Mathematics and Accounting and Finance - BA (Hons)

Course structure

Duration: 3 years full-time

Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.  

On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘elective’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.

• Year in industry

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is by a combination of lectures and seminars. Modules that involve programming or working with computer software packages usually include practical sessions.

Assessment is by a combination of coursework and examination.  Both Stage 2 and 3 marks count towards your final degree result.

Contact hours

For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours.  The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Programme aims

For programme aims to:

• equip students with the technical appreciation, skills and knowledge appropriate to graduates in Mathematics and Accounting and Finance.
• develop students’ facilities of rigorous reasoning and precise expression.
• develop students’ capabilities to formulate and solve mathematical problems.
• develop in students appreciation of recent developments in Mathematics, and of the links between the theory of Mathematics and its practical application.
• develop in students a logical, mathematical approach to solving problems.
• develop in students an enhanced capacity for independent thought and work.
• ensure students are competent in the use of information technology, and are familiar with computers, together with the relevant software.
• provide students with opportunities to study advanced topics in Mathematics and develop communication and personal skills.
• (for the programme involving a year in industry) enable students to gain awareness of the application of technical concepts in the workplace.
• develop students’ understanding of some of the contexts in which accounting operates
• develop students’ understanding of aspects of the conceptual underpinning to accounting
• provide students with knowledge, understanding and skills, predominantly from a UK perspective, relevant to a career in accounting or a related area and professional training in accounting provide students with opportunities to obtain a range of exemptions at the initial stages of professional examinations.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You gain knowledge and understanding of:

• Core mathematical understanding in the principles of calculus, algebra, mathematical methods, discrete mathematics, analysis and linear algebra. 
• Statistical understanding in the subjects of probability and inference. 
• Information technology skills as relevant to mathematicians. 
• Methods and techniques of mathematics. 
• The role of logical mathematical argument and deductive reasoning. 
• Some of the contexts in which accounting operates 
• Aspects of the conceptual underpinning to accounting 
• The main current technical language and practices of accounting in the UK
• Some of the alternative technical languages and practices of accounting
  

Intellectual skills

You develop your intellectual skills in the following areas:

• Ability to demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the basic body of knowledge for Mathematics. 
• Ability to demonstrate a reasonable level of skill in calculation and manipulation of the material written within the programme and some capability to solve problems formulated within it. 
• Ability to apply a range of core concepts and principles in well-defined contexts relevant to mathematics. 
• Ability to use logical argument. 
• Ability to demonstrate skill in solving mathematical problems by various appropriate methods. 
• Ability in relevant computer skills and usage. 
• Ability to work with relatively little guidance. 
• Critically evaluate arguments and evidence.
• Analyse and draw reasoned conclusions concerning structures and, to a more limited extent, unstructured problems.
• Apply numeracy skills.

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-specific skills in the following areas:

• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of core mathematical concepts and topics, both explicitly and by applying them to the solution of problems. 
• Ability to comprehend problems, abstract the essentials of problems and formulate them mathematically and in symbolic form so as to facilitate their analysis and solution. 
• Ability to use computational and more general IT facilities as an aid to mathematical processes. 
• Ability to present their mathematical arguments and the conclusions from them with clarity and accuracy. 
• Record and summarise economic events.
• Prepare financial statements.
• Undertake financial analysis and prepare financial projections.

Transferable skills

You gain transferable skills in the following areas:

• Problem-solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information. 
• Communication skills, covering both written and oral communication. 
• Numeracy and computational skills. 
• Information technology skills such as word-processing and spreadsheet use, internet communication, etc. 
• Personal and interpersonal skills, work as a member of a team.
• Time-management and organisational skills, as evidenced by the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working. 
• Study skills needed for continuing professional development. 
• Locate, extract and analyse data from multiple sources.
• Undertake independent and self-managed learning.
• Use communications and information technology in acquiring, analysing and communicating information.
• Communicate effectively.
• Work in groups and apply other inter-personal skills.

Careers

Recent graduates have gone into careers in accountancy training with firms such as KPMG and Ernst & Young, medical statistics, the pharmaceutical industry, the aerospace industry, software development, teaching, actuarial work, Civil Service statistics, chartered accountancy, the oil industry and postgraduate research.

You acquire many transferable skills including the ability to deal with challenging ideas, to think critically, to write well and to present your ideas clearly, all of which are considered essential by graduate employers.

Professional recognition

The degree provides various exemptions from the examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.