Financial Mathematics

In choosing to study this degree in Financial Mathematics you'll uncover a fascinating and challenging discipline. Mathematics is fundamentally important to modern society, particularly in its contribution to the financial world. This is a discipline which is both intellectually demanding and vocationally useful, giving you skills which apply to many career choices. You will study under experts in a wide range of disciplines. Our lecturers are committed teachers; some come from a professional background, grounding your study in a proper professional context, and many are active researchers, expanding the boundaries of knowledge.

This degree is accredited by the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), the UK’s learned and professional society for mathematics, directly contributing to your recognition as a Chartered Mathematician. Mathematics has been taught at Aberystwyth since 1872, so that the department builds on over 140 years of teaching excellence, employing lecturers who are committed teachers and internationally-recognised researchers. This is the best department in Wales for Research and one-eighth of our research is world leading. Here you will uncover a discipline that combines the identification and analysis of shapes and patterns with data collation and calculation.

The Financial Mathematics degree course was established in response to the increasing demand from employers in the financial sector for graduates with an understanding of mathematics. The mathematical core of the degree will teach you key skills in algebra, calculus and statistics, for example. In addition, you will study mathematics in a financial context, for example in stochastic modelling of the stock market, and gain a solid understanding of the principles of economics and of financial accounting and management. This degree is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and practicals and you will be assessed through coursework, examinations, presentations and reports. You will be assigned a personal tutor who will help you with any queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues. You should feel free to contact them at any time for help and advice.

This course has been designed with future employment in mind. The skills you will develop are all highly transferable and attractive to employers. These include research and data analysis, enhanced mathematical and computational skills, problem-solving, creative thinking, time management and organisational skills. You will have a thorough grounding in information technology and the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner by the end of your degree. This course will challenge you to develop your teamwork, self-reliance and self-motivation. Real work experience will make you stand out in a competitive job market. You are encouraged to contact the Careers Advisory Service in relation to YES (Year in Employment Scheme) and Go Wales for assistance in securing work placements alongside your degree.

A degree in Financial Mathematics is valuable in employment where you will be required to use specialist numerical skills and analytical thought. Typical sectors include: accountancy and banking, risk analysis and actuarial work, finance management, investment analysis, information technology, research and development.