Course specification and structure
Undergraduate Course Structures Postgraduate Course Structures

UDFNMATH - BSc Financial Mathematics

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Subject Area Communications Technology and Mathematics
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 3 YEARS  
Part-time 4 YEARS 6 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

Students’ learning is directed via face-to-face learning activities. These include: lectures, tutorials, seminars, computer-based learning, individual and group-based case studies and investigations, and directed independent study.
Students are expected to develop higher order cognitive/intellectual skills that are reflected in an ability to select and apply appropriate mathematical processes in problem solving; develop logical mathematical arguments with appropriate conclusions and an evaluation of their limitations; formulate complex problems, analyse and interpret the results in context; develop self-awareness and study skills and be able to work both independently and with others as part of a team. These skills will be developed by learning activities such as: problem solving classes and activities; case studies; problem-based learning data-driven computer-based analysis of real data; directed independent research and study.
All mathematics modules will have presence on the University virtual learning environment. Apart from standard information (module specs, staff contact details, surgery/office hours and regular notice boards) it will also include, where appropriate, online submission of assessments, marking and feedback; online quizzes, reusable learning objects and social networking tools to motivate students. At level 4 on-line software will be used such as MyMatlabGlobal, Visual Calculus, etc. Further in the course the specific local software will be used such as Computer Algebra package (MAPLE), and various statistical packages (R, SPSS, etc) to enhance students learning and overall experience.

Course aims

For students undertaking the single honours course, the aims are to

1. provide a course that is relevant to a career in business or the financial services.
2. develop the technical knowledge and understanding of mathematical
techniques and the ability to apply them appropriately in context.
3. enable students to demonstrate appropriate transferable skills and the ability to
work with relatively little guidance and support
4. ensure that students are competent in the use of the IT skills that are needed in
the workplace and specifically in finance.
5. equip students with the confidence and study skills to enable them to progress
both in the workplace and in post-graduate study.

Course learning outcomes

By the end of this course a student is expected to have acquired knowledge and understanding of the following
1. mathematical and statistical techniques and be able to apply them in a financial and
modern business environment.
2. a range of modelling techniques and their assumptions, limitations, and applicability.
3. the social, political, and ethical issues associated with the application of mathematical
and statistical techniques in the financial services.
4. the importance of using a structured analytical approach to problem solving.
5. understand the concept of stochastic process and how can be applied to solve real problems in financial and more generally in other scientific commercial environments.
6. understand discrete dynamical systems and their application in modelling problems in Finance.
7. work effectively as an individual or as part of a team and develop the skills associated with problem solving, relationship management, communication and time management in the context of a work-related learning experience

ULO. Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible practitioners/professionals in their discipline

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research

Assessment strategy

• Students are assessed via tests, exams, essays, individual and group research projects, presentations and a final dissertation with regular supportive feedback.
• Mathematics modules at all levels are required to set and give feedback on a specific piece of work within the first four weeks. This engages students early and the feedback provided sets standards for future assessments and ensures students are aware of expectations. The exercise will also provide course team with an early measure of students’ engagement with each module.
• Assessment matrix produced at course level to avoid bunching of submission deadlines.
• Students have the opportunity to examine their marked test papers in the tutorial sessions and receive one to one feedback which for written coursework is via the same Turnitin platform through which assignments are submitted.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

As part of our Undergraduate Student programme, every student will undertake a compulsory level 6 (15 credits) work- related learning module in semester 1 or 2.
This module will give opportunity to students to gain skills and experience from work environment and can take different format such as a professional training, a volunteering activity, an employment activity, an activity within the School of Computing and Digital Media WoWbiz project which would typically entail an individual student or a team of students working on a real project.
Students already in part time jobs can also be considered, providing students can demonstrate that it is personally developmental, involves responsibility and covers all the learning outcome of the work-related module.

Course specific regulations

The course conforms to both framework and University Academic Regulations.

Modules required for interim awards

Standard University Academic Regulations.

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Students are expected to develop skills ( including those of employability and professional practice) which include: communicating effectively both orally and written means using appropriate idioms; working effectively as part of a team; applying statistical and numerical techniques to the analysis of problems ; using computer-based software to facilitate communication and research; being aware of the ethical and social consequences of mathematical, statistical and operational research work and thinking critically and reflectively when developing solutions and interpreting results. These skills are developed throughout the course and are embedded in the learning activities. More specific support and development is provided at level 4 (Mathematical Proof and Structures) and further developed within the core modules and in the employability modules (Project Management and Work Related Learning) and finally in the final year project/independent study module.

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

The university careers service offers guidance to students on a one-to-one basis or in group sessions, arrange Workshops and Events, London Met Graduate Internship Scheme and information on opportunities and events. They also yearly provide via Career Mentoring Programmes scheme the opportunity for university’s Alumni to act as mentors to the current students.
The School of Computing and Digital Media’s World of Work WoWbiz project offers opportunities to enhance employability skills, gain real experience and 'earn while you learn' through placements into real client-driven projects - working with business and industry

Graduates from this degree course are able to embark upon careers in the field of mathematics but also work more broadly in the computing industry, finance. In addition, the graduates from this course can proceed to PGCE in Secondary Mathematics Teaching as well as MSc Mathematics areas.

There are careers for which a degree in mathematics is either essential or a strong advantage. These fall into a number of general areas:
1. Scientific research, design and development
2. Management services and computing
3. Financial work
4. Statistical work
5. Teaching
6. Postgraduate study
Students will be encouraged to undertake a (usually paid) sandwich placement between the level 5 and level 6.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • at least 80 UCAS points, of which at least 48 must be from two A-levels in a relevant area, one of which must be in mathematics, science, physics or engineering or from a BTEC National Diploma in science, engineering or a relevant subject area with at least three merits in the final year, excluding common skills
  • English language and mathematics GCSE at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)

If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing our Financial Mathematics (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) degree.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2018/19 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 20 Aug 2019 Last validation date 20 Aug 2019  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes
Route code FNMATH

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
MA4010 Calculus and Linear Algebra Core 30        
MA4020 Mathematical Programming Core 30        
MA4030 Mathematical Proofs and Structure Core 30        
MA4041 Data Analysis and Financial Mathematics Core 30        

Stage 1 Level 04 January start Not currently offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
MA4010 Calculus and Linear Algebra Core 30        
MA4020 Mathematical Programming Core 30        
MA4030 Mathematical Proofs and Structure Core 30        
MA4041 Data Analysis and Financial Mathematics Core 30        

Stage 2 Level 05 October start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
MA5011 Further Calculus Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI AM
MA5020 Computational Mathematics Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR THU PM
MA5041 Statistical Methods and Modelling Markets Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM
MA5051 Project Management Core 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
MA5052 Differential Equations Core 15 NORTH SPR WED AM

Stage 3 Level 06 October start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
FC6W51 Work Related Learning II Core 15        
MA6020 Mathematical Modelling Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
MA6041 Financial Modelling and Forecasting Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
MA6P52 Academic Independent Study Core 15 NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
MA6010 Algebra and Analysis Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR THU AM
MA6053 Error Correcting Codes Option 15 NORTH AUT FRI PM
MA6054 Cryptography and Number Theory Option 15 NORTH SPR FRI PM
XK0000 Extension of Knowledge Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA