logical reasoning and construct rigorous arguments; and develop your oral and written communication skills as well as your ability to use modern communication tools, especially those most appropriate to mathematics.

"Studying at Swansea University has been a pleasure. The past two years have been a wonderful adventure, from discovering some of the Welsh culture, to learning from some of the best lecturers I have ever met. The thing that really stands out about Swansea is the huge support you get as a student - from absolutely everyone! Whenever I have had problems - whether personal, academic or financial - I have had someone to advise me, to listen to me and to help me." - Alissa Kamilova, BSc Mathematics

Please come along to our next Open Day or get in touch for further information

In Year 1, you will typically have the opportunity to study areas including: applied statistics; computational methods (with Matlab); geometry; introductory analysis; introductory calculus; foundations of algebra; introductory linear algebra; methods of algebra and calculus.

In Year 2, you will typically have the opportunity to study areas including: game theory and optimization; groups and rings; numerical methods (with Matlab); probability; real analysis and metric spaces; vector calculus and measure theory; vector spaces; further methods of algebra and calculus.

You will spend Year 3 at one of our partner institutions abroad. This is a marvellous opportunity to experience a different culture and, depending on the destination, to develop valuable language skills.

In Year 4, you will typically have the opportunity to study areas including: applied algebra: coding theory; biomathematics; complex variables; differential geometry; partial differential equations; financial mathematics; numerical analysis; stochastic processes; analytical dynamics; functional analysis; higher algebra. You will also complete a dissertation in the mathematics of finance.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutor-led tutorials and regular (non-assessed) coursework. The final year modules are more student-centred, to reflect a progression in teaching methods appropriate to the subjects taught. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden knowledge and understanding of the subject. You will be assessed through a combination of unseen written examinations, set assignments, presentations and a dissertation.