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Home>Study at York>Undergraduate>Courses>Mathematics and Finance (BSc)

BSc Mathematics and Finance

Overview Stand out from your competition with a combined degree

UCAS code

GL11

Typical offer

AAA including A in Mathematics (full entry requirements)

Length

3 years full-time

Today's financial firms look for those who can carry out sophisticated work with the latest tools. This maths and finance degree provides the training needed to succeed and rise above the rest in today's financial industry.

Six months after graduation around 90 per cent of University of York Maths graduates are employed or in further study.

Course content What you’ll study

General

In this three-year maths and finance degree, you'll take modules in mathematics, statistics and financial economics. There will also be opportunities to study business finance, computer programming, and other options.

Year 1

The first year develops a foundation in maths and statistics, as well as in general and financial economics.

Mathematics modules

  • Calculus — A cultural transition to the rigorous development of University maths.
  • Core Algebra — Understand and manipulate functions, complex numbers, vectors and matrices.
  • Introduction to Probability and Statistics —Learn the mathematical underpinning of today's data-driven society.

Economics modules

  • Economics 1 — Introduce the concepts of production and distribution on local, national and international levels.
  • Economic Data Analysis — Learn the data used to determine official surveys and statistics.

Academic integrity module

In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module. This covers some of the essential skills and knowledge which will help you to study independently and produce work of a high academic standard which is vital for success at York.

This module will:

  • define academic integrity and academic misconduct
  • explain why and when you should reference source material and other people's work
  • provide interactive exercises to help you to assess whether you've understood the concepts
  • provide answers to FAQs and links to useful resources.

Year 2

We emphasise consolidating quantitative and analytical skills, while still studying core concepts.

Mathematics modules

  • Statistics I — Extend your knowledge of probability theory and some of the basic methods of inference and estimation.
  • Applied Probability — Show how probability theory may be used to model a variety of random processes, such as the weather, stock markets and the spread of contagious diseases.
  • Linear Algebra — An introduction to vector spaces and linear mappings between them.
  • Real Analysis — A rigorous investigation into limits of sequences, infinite series, limits of real functions, continuity, differentiability and the Riemann integral.

Economics modules

  • Economics 2 Micro (20 credits)
  • Economics 2 Macro (20 credits)
  • Financial Economics & Capital Markets (20 credits) 

Year 3

In the final year, students learn methods of quantitative finance. You'll use techniques to model and forecast interest rates and stock prices.

Mathematics modules

  • Stochastic Processes — Use mathematical models to understand random fluctuations that are always present in markets.
  • Mathematical Finance II — Pricing and hedging of derivative securities.

Economics modules

  • Principles of Corporate Finance & Derivative Securities — Solving practical finance problems from a business standpoint.
  • The Structure and Regulation of Financial Markets — Understanding market failures and resolutions.
  • Introduction to Time Series — Introduce statistical techniques to monitor data chronologically.
  • Financial Econometrics — Applying computer data to determine and solve financial problems.

You may choose optional modules from most of the Mathematics third-year modules. Find details of the Economics modules on the Department's page.

Study abroad

There are a number of Study Abroad options at York. Here are some opportunities related to this course:

Teaching and assessment How you’ll be taught and assessed

Teaching format

Lectures and seminars are the main mode of teaching. Some modules have practical computer classes. All modules are supported by extensive online material, including a discussion forum.

  • Small group tutorials of 8-10 discuss core lecture ideas, but also teach skills needed for employment after graduation.
  • Small weekly seminars support non-core modules through your first and second year.
  • Third-year lectures are typically smaller and usually include weekly seminars or problem classes.

Assessments

Your maths and finance degree assessments will be mainly examinations and regular homework. In your third year, you'll begin a final project that combines a final report, poster presentation, and short written assignments.

  • Feedback may be through written comments, in-class discussion, model answers, or online discussion board responses.

Careers Where you’ll go from here

Maths and finance degree graduates are in great demand by a wide range of employers. They value the strong analytical and problem-solving skills you'll develop over the course of the degree.

Career opportunities

  • Banking and financial services
  • Computing and IT
  • Engineering
  • Public administration
  • Logistics
  • Hospitality and sales
  • Telecommunications

Transferable skills

  • Quantitative analysis
  • Critical thinking
  • Complex problem solving
  • Communication skills

Entry requirements How to get here

Course entry

All applications must be made through UCAS. Accepted applicants will be invited to visit between November and April, to meet our current students and staff.

A-levels and GCSEs

AAA in three A levels, including Mathematics.

  • Like many Economics departments, York accepts either A level Economics or Business Studies, but not both.
  • The department accepts all A level subjects, with the exception of Modern Foreign Languages taken by native speakers.

Other UK qualifications

Cambridge Pre-U

D3, D3, M2 in three principal subjects, including Mathematics.

Scottish Highers

AAAAB, including A in Mathematics.

International options

International Baccalaureate

36 points, including HL6 in Mathematics.

Irish Leaving Certificate

AAAABB, including A1 in Mathematics.

European Baccalaureate

80 per cent average, including 85 per cent in Mathematics.

Country-specific information

Country-specific information about accepted qualifications and equivalent grades may be available. 

English language

Our English language requirements for overseas applicants can be found in the Entry Requirements to York.

Unistats for this course

Enquire Contact our admissions tutor if you have any questions

Dr Chris Wood, Dr Brent Everitt and Heather Cork

Dr Chris Wood, Dr Brent Everitt and Heather Cork

Related courses

Learn more

Department of Economics and Related Studies, Department of Mathematics

Next steps

How to apply

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