Join our in-person and online Summer Information Session – 21 & 22 June
Register now

BSc Hons Mathematics, Statistics & Finance

Apply

Key facts

  • UCAS Code: GN33
  • Accreditation: triple-accredited Business School - AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA
  • Ranked: 6th for Accounting & Finance (Complete University Guide 2023)

Study with us

  • bridge the gap between business, mathematics and statistics
  • develop mathematical and statistical expertise at the same time as increasing your skills in the largest business school in Scotland
  • Mathematics, Statistics & Finance degree provides a good basis for entering the actuarial profession
Back to course

Why this course?

There’s a strong emphasis on statistical techniques in data analysis and on the use of mathematical models.

Employers in the financial sector look for graduates who have experience using mathematical models, as well as a financial or accounting background. This course provides a good basis for entering the actuarial profession.

Our flexible degree structure also enables transfer between courses.

Carla's story

In the video below, Carla explains what she enjoys about studying at Strathclyde:

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you'll study

Each year contains compulsory classes and some years contain either optional classes in different areas of mathematics and/or elective classes from other subject areas in the University.

Mathematics and Statistics account for at least half of each course, with the remainder devoted to Finance. You’ll be able to choose the particular areas of Mathematics, Statistics, or Finance you want to specialise in.

Years 1 & 2

In addition to the study of core mathematical methods, you’ll study applied analysis, mechanics, numerical analysis and statistics.

Years 3 & 4

You can choose from a range of Mathematics & Statistics classes from one or more of the specialist application areas.

The Honours-year project may be in Finance or Mathematics, or Statistics.

Topics offered in Maths Honours-year classes include the mathematics of financial derivatives, mathematical modelling in biology and medicine, statistical modelling & analysis, and the mathematics of networks.

Facilities

You’ll have access to well-equipped, modern computer laboratories and teaching rooms, as well as 24-hour access to an advanced computer information network and a sophisticated virtual e-learning environment. We have also an undergraduate common room which gives you a modern and flexible area that's used for individual and group study work and is also a relaxing social space.

Go back

Course content

Introduction to Calculus

You'll study the basic concepts and standard methods of mathematical notation and proof, polynomial equations and inequalities, sequences and series, functions, limits and continuity, differentiation and integration.

Applications of Calculus

The fundamental concepts of calculus (differentiation and integration) presented in Applications of Calculus will be examined in more detail, extended to a larger class of functions by means of more sophisticated methods, including an introduction to complex numbers and variables, all demonstrated in application to practical problems including solving basic first and second-order differential equations.  

Geometry & Algebra with Applications

This class will introduce you to vectors and matrices, along with the idea of mathematical modelling through their application to real-world problems.

Statistics & Data Presentation

Some basic ideas and techniques of statistics will be presented while introducing some essential study skills, allowing you to develop and practice personal and technical skills eg self-study, teamwork, analysing data, writing reports and making presentations.

 

Introduction to Finance & Accounting

This class provides an introduction to finance and accounting, covering the basic concepts and practicalities of corporate finance, the principles of valuation, financial management and business investment, the role and purpose of company accounts and their usefulness, security analysis, risk and returns from investments, and personal finance. At all times the class content will be linked with financial behaviour in the real world.

Linear Algebra & Differential Equations

This class will introduce you to the basic ideas of linear algebra, such as matrices and determinants, vector spaces, bases, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. You'll study various standard methods for solving ordinary differential equations and understand their relevance.

Advanced Calculus

Basic ideas, techniques and results for calculus of two and three variables, along with differentiation and integration over curves, surfaces and volumes of both scalar and vector fields will be presented.

Probability & Statistical Inference

Presentation of the basic concepts of probability theory and statistical inference will be covered to provide you with the tools to appropriately analyse a given data set and effectively communicate the results of such analysis.

Mathematical & Statistical Computing

This class will introduce you to the R computing environment. It'll enable you to use R to import data and perform statistical tests, allow you to understand the concept of an algorithm and what makes a good algorithm and will equip you for implementing simple algorithms in R.

Business Finance
This class will provide an understanding of financial management within a business enterprise. It builds on introductory investment appraisal rules from year 1 to consider the appropriate cash flows to be evaluated when undertaking an investment project, forecasting and management of cash flows over time to ensure sufficient liquidity, and how companies determine their cost of capital for such projects. It'll also provide a framework to allow students to understand a company's financial policy decisions relating to payout policy, leasing, raising equity capital in efficient markets, and capital structure. This course will provide students with an understanding of how to value a business enterprise. 
Portfolio Management & Security Analysis
This class will provide an understanding of the principles and theories relevant to the process of building investment portfolios. It covers practical applications as well as theoretical material and considers the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), market efficiency, and the estimation and evaluation of fund performance measures. It also considers issues in bond portfolio management and equity trading strategies. 

Compulsory classes

Treasury Management & Derivatives

This class looks at the role of the treasurer in a multinational corporation and the main task of managing risk with respect to funding requirements, foreign exchange, liquidity and banking relationships. Also included is the management of country specific risks for multi-national firms.

Differential Equations (20 credits)

We'll introduce you to analytical methods for solving ordinary and partial differential equations so you'll develop an understanding along with technical skills in this area.

Inference & Regression Modelling

This class will:

  • review the concepts of probability distributions and how to work with these
  • present approaches to parameter estimation, focusing on maximum likelihood estimation, bootstrap estimation, and properties of estimators
  • present hypothesis testing procedures, including classical likelihood ratio tests and computer-based methods for testing parameter values, and goodness-of-fit tests.
  • introduce and provide understanding of the least squares multiple regression model, general linear model, transformations and variable selection procedures
  • present use of R functions for regression and interpretation of R output
Advanced Corporate Finance & Financial Markets

This class will cover financial markets, institutions, and instruments, process of financing of a corporate entity and some specialist topics (such as convertibles, real options, mergers and acquisitions international project appraisal) that are relevant for corporate decision making.

Optional classes

Complex Variables & Integral Transforms (20 credits)

This class will introduce functions of a complex variable, define concepts such as continuity, differentiability, analyticity, line integration, singular points, etc. It'll examine some important properties of such functions, and consider some applications of them, eg conformal mappings, and the evaluation of real integrals using the Residue Theorem. It'll also introduce you to Fourier and Laplace transform methods for solving linear ordinary differential equations and convolution type integral equations.

Linear Algebra

Here we'll introduce basic algebraic structures, with particular emphasis on those pertaining to finite dimensional linear spaces and deepen your understanding of linear mappings. We'll also provide an introduction to inner product spaces and bilinear forms.

Numerical Analysis (20 credits)

This module will motivate the need for numerical algorithms to approximate the solution of problems that can't be solved with pen and paper. It'll develop your skills in performing detailed analysis of the performance of numerical methods and will continue to develop your skills in the implementation of numerical algorithms using R.

Stochastics & Financial Econometrics

You'll be introduced to the basic concepts of random phenomena evolving in time, from two complementary points of view: probabilistic modelling and data-driven analysis. Presentation of underlying ideas of simple stochastic processes, time series models, and the associated probability theory and statistical techniques will be covered. In addition to applications of the methods to financial and economic systems, including modelling, data analysis, and forecasting.

You'll choose between a Mathematics & Statistics project and a Finance project.

Communicating Mathematics & Statistics (20 credits)

This class provides you with experience of the skills required to undertake project work, and to communicate the findings in written and oral form using a variety of sources, such as books, journals and the internet.

Finance project
Finance Dissertation

Optional classes - list A

Statistical Modelling & Analysis (20 credits)

This class will provide you with a range of applied statistical techniques that can be used in professional life.

Applied Statistics in Society (20 credits)

You'll be introduced to a range of modern statistical methods and practices used in industry, commerce and research, and will develop skills in your application and presentation.

Medical Statistics (20 credits)

This module will cover the fundamental statistical methods necessary for the application of classical statistical methods to data collected for health care research. There will be an emphasis on the use of real data and the interpretation of statistical analyses in the context of the research hypothesis under investigation.

Topics covered will include:

  • survival analysis
  • analysing categorical data using hypothesis tests
  • experimental Design and sampling
  • clinical measurement
Modelling & Simulation with Applications to Financial Derivatives

An introduction to ideas in mathematics and statistics that can be used to model real systems, with an emphasis on the valuation of financial derivatives. The class places equal emphasis on deterministic analysis (calculus, differential equations) and stochastic analysis (Brownian motion, birth and death processes).  In both cases, in additional to theoretical analysis, appropriate computational algorithms are introduced.  The first half of the class introduces general modelling and simulation tools, and the second half focuses on the specific application of valuing financial derivatives, including the celebrated Black-Scholes theory.

Optional classes - list B

Modelling & Simulation with Applications to Financial Derivatives (20 credits)

Here you'll get an introduction to ideas in mathematics and statistics that can be used to model real systems, with an emphasis on the valuation of financial derivatives. This module places equal emphasis on deterministic analysis (calculus, differential equations) and stochastic analysis (Brownian motion, birth and death processes). In both cases, in addition to theoretical analysis, appropriate computational algorithms are introduced. The first half of the class introduces general modelling and simulation tools, and the second half focuses on the specific application of valuing financial derivatives, including the celebrated Black-Scholes theory.

Applicable Analysis 3 (20 credits)

This class will present the main results in Functional Analysis, give an introduction to linear operators on Banach and Hilbert spaces and study applications to integral and differential equations.

Fluids & Waves (20 credits)

You'll be introduced to the theory of Newtonian fluids and its application to flow problems and the dynamics of waves on water and in other contexts.

Finite Element Methods for Boundary Value Problems & Approximation (20 credits)

You'll be presented with the basic theory and practice of finite element methods and polynomial and piecewise polynomial approximation theory.

Mathematical Biology & Marine Population Modelling (20 credits)

Here you'll learn the application of mathematical models to a variety of problems in biology, medicine, and ecology. It'll show the application of ordinary differential equations to simple biological and medical problems, the use of mathematical modelling in biochemical reactions, the application of partial differential equations in describing spatial processes such as cancer growth and pattern formation in embryonic development, and the use of delay-differential equations in physiological processes. The marine population modelling element will introduce the use of difference models to represent population processes through applications to fisheries, and the use of coupled ODE system to represent ecosystems. Practical work will include example class case studies that will explore a real-world application of an ecosystem model.

Mathematical Introduction to Networks (20 credits)

This class will demonstrate the central role network theory plays in mathematical modelling. It'll also show the intimate connection between linear algebra and graph theory and how to use this connection to develop a sound theoretical understanding of network theory. Finally, it'll apply this theory as a tool for revealing structure in networks.

Optional classes - list C

Asset Pricing
This class explores the stochastic discount factor approach to asset pricing. The stochastic discount factor approach provides a general framework for evaluating issues in asset pricing. The aim of the class is to examine a number of theoretical and empirical issues in asset pricing.
Corporate Financing

This class will cover theories of capital structure, sources of capital (debt and equity), and corporate payout policy at an advanced level. The starting point for this class will be Modigliani-Miller assumptions introduced in Business Finance, and course material will highlight how the relaxation of these assumptions leads to formal models on corporate financing behaviour under imperfect capital markets. The emphasis will be upon the ideas necessary to analyse the firm’s financing decisions. It discusses financial structure and the alternative mechanisms for distributing corporate wealth to shareholders.

Corporate Investment

This class covers the main topics in the corporate investment and restructuring literature. It's primarily connected with corporate investment, otherwise referred to as real investment. It examines in more detail the theoretical foundations of the principles of optimal investment behaviour, restructuring and the strategic investment positions adopted by firms in practice. It builds significantly on the mergers and acquisitions theories and evidence and also examines the interface between investment and the financing decisions.

This class aims to develop a deep understanding of the main issues in the theory and practice of corporate investment and restructuring policies, and to develop students' initiative and ability to research the relevant literature. It'll emphasise the role of key concepts in finance in explaining and understanding observed corporate investment and restructuring policies, whilst also highlighting their limitations in this respect. This class is based mainly on academic articles that have influenced and directed the current level of understanding of Corporate Investment Policy. 

Financial Quantitative Methods

This class examines the problems associated with specifying financial models in forms which are amenable to estimation and testing with the available data. Consideration is given to the nature of financial data, the methods by which it's compiled and the problems it may present for applied financial analyst. Students are taught techniques of estimation, together with the methods for solving financial model problems. One coursework includes practical experience of applying the techniques to financial data using the econometric software PcGive.

The first aim of this class is to train students in the financial quantitative techniques used for the estimation and testing of financial models. The second aim is to build on and extend aspects of the models covered in other finance classes in order to provide students with skills required to evaluate advanced applied financial research. Therefore, it is assumed that students taking this class are familiar with basic statistics and simple least-squares methods of estimation.

Behavioural Finance

This class builds on student knowledge of finance and their understanding of finance theory developed through the core classes in years 1 to 3. It introduces students to behavioural finance and provides them with an understanding of the main flaws of traditional finance theory from a behavioural finance viewpoint. It'll allow students to develop the ability to discuss issues arising from violations of the rationality assumption and to enable them to evaluate new theoretical models based on research in psychology.

This class will allow students to appreciate the role of new developments in finance and their possible implications for established views of financial markets. It'll provide students with an understanding of the main ideas of behavioural finance. A particular emphasis is placed on understanding the roles of non-rational actions and the development of new financial models that incorporate these. Students will engage with up-to-date research and develop a critical view of existing and new finance theories and models.

International Financial Management

This class considers financial issues associated with the operation of a firm in the international environment. It'll focus on complications that make corporate financial decision making harder for internationally oriented firms than domestic firms, like exchange rates and political risk.

Specifically, it'll focus on the following issues:

  • exchange rate theories and implications for the multinational company
  • management of corporate exchange rates exposure
  • the evaluation and incorporation of political risk into project evaluation
  • the array of corporate financing possibilities in a global market
  • the basic issues in international investment analysis, like capital budgeting and cost of capital determination for foreign projects
  • methods for evaluating the performance of foreign operations
While this class presents theoretical points of view on the various issues, it uses both empirical academic evidence and discussion of firms' real world activities to prepare students for careers dealing with financial issues of international corporate operations both at the banking and corporate level. It studies corporate financial decisions in an international setting.
Sara Blake
The thing I like most about the course is that there is both group work and opportunities to work independently.
Sara Blake

Learning & teaching

The following teaching methods are used in Mathematics and Statistics: lectures (using a variety of media including electronic presentations and computer demonstrations), tutorials, coursework and projects.

You’ll also learn through group work in problem solving and student presentations.

Finance is taught over two semesters. Diverse learning methods are used, including lectures, tutorials, and seminars alongside student-centred methods such as team-based action learning projects, online materials, and interactive sessions using personal response systems.

Our business partners are often involved in the teaching and/or assessment of student presentations.

On completion of the programme, you’ll be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge of the main areas of mathematics, statistics and accounting
  • shown an understanding of the principle mathematical and financial theories and a critical understanding of one or more specialised areas
  • demonstrate skills in calculation
  • develop and evaluate logical arguments, presenting them and their conclusions clearly and accurately
  • demonstrate a range of problem solving skills, eg abstracting the essentials of problems, formulating them and finding appropriate solutions
  • undertake a critical analysis of data and draw conclusions from the data
  • interpret financial data and carry out financial analysis, understanding the financial of the business, capital markets, personal investors and risk and return
  • demonstrate a range of appropriate general skills including IT competency

Assessment

In Mathematics and Statistics, knowledge, understanding and subject-specific skills are assessed by coursework, assignment, reports, presentations and written examinations.

In Finance, the majority of classes involve formal written exams, business reports, case studies, essays, presentations, individual and group projects, learning journals and peer assessments.

In some cases, students can get exemption from the final exam where they meet attendance and assessment requirements.

Students normally have one opportunity to be re-assessed for a failed class. For unseen exams, these normally takes place during the summer

 

Back to course

Entry requirements

Entry requirements are for September 2023 entry.

Required subjects are shown in brackets.

Highers

Standard entry requirements*:

Year 1 entry: AABB/ABBBC

(Maths A, English C, Advanced Higher Maths recommended)

Minimum entry requirements**:

BBBB (including Maths at B, English at C and 70% in Strathclyde Summer School Mathematics)

or

ABBB

(Maths A, English C)

Advanced Highers

Year 2 entry: AAB

(including Maths A and Accounting or Economics A)

A Levels

Standard entry requirements*:

Year 1 entry: BBB

(Maths, GCSE English Language 6/B or English Literature 6/B)

Year 2 entry: ABB

(Maths A, business subject B, GCSE English Language 6/B or English Literature 6/B)

International Baccalaureate

Standard entry requirements*:

Year 1 entry: 30

(Mathematics HL5, English SL6)

Year 2 entry: 32

(Mathematics HL6, English SL6)

HNC

Year 1 entry: relevant HNC with strong mathematical content, B in Graded Unit

International students

View the entry requirements for your country.

Deferred entry

Accepted

*Standard entry requirements

Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.

Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.

In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance which was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.

**Minimum entry requirements

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

Degree preparation course for international students

We offer international students (non-EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation year programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.

Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.

Widening access

We want to increase opportunities for people from every background. Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

Map of the world.

Back to course

Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

Go back
Scotland

2023/24: £1,820
2022/23: £1,820

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Funding Council. Scottish undergraduate students undertaking an exchange for a semester/year will continue to pay their normal tuition fees at Strathclyde and will not be charged fees by the overseas institution.

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£9,250*

*Assuming no change in fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2023/24, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and integrated Masters programmes), MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply.

 

International

£17,400

Additional costs

Mathematics & Statistics 

Course materials & costs 

Class materials (lecture notes and exercise sheets) for the majority of Mathematics & Statistics classes are available free to download. For some classes, students may need access to a textbook. Textbook costs are typically in the £20-60 price range. These prices are dependent on format (e-book, soft or hardback) and whether bought new or second hand.  

PVG scheme (Protection of Vulnerable Groups)

Third-year Maths and Teaching students will need to pay for the full price of a PVG membership scheme.

Finance 

Course materials & costs

Textbooks vary in price, ranging from £40 to 100 for Accounting Ethics. The majority of texts are freely available from the library. 

Visa & immigration

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

University preparation programme fees

International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

How can I fund my studies?

Go back

Students from Scotland

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.

For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.

Go back

Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland

We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:

You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Have a look at our scholarship search for any more funding opportunities.

Go back

International Students

We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow

Gallery of Modern Art, Royal Exchange Square.

Back to course

Careers

There is a demand for mathematicians and statisticians across a range of sectors, for example, manufacturing, the actuarial, accountancy and banking professions, commerce and government, consultancy and education.

Many of our graduates go on to work as financial analysts, accountants, operations analysts, treasury analysts, auditors and management trainees.

The course is also useful for those considering a more general business career.

How much will I earn?

The average (median) salary of graduates in full-time work is £26,000.

Salary potential depends on the industry you choose to work in. With experience, actuaries can earn more than £60,000.

Where are they now?

92.3% of our graduates are in work or further study.**

Recent job titles include:

  • Analyst
  • Debt Counsellor
  • Fraud Analyst
  • Graduate Tax Accountant
  • Information Analyst/Statistician
  • Loans Capacity Planning Analyst

Employers include:

  • Aviva
  • Barclays
  • CAP
  • LLoyds Bank
  • Ernst & Young
  • KPMG
  • National Services Scotland
  • Tesco Bank

* Intended only as a guide.

**Based on the results of the national Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education.

Back to course

Apply

Start date: Sep 2023

Mathematics, Statistics & Finance (1 year entry)

full-time
Start date: Sep 2023

UCAS Applications

Apply through UCAS if you are a UK applicant. International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University.

Apply now

Direct Applications

Our Direct applications service is for international applicants who wish to apply to Strathclyde University at this time.

Apply now

Start date: Sep 2023

Mathematics, Statistics & Finance (2 year entry)

full-time
Start date: Sep 2023

UCAS Applications

Apply through UCAS if you are a UK applicant. International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University.

Apply now

Direct Applications

Our Direct applications service is for international applicants who wish to apply to Strathclyde University at this time.

Apply now
Back to course

Contact us

Mathematics & Statistics

Telephone: +44 (0)141 548 3804

Email: mathstat-ugselector@strath.ac.uk