(BSc) Bachelor of Science
Finance and Mathematics
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research
Accounting
BSC GN13
19/03/2014
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: ABB-BBB, including Mathematics
Please note we are unable to accept A-level Use of Mathematics in place of A-level Mathematics
IB: 32-30 points, including Higher Level Mathematics grade 5
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. (Different requirements apply for second year entry.)
If you are an international student requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels required. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Tania Clare Dunning
Reader in Applied Mathematics
The University of Kent
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
BSc Finance and Mathematics is a 3 year programme of study.
Its teaching aims are:
To enable students to acquire a broad understanding of finance and mathematics.
To equip students with the knowledge and skills that are currently in demand in mathematically oriented employment in business, commerce, industry, government service, the field of education and in the wider economy, and in particular in financial markets or corporate careers that involve financial decision-making.
To provide students with an academic training in the principles of accounting and finance.
To foster in students an appreciation of the appropriate level of abstraction and simplification needed to explore a range of issues.
To develop in students the ability to construct logical arguments and to communicate arguments clearly in writing.
To provide students with a foundation for further study and research.
To produce graduates who are mathematically literate and capable of producing a logical argument.
To provide teaching which is informed and enhanced by the research activities of the staff.
To encourage in students the acquisition of autonomous study skills and the adoption of an investigative approach to tackle problems in finance and mathematics to ensure their continuing professional development.
To allow students to acquire critical, analytical and research skills, problem-solving skills, and transferable skills.
To provide students with a foundation for further studies in finance, mathematics and allied disciplines.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Knowledge and understanding of the basic mathematical methods and techniques of linear mathematics, calculus and statistics that underpin the study of more advanced mathematical ideas.
A2: Knowledge and understanding of some of the ideas and methods used in the proof of results in mathematics and familiarity with some specific examples.
A3: Knowledge and understanding of computer programming and mathematical computer packages, and experience in their use.
A4: Knowledge and understanding of the use of mathematics for modelling in finance and other fields, and as an investigative tool for the solution of practical problems.
A5: Knowledge and understanding at an introductory level of the central areas of mathematics, statistics and other modelling processes, and of applications to finance and other disciplines.
A6: Knowledge and understanding gained through the study at an advanced level of one or more areas of finance and mathematics.
A7: Knowledge of the fundamental principles of accounting, finance, and economics.
A8: Understanding of particular areas of finance.
Learning methods
Assessment methods
Achievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed through unseen closed-book examinations (A1 - A8), and also, in some modules, through marked assignments and tests (A1-A8), term papers (A6 - A8).
Formative assessment in mathematics is provided by regular problem sheets.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Analyse a specified problem and choose the most suitable methods and tools for its solution.
B2: Assess the relative merits of a range of theories, techniques and tools needed for a problem's solution or to articulate arguments and policies.
B3: Synthesise and interpret information from a range of sources (lectures, classes, journals, books, etc.) developing a critical evaluation of the importance and relevance of the sources to an area of study.
B4: Construct reasoned, informed and concise descriptions and assessments of financial ideas.
Learning methods
Assessment methods
Achievement of intellectual/cognitive skills is assessed through marked assignments (especially B1 and B3), tests (especially B1), term papers (especially B2 - B4), and unseen closed-book examinations (especially B1, B2 and B4).
C: Practical skills
C1: Use computational tools and packages.
C2: The ability to apply a rigorous, analytic, highly numerate approach to a problem.
C3: Identify, select and gather information, using the relevant sources.
C4: Organise ideas in a systematic way.
C5: Present financial ideas and arguments coherently in writing.
C6: Use and apply the terminology and concepts of finance.
Learning methods
Assessment methods
Achievement of practical skills C1 - C6, is assessed directly through marked assignments, tests, term papers and unseen closed-book examinations.
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate effectively, both mathematical arguments and textual accounts of ideas, evidence and critical assessment in mathematics and finance.
D2: Use appropriate IT facilities as a tool in the analysis of mathematical problems.
D3: Use mathematical techniques correctly and apply them.
D4: Analyse complex problems and find effective solutions. Understanding of how financial reasoning is used to address problems.
D5: Capacity to organise and implement a plan of independent study.
Learning methods
Assessment methods
D1 and D4 are assessed through marked assignments, tests, term papers, projects and unseen closed-book examinations.
D2 is assessed primarily through coursework.
Assessment of the key skills D3 and D4 is intrinsic to subject based assessment.
D3 is assessed particularly through tests and unseen closed-book examinations.
D5 is assessed indirectly through students' capacity to construct submitted work and their study plans for unseen tests and examinations.
All finance and mathematics students are encouraged to participate in the University's programmes for key skills development.