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BSc Hons Mathematics, Statistics & Finance (SCAU)

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Key facts

  • Accreditation: triple-accredited Business School - AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA
  • Apply: Available only to eligible students from South China Agricultural University

  • Scholarship: All students will receive a 10% tuition fee scholarship. Additional scholarships are available.

  • Ranked: 6th for Accounting & Finance (Complete University Guide 2023)

Study with us

  • become part of our University community which is home to over 23,000 students from more than 100 countries
  • join Strathclyde in year three and graduate with an Honours bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics and Finance after two years
  • our Business School is the largest in Scotland
  • your Special Advisor and key contacts during your time studying at Strathclyde will be department staff of Chinese origin who have strong links with many Chinese universities
  • English language classes available before and during your studies
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Why this course

Mathematics is everywhere; from gaming to weather forecasting, cash machines to websites, liquid crystal displays to data analysis.

Statistics is the area of mathematics we use to explore and explain the uncertain world in which we live, whether that’s the latest opinion polls or the manufacture of life-saving drugs.

At Strathclyde, you’ll build on your studies to date at the South China Agricultural University, using both mathematics and statistics to solve practical problems, develop your quantitative skills and better understand the world around us. In addition, the finance classes you'll undertake will provide you with the knowledge and skill-set required for a career in the financial sector. Throughout your studies you'll learn from and be supported by our excellent teaching staff.

After two years of study at Strathclyde and passing the required courses, you'll graduate with an Honours bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics and Finance and a broad range of transferable and highly sought-after skills.

Two students studying on campus

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you'll study

The degree is a four-year programme, with Year 1 and 2 undertaken at the South Agricultural China University and Year 3 and 4 at the University of Strathclyde.

At Strathclyde, Mathematics and Statistics account for at least half of your studies, 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.

In Years 3 and 4, you can choose from a range of mathematics and statistics modules from one or more of our specialist application areas. Topics offered in Year 4 modules include the mathematics of financial derivatives, mathematical modelling in biology and medicine, statistical modelling and analysis, and the mathematics of networks.

Your Year 4 project provides you with the opportunity for more specialised study. The project may be in mathematics or statistics, or finance. The project provides you with experience of the skills required to undertake project work in quantitative finance.

The University’s competitive research internship scheme offers paid summer research projects lasting 6 to 8 weeks to well qualified students at the end of their third year. Many of our 2+2 students have benefited from these opportunities.

Chinese students studying at Strathclyde

Chinese students studying in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics offer a strong support network to new students. The Chinese Students & Scholars Association also offers the opportunity to meet students who study in other departments, through their regular social events and opportunities to go on trips to other areas of Scotland.

Information for Chinese students

Learning & teaching

The following learning and teaching methods are used: lectures (using a variety of media including electronic presentations and computer demonstrations), tutorials (small group learning, to further focus on topics covered in lectures), seminars alongside student-centred methods such as team-based action learning projects, online materials, and interactive sessions using personal response systems, as well as computer laboratories, coursework and projects. You’ll also learn through group work and student presentations.

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

  • demonstrate knowledge of the main areas of mathematics, statistics and accounting
  • show 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

The University offers four hours per week of free in-sessional English classes throughout the academic year to help students improve their English both for studying and everyday communication. 

Assessment

Knowledge, understanding and subject-specific skills are assessed by coursework, assignment, reports, individual and group projects, presentations and formal written examinations.

Why Strathclyde

Strathclyde is a multi-award-winning university. We’re delighted to be the only university to have won the Times Higher Education University of the Year award twice (2012 and 2019).

We offer a flexible, innovative learning environment, where you’ll enjoy a first-class experience. We're currently transforming our campus, with investment set to reach £1 billion by 2025. This includes a new Learning and Teaching hub which will further enhance the learning environment for our students. The campus also has a dedicated sports facility, Strathclyde Sport, which offers a range of sports and wellbeing facilities.

Our campus is located in the city centre of Glasgow, Scotland’s largest and most vibrant city. The National Geographic named Glasgow as one of its 'Best of the World' destinations, while Rough Guide readers voted Glasgow the world’s friendliest city!

Glasgow is also the gateway to Scotland, with an international airport and excellent travel links to explore and visit Scotland’s most scenic locations including the Scottish Highlands and Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, during your time studying at Strathclyde.

Aerial view of campus

Accommodation

Find out more about accommodation on campus.

Check out our accommodation

Students walking through the garden at Birkbeck Court, university accommodation

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Course content

Compulsory modules

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

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

Inference and Regression Modelling

This module 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
  • demonstrate 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
  • illustrate the 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 modules

Complex Variables & Integral Transforms

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

Linear Algebra

Here, we’ll present basic algebraic structures, with particular emphaisis on those relating to finite dimensional linear spaces and deepen your understanding of linear mappings. We’ll also describe inner product spaces and bilinear forms.

Numerical Analysis

This module will teach you to use 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 learn about the basic concepts of random phenomena evolving in time, from two complementary points of view: modelling and data-driven analysis. We'll present the underlying ideas of simple stochastic processes, time series models, and the associated probability theory with statistical techniques. In addition to this, we'll cover how to apply the methods to financial and economic systems, including modelling, data analysis and forecasting.

The Year 4 curriculum consists of 120 credits, including a compulsory project, where you'll choose between a mathematics and statistics project and a quantitative finance project provided by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

In addition, you'll undertake at least 100 credits from the mathematics, statistics and finance modules which must include at least 40 credits in the appropriate finance subject, and 20 credits in each of mathematics and statistics modules.

Compulsory module

Communicating Mathematics & Statistics

This module will provide you with experience of the skills required to undertake project work and to communicate the findings in written and oral form. You’ll use a variety of sources like books, journals and the internet.

Optional modules

You're required to select at least one class (20 credits) from list A, one class (20 credits) from list B and two classes (40 credits) from list C.

List A

Statistical Modelling & Analysis

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

Applied Statistics in Society

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

Medical Statistics

You’ll learn new statistical methodology and apply it to real data from medical research studies. There will be an emphasis on how to interpret the statistical results in the context of the medical problems being investigated. This skill is necessary for the application of statistics to medical data and differs from the traditional, standard interpretation of statistical textbook problems.

Modelling & Simulation with Applications to Financial Derivatives

Here, we’ll give you an introduction to ideas in mathematics and statistics that can be used to model real systems. There will be an emphasis on the valuation of financial derivatives. You’ll also learn about 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 presented. The first half of the class focuses on general modelling and simulation tools, and the second half looks at the specific application of valuing financial derivatives. This will include the celebrated Black-Scholes theory.

List B

Modelling & Simulation with Applications to Financial Derivatives

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

This module will present the main results in Functional Analysis and give an introduction to linear operators on Banach and Hilbert spaces. You'll also study applications to integral and differential equations.

Fluids & Waves

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

Finite Element Methods for Boundary Value Problems & Approximation

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

Here, you’ll learn the application of mathematical models to a variety of problems in biology, medicine and ecology. For example, the use of mathematical modelling in biochemical reactions, the application of partial differential equations. 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

This module 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.

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. 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.

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Entry requirements

Academic requirements

This degree programme is only available to students from South China Agricultural University (SCAU), following successful completion of two years of study on the BSc Statistics, BSc Mathematics or BSc Applied Mathematics with a minimum of 70% average.

English language requirements

A minimum overall English language proficiency score of IELTS 6.0 (with no score below 5.5) is required.

We also accept alternative English language qualifications, please contact us for further information. 

If you need additional support to meet our English language conditions, you may wish to consider our Pre-sessional courses in English.

If you already meet our English language requirements and wish to undertake pre-sessional English classes, you can register for our three-week Online Module 3, which takes place between August and September. This is free of charge if you go on to register on the BSc (Hons) Mathematics, Statistics and Finance degree.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

Scholarships

All students will receive a 10% tuition fee scholarship.

In addition, up to 10, £2,000 tuition fee scholarships are available on a competitive basis to students from SCAU joining the BSc Mathematics, Statistics and Finance or Mathematics and Statistics in 2021.

Subject to academic progression, students will receive the £2,000 scholarship in both their third and fourth year of studies at Strathclyde.

There is no application for this scholarship. Successful candidates will be selected based on academic merit.

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

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Careers

Employers in the financial sector look for graduates who have experience using mathematical models, as well as a financial or accounting background.

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 beneficial for those considering a more general business career.

Our Careers Service provide careers information, advice and guidance to help our students and graduates achieve their career goals, with support provided to graduates up to 5 years after graduation. The Careers Service team regularly host on-campus seminars and events which provide opportunities for students and graduates to network with employers and industry professionals.

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.

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Apply

This degree programme is only available to eligible students from South China Agricultural University (SCAU), following successful completion of two years of study on the BSc Statistics, BSc Mathematics or BSc Applied Mathematics.

Applications can be submitted from the beginning of March until 30 June 2022.

You'll typically receive your offer of admission within four weeks of applying.

Our dedicated Admissions Team are available to support you every step of the way.

Start date: Sep 2023

(3 year entry)

BSc Hons
full-time
Start date: Sep 2023

Direct Applications

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

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