About this course
Mathematicians are in demand in business and finance. Their skills are used to develop techniques from forecasting changes in stock and commodity markets to supporting financial products such as stock options and futures. You’ll graduate with a strong background in finance and strong quantitative skills. This could lead to a career in international banking, accountancy, the stock market, financial consultancy, government or the civil service.
The course provides a firm foundation in the main areas of mathematics, such as algebra, calculus and differential equations. It also develops the area of statistics and its importance in finance and gives a grounding in micro and macroeconomics.
As part of this course you’ll:
develop your abilities in problem-solving, accurate calculation and logical argument
study portfolio analysis, financial management, accounting, international banking and futures and options
use our student centre, a dedicated learning and social space for maths students
use mathematical and computational packages such as Python and the statistics package 'R'
You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures and workshops, by leading researchers in fields, such as business and trade statistics, survey measurement and data integration.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 237.41 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Highfield campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Transfer between courses
The first year of this course is the same as the first years of the Maths with Actuarial Science and MORSE degrees. This gives you flexibility to change your specialisation after year 1.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAA or AABB including Mathematics (minimum grade A)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
If an additional Mathematics qualification (STEP grade 2/MAT/TMUA) is taken alongside three A-levels then the offer will be AAB including Mathematics (minimum grade A). We accept any of the three STEP papers. For more details about the STEP and TMUA papers see the Admissions Testing Service Website.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics (minimum grade A)
DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A-level Mathematics
We do not accept BTEC National Extended Diploma
BTEC additional information
There are no additional requirements
Other qualifications
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
AAB including Mathematics (minimum grade A) and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
AAB including Mathematics (minimum grade A)
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics (minimum grade A)
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A-level Mathematics
We do not accepted BTEC Extended Diploma
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, all of which must be at Distinction
Access to HE Diploma additional information
Mathematics must be studied to level 3, A-level standard
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics at H2
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1, A1, A1, A1, A1, A1 including Mathematics at A1
Irish Leaving Certificate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Scottish Qualification offers
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF, 111.01 KB) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics at D3
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA from 3 A levels including Mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
AA from two A levels including Mathematics (minimum grade A) and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
There are no additional requirements
European Baccalaureate
82-84% overall including grade 8.5/10 in Mathematics
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band B IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in all components
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We also accept other English language tests.
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.
This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Course structure
This programme gives you a good knowledge of finance and strong quantitative skills. This is a structured course, covering central topics from mathematics alongside statistical modelling, simulation and mathematical finance.
You don't need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.
Year 1
You'll cover fundamentals like linear algebra and calculus. While calculus may already be familiar, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the underlying ideas, before moving on to extend these ideas into higher dimensions. Linear algebra begins with the algebra of vectors and matrices, before delving into more rigorous and abstract concepts, such as groups and fields. You’ll also get a taste of statistics and operational research.
Year 2
You’ll continue to study core topics from mathematics such as differential equations and deepen your study of statistics. This includes statistical distributions and statistical modelling.
You’ll also learn about stochastic processes. These are random processes, that can be used for modelling variables which fluctuate randomly, such as stock and share prices.
Modules also cover accounting and economics and financial mathematics. You'll learn how compound interest theory applies to mortgages and commercial loans, how securities are valuated, and how investment projects are appraised.
Year 3
In your final year, you’ll study futures and options, international banking and mathematical finance.
You’ll have the option to pick topics from actuarial mathematics, operational research or pure mathematical options, such as complex analysis. You can also continue to build your expertise in probability and statistics, by studying inference or the design of statistical experiments.
You’ll also undertake a project, choosing from:
'Maths and your Future': working in small teams to analyse data and apply your mathematical learning to a problem that has been raised by a local or national employer.
‘Mathematical Investigation and Communication’: applying your skills of modelling and computation to topics such as, financial time series or simulating stock prices.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Modules year 1
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 1:
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 1:
- First Year Mathematics Workshop
- Introduction to Probability and Statistics
- Linear Algebra II
- Multivariable Calculus
- Operational Research I and Mathematical Computing
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- TT Induction
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 1:
Modules year 2
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 2:
Modules year 3
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 3:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 3:
- Actuarial Mathematics I
- Actuarial Mathematics II
- Advanced Fluid Dynamics
- Advanced Partial Differential Equations
- Algebraic Topology
- Algorithms
- Communicating and Teaching Mathematics
- Complex Analysis
- Design and Analysis of Experiments
- Developmental Psychology
- Fields and Fluids
- Further Number Theory
- Galois Theory
- Geometry and Topology
- Graph Theory
- Group Theory
- Hilbert Spaces
- Integral Transform Methods
- Mathematical Biology
- Mathematical Investigation and Communication
- Mathematical Programming
- Mathematics Project
- Mathematics for the Modern World
- Maths and your Future
- Numerical Methods
- Operational Research II
- Optimization
- Perception
- Relativity, Black Holes and Cosmology
- Simulation & Queues
- Statistical Inference
- Statistical Methods in Insurance
- Statistical Modelling II
- Structure and Dynamics of Networks
- Survival Models
- Vector Calculus and Complex Variable
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Support for your studies
You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 30%
- Independent study
- 70%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 30%
- Independent study
- 70%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 23%
- Independent study
- 77%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
Thanos Avramidis is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- individual and group projects
- teamwork
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 72%
- Practical exam
- 0%
- Coursework
- 28%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 82%
- Practical exam
- 0%
- Coursework
- 18%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 61%
- Practical exam
- 4%
- Coursework
- 35%
Careers
An essential part of our maths courses involves making sure you're ready for a successful postgraduate career or further study. You’ll graduate with transferable skills that will qualify you to work in a range of fields and industries.
Our maths graduates have gone on to work as:
financial analysts
financial managers
actuaries
economists
statisticians
programmers
software developers
accountants
business analysts
The University’s Excel Internship Programme can help you find a paid work placement during the Easter or summer vacation.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You’ll have the opportunity to take a paid year in employment between your second and third year.
Fees, costs and funding
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
You’ll pay £17,560 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Software Licenses
- Stationery
- Approved Calculators
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Textbooks
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 237.41 KB).
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
University life
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You'll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
How to apply
When you apply use:
UCAS Course Code: G1NH
UCAS Institution Code: S27
What happens after you apply
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.