MSci Mathematics with Accounting
Please note: This page is for 2026 entry. Click here for 2027 entry.
| UCAS code | G1N5 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Levels: AAA-AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB-ABC |
| UCAS code | G2N1 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Levels: AAA-AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB-ABC |
Why study MSci Mathematics with Accounting at Exeter?
- Taught in partnership between Exeter’s Mathematics department and The University of Exeter’s triple-accredited Business School
- Designed for those interested in following a career in accountancy or seeking to obtain professional accounting qualifications prior to entering a career in business
- Gives you an understanding of financial reporting and management accounting in a market economy
- Opportunity to extend your degree and spend a ‘Year in Industry’ at companies such as Lloyds Banking Group, Coca-Cola, Met Office and PwC
Discover Mathematics at the University of Exeter.
Top 20 in the UK for Mathematics
20th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Taught in partnership with the University’s triple-accredited Business School
92% of Mathematics graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation
Based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22
Spend a year in industry as part of your degree
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAA-AAB |
GCE A-Level Maths grade A Candidates may offer GCE A-Level Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths. |
| IB | 36/666-34/665 | HL6 in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) |
| BTEC | DDD | Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma will also require GCE A-Level Maths grade A |
| GCSE | 4 or C | Grade 4/C in GCSE English language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in an acceptable Mathematics subject area |
| T-Level | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: ABB-ABC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
International Foundation programmes
Preparation for entry to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree:
Course content
In your first year, as well as taking core modules in Mathematics, you will acquire a broad understanding of the fundamentals of Accounting.
In your second year you will study core modules in Accounting as well as picking from several optional modules in Mathematics. These include areas relevant to business, such as statistical modelling and inference. You will gain a thorough grasp of the techniques used in modern management accounting, and will see how mathematical tools such as linear programming are used in commercial decision-making.
In your third year you’ll have the freedom to choose modules in Mathematics from across the department. 30 credits may be chosen from outside the areas of mathematics and accounting.
Your final year will involve further advanced modules relevant to mathematics and accounting, alongside a substantial research-led Masters-level project. Through your project you can explore a topic of your choice. You’ll be supervised by an academic with expertise in your chosen field and gain experience working as an independent researcher.
If you choose the ‘with a Year in Industry’ variant of this degree, your placement will take place in your third year, and your course will be five years in total.
You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:
- Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
- Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
- Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Introduction to Financial Accounting | 15 | |
| Introduction to Management Accounting | 15 | |
| Foundations | 0 | |
| Mathematical Structures | 30 | |
| Mathematical Methods | 30 | |
| Probability, Statistics and Data | 30 | |
BEA1008: Introduction to Financial Accounting
This is an introductory financial accounting module that is aimed at students who intend to major in accounting in their undergraduate studies, or who have a keen interest in gaining a technical understanding of elementary financial accounting. The first part of the module outlines the framework of accounting - its nature, purpose , and the context /environment in which it is practised. The module then covers the basics of accounting ( i.e. concepts, conventions, principles and the accounting equation) and the recording/summarising mechanism s that underlie financial accounting. In addition, the recognition and measurement principles are also taught. Finally, the module covers the preparation of financial statements from the trial balance for various types of entities including sole traders and limited companies. The module uses the International Financial Reporting Standards as reference.
Additional Information:
Internationalisation
Internationalisation is embedded in the content of this module through the use of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). Moreover, the principles of introductory financial accounting are common across most countries.
Sustainability
All of the resources for the module are available on ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
External engagement
The module content meets the standards of the professional accountancy bodies (e.g. ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS and CIMA) and the module is accredited by them.
Employability
Material taught in this module is highly relevant to accounting- and business-related jobs. The module also offers an opportunity for students to develop their numeracy and logical thinking skills.
Widening Participation
Students are given problem sets a week before the workshops and work on the questions independently. In the workshops they have the opportunity to discuss any difficulties with in the group.
Additional, optional weekly classes are held which are student-driven, where questions can be raised on any topic covered to date.
Research in teaching
The module is informed by the module convenor's research interest in financial reporting and accounting education .
This module aims to provide first time accounting students with a broad understanding of financial accounting, a thorough grounding in double-entry bookkeeping, and the skills to prepare simple financial statements for different types of entities. It will provide students who have a keen interest in accounting or intend to major in accounting in their undergraduate studies with a solid foundation in financial accounting and reporting.
(Note: this module cannot be taken together with BEA1013 Introduction to Accounting)
BEA1009: Introduction to Management Accounting
Think of an iPhone. How much do you think that it cost Apple to make? Think of recent business news stories, with factory and store closures. As ways of cutting costs, how successful will these actually be? Or, maybe news stories announcing the launch of a new tablet PC - how has the manufacturer decided that this is a worthwhile product? Management accounting provides information which supports business decisions like these, whether it is setting selling prices, or understanding costs, assessing performance, and investing in new products. At an introductory level, this module considers costs and revenues, and how they can be measured and used to calculate profit and help make decisions, both in the short and long term. It also examines how budgets are prepared, and used as benchmarks to assess performance. Accounting? Boring? Never!
Internationalisation
- This module introduces subjects like costing, decision making, budgeting and budget outcomes which are relevant across countries.
External Engagement
- The module content meets the standards of the professional accountancy bodies (e.g. ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, CIMA) and the module is accredited by them.
Sustainability
- Sustainability is discussed in relation to wastage and the comparison between actual and expected performance.
Employability
MTH1000: Foundations
University level mathematics differs from that taught in schools not only in the difficulty of the topics and higher abstraction, but also in the style of teaching. This module aims to ease the transition to university level mathematics by bridging the gap between mathematics taught prior to university level, and the material covered in the first year of our mathematics degree, including the programming languages which will be taught in depth in other modules. The module eases you into a university teaching and learning environment and helps revise material from A-level. You will revisit essential skills in algebra, coordinate geometry, vectors, series and sequences, as well as some topics which are covered in Further Mathematics A-level such as complex numbers, matrix algebra, differential equations, and Maclaurin series. In this module, you will go over the theory and see many solved examples, as well as practice many examples to master these essential topics. Attending the lectures of this module is highly recommended to those students who do not have an A-level in Further Mathematics or equivalent, but those who do can also utilise these sessions to review the material and gain more practise experience. This module will also provide the skills needed to communicate mathematics which is a vital skill in all modules to be taken throughout a mathematics course.
MTH1001: Mathematical Structures
A key aspect of mathematics is its ability to unify and generalise disparate situations exhibiting similar properties by developing the concepts and language to describe the common features abstractly and reason about them rigorously. In this module, you will be introduced to the language of logic, sets, and functions which underpins of all modern pure mathematics, and will learn how to use it to construct clear and logically correct mathematical proofs. The content goes beyond mathematics taught at A-level: you will learn and use methods to prove rigorous general results about the convergence of sequences and series, justifying the techniques developed in MTH1002 and laying the foundations for a deeper study of Analysis in MTH2008. You will also learn the definitions and properties of abstract algebraic structures such as groups and vector spaces. These ideas are developed further in MTH2010 and MTH2011. The material in this module is fundamental to many other modules in the mathematics degree programmes. It underpins the topics you will see in more advanced modules in fundemental mathematics and enables a deeper understanding and rigorous justification of the mathematical tools you will meet in more applied mathematics modules and which are widely used in physics, economics, and many other disciplines.
MTH1002: Mathematical Methods
During your mathematics degree, you will be solving problems and proving theories in several branches of mathematics such as in pure mathematics, in applications to science and engineering, and in statistics. Inevitably you need to be able to calculate. That is what gives the mathematics its great power. This module covers developed bodies of useful techniques as a toolkit of common knowledge. It brings emphasis on the techniques rather than the applications of the techniques. Such techniques will enable you to deepen your familiarity with, and generalise, methods that you have seen at school level mathematics. This module will study topics that include the geometry of conic sections, properties of functions such as continuity and differentiability, differential and integral calculus, limits and convergence of sequences and series including Power Series and Taylor Series. The module also develops the fundamentals of vector and matrix theory, multivariate calculus, and the classification of various types of differential equations as well as analytical methods for solving them. The material in this module provide intuition for, and examples of, many of the mathematical structures that will be discussed in the module MTH1001 Mathematical Structures, and supply a firm understanding of methods required in future modules in the mathematics degree. In particular, it develops methods that underpin the modules MTH2003 Differential Equations and MTH2004 Vector Calculus and Applications.
MTH1004: Probability, Statistics and Data
Our ability to collect and analyse data is increasingly driving our world. Statistics is concerned with both the practice of analysing data to learn about the world, and the theory that underpins the methods and models used for data collection and analysis. This theory is itself based on probability, the mathematics of chance and uncertainty. In this module, you will learn about the mathematics of combinatorics and probability, and the key ideas of statistical modelling and inference, in which probability is used to quantify uncertainty. You will also gain experience of employing these ideas to analyse data using statistical software such as the R programming environment. The module develops key ideas and techniques that form the foundation of modules such as MTH2006 Statistical Modelling and Inference.
The aim of this module is to introduce you to basic topics in probability, statistics and data analysis. This module provides the foundation for the second-year stream in Statistical Modelling and Inference, and subsequent modules in statistics in years 3 and 4.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
You must select 45-60 credits from Optional Module Group 1
Standard progression to Stage 3 of the MSci: Candidates must normally have achieved an average mark of at least 55% across the full 120 credits of assessment, including any failed and condoned modules. Students who do not reach the threshold may progress to Stage 3 of the equivalent BSc programme, as long as the standard progression requirements are met.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Intermediate Management Accounting | 15 | |
| Financial Accounting A | 15 | |
| Financial Accounting B | 15 | |
| Differential Equations | 15 | |
BEA2017: Intermediate Management Accounting
Summary:
Managers are faced with a wide range of decisions under resource constraints involving varying time frames in an uncertain environment. Managers have to decide on the price of a product, determine the optimum production plan under resource constraints, make operational and strategic investment decisions and advise on the acceptance or otherwise of a project. Businesses today operate within a competitive environment. Downward pressure on prices coupled with the need to deliver quality means that effective cost management and value creation is no longer an option. Effective performance management is undoubtedly critical to the achievement of the objectives of the organisation. This module will equip you with the relevant tools and techniques to deal with these issues.
Additional Information:
Internationalisation
The tools and techniques taught in this module are applicable worldwide due to their universal nature.
This module also offers you an online forum where you may initiate discussions with peers and the module convenor. You will also have access to recordings of the lectures.
Sustainable development
The sustainable development theme will be embedded within the numerous decision-making scenarios throughout the module. You will be encouraged to adopt a sustainable development mindset.
BEA2019: Financial Accounting A
Financial accounting is that branch of accounting that focuses on producing information for external users of financial reports, including shareholders, creditors and other stakeholders. The information produced by the financial reporting system is crucial for the efficient operation of world financial markets. The accounting information system collects data, processes that data and produces information. This information manifests itself in the form of the annual report, issued by all companies (the financial statements forming part of the annual report).
The module begins with a discussion of the regulatory environment in which accounting operates (including both financial and non-financial reporting), followed by an examination of the Conceptual Framework (which sets out the concepts that underlie the preparation and presentation of financial statements for external users). Through the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), you will be exposed to the recognition, measurement and disclosure issues relating to a wide variety of financial statement items, including the overall presentation of financial statements and specifically property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, investment properties, leases, income taxes, provisions and events after the reporting period.
BEA2020: Financial Accounting B
Financial accounting is a branch of accounting that focuses on producing information for external users of corporate financial reports, including shareholders and creditors. The accounting information system collects, processes and summarises financial data pertaining to a business entity, and presents it as information that is useful for decision making purposes. Financial accounting therefore plays a crucial role in the efficient allocation of resources in an economy.
This module follows on from, and is a continuation of, the BEA2019 Financial Accounting A module, study of which is a co-requisite for entry to this module. Similar to BEA2019, this module will expose students to the recognition, measurement and disclosure issues relating to a wide variety of financial statement items such as: borrowing costs; government grants; taxes; impairment of assets; revenue recognition; earnings per share; cash flows reporting; and business combinations. Finally, this module will also teach students how to analyse and interpret financial statements whilst being mindful of their limitations.
This module aims to give you a solid foundation in the theory and practice of financial reporting. You will be exposed to current issues within the financial reporting environment and will engage with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Use is also made of the published financial statements of listed companies as a practical illustration of the concepts taught.
MTH2003: Differential Equations
Differential equations are at the heart of nearly all modern applications of mathematics to natural and man-made phenomena. Mathematically, all rates of change and acceleration can be described by derivative functions. These include the growth of populations, the spread of diseases, movement of physical objects in response to forces acting on them, or even the fluctuations of the stock market. This course will enable you to demonstrate an understanding of, and competence in, a range of analytical tools for posing and solving differential equations, and their application to situations in science and technology.
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Vector Calculus and Applications | 15 | |
| Statistical Modelling and Inference | 30 | |
| Real Analysis | 15 | |
| Complex Analysis | 15 | |
| Groups, Rings and Fields | 15 | |
| Linear Algebra | 15 | |
| Mathematics of Machine Learning and AI | 15 | |
MTH2004: Vector Calculus and Applications
This module introduces vector calculus and its applications in particular fluid dynamics and electromagnetism. The module consists of two parts, which are closely linked. In the first part of the module, you will learn about the mathematical theory and techniques of vector calculus. You will develop your competence in using vector calculus in both differential and integral forms. The second part of the module gives an introduction to fluid dynamics and electromagnetism as two applications of vector calculus. It lays down some basic principles using a number of simplifying assumptions.
This introductory vector calculus course aims to increase your understanding of fluid dynamics and electromagnetism. It examines how one can use vector formalism and calculus together to describe and solve many problems in two and three dimensions. For example, the rules that govern the flow of fluids can be described using vector calculus, with resulting laws of motion described by partial differential equations rather than ordinary differential equations.
MTH2006: Statistical Modelling and Inference
Statistical modelling lies at the heart of modern data analysis, helping us to describe and predict the real world. Statistical inference is the way that we use data and other information to learn about and apply statistical models. In this module, you will learn the theory underpinning modern statistical methods such as fitting normal linear models, evaluating how well they fit the data and taking inferences from it. You will apply the theory using statistical software such as R to analyse and draw conclusions from a range of real-world data sets. Topics covered in the module range from estimators, confidence intervals, design of experiments and hypothesis testing to statistical modelling, regression, inference and comparison of models. Skills developed in the module are taken further in modules such as MTH3012 Advanced Statistical Modelling.
This module aims to develop understanding and competence in statistical modelling by introducing you to the Normal linear model from a modern perspective. It will provide you with the ability to formulate and apply these models in a range of practical settings, to carry out associated inference appreciating how this relates to the general likelihood inferential framework, and to perform appropriate model selection and model checking procedures. Use will be made of a suitable statistical computer language for practical work.
MTH2008: Real Analysis
Description – summary of the module content
Infinite processes appear naturally in many contexts, from science and engineering to economics. From solving the equation that finds the wave function of a quantum system in physics, processing sensor data in engineering, to calculating prices for options in economics, at the foundation of all of these are infinite processes and the pure mathematics developed to rigorously and correctly handle these processes. That field of pure mathematics is called analysis, and the central object of study in analysis is that if a limit, which further extends to the notions of convergence, continuity, differentiation and integrability.
In this module, you will be introduced to the pioneering work of Cauchy, Riemann and many other notable mathematicians. By building on material from MTH1001 and MTH1002, we will carefully and rigorously develop how to handle real-variable differentiation, Riemann integration, power series, and basic notions of point set topology.
The material in this module is a prerequisite for the study of Complex Analysis (MTH2009) Topology and Metric Spaces (MTH3040) and Fractal Geometry (MTHM004). It is also recommended for those studying Dynamical Systems and Chaos (MTHM018), and is the basis for applications in economics, engineering and physics.
Pre-requisite modules
MTH1001 and MTH1002 (or equivalent)
Aims – intentions of the module
MTH2009: Complex Analysis
The central object of study in analysis is the notion of a limit and related concepts of convergence, continuity, differentiation, and integration.
The objective of this module is to provide you with a rigorous introduction to complex analysis. We will carefully develop an understanding of the analysis of functions of a complex variable, and prove the central theorems governing the differentiation and integration of such functions. You will learn how to handle power series, singularities and contour integration, and see how to apply these to solve a wide range of problems. Quite surprisingly, complex analysis turns out to be a great deal more rigid, and more algebraic, than real analysis, and has many practical applications.
The material in this module has close links with Vector Calculus MTH2004 (although these modules are logically independent), and provides the foundations for further study in a range of subjects, most notably in number theory and geometry.
MTH2010: Groups, Rings and Fields
In this module, you will explore some of the key techniques of modern algebra, including groups, rings, and fields. These topics have their roots in the desire to solve certain equations that arise from arithmetic and geometry.
The most familiar example of a ring is the set of all integers Z=...,-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3... equipped with the usual operations of addition and multiplication. The familiar properties of these operations serve as a model for the axioms for rings. We can consider whether certain equations have solutions in rings such as the integers. For example, Fermat's Last Theorem famously asserts that if n is a fixed integer that is at least 3, then the equation x^n + y^n = z^n has no solutions for which x, y and z are non-zero integers. Though this problem is easy to state, its solution is extremely difficult: it was first stated in 1637 but the first complete and correct proof was given in 1994. Ring theory is essential for the fourth year module MTHM028 Algebraic Number Theory, which in turn lays the foundations for solving problems such as Fermat's Last Theorem.
Fields are special types of ring in which every non-zero element has a multiplicative inverse. Examples include the rational numbers Q, the real numbers R and the complex numbers C.
MTH2011: Linear Algebra
Abstract vector spaces are important objects in linear algebra, which has its origins in solving linear equations over a field such as the rational, real or complex numbers. The elements of a vector space can be somewhat abstract: for example, they can be functions. However, it is precisely this abstraction that makes the theory of vector spaces such a powerful tool. They arise in almost every area of (pure and applied) mathematics and statistics. For example, PDEs (partial differential equations) of some types are just ODEs (ordinary differential equations) in vector spaces of functions, and numerical and data analysis methods consider vector spaces of increasing dimension to approximate function spaces.
Prerequisite modules: MTH1001and MTH1002 (or equivalent).
This module aims to develop the theories and techniques of modern algebra, particularly in relation to vector spaces and inner product spaces.
MTH2015: Mathematics of Machine Learning and AI
This module introduces mathematical foundations of modern machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). It covers the mathematical theory of learning (PAC learning), analysis of machine learning algorithms (eg decision trees, artificial neural networks) as mathematical methods for function approximation, and gradient-based optimisation as a paradigm for training ML models for specific tasks. Practical work includes studying code examples of machine learning applications in different fields, and guided projects on advanced topics in ML and AI, such as Natural Language Processing, Formal Proof Systems, and Search Algorithms. Programming/Coding: The main programming language for the examples in this module is python. Students will receive guidance on how to translate examples from python to R. The emphasis of the course is to gain understanding of mathematical foundations of ML and AI and practical experience on worked examples and real-world applications. The module suits studePlease note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
If you choose the ‘with a Year in Industry’ variant of this degree, your placement will take place in the third year of this five year degree. For more information about the ‘with Year in Industry’ programme, please see the course variants.
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Industrial Placement | 120 | |
MTH3100: Industrial Placement
This module will provide you with extensive practical work experience in a business or commercial setting that is of direct relevance to your development as an experienced mathematician. You will apply the knowledge and skills from taught modules to scientific, business or industrial problems at a professional level. You will be encouraged to use imagination and creativity in problem solving and to develop communication skills, planning and time management and team-working skills.
Placements will involve a substantial role in the host organisation. Individual placements are subject to availability and approval by the module leader.
Placements are normally for one year, and must be at least 6 months. International placements are acceptable. It is not required that you are paid a salary for the placement.
This module aims to provide you with the experience of working in science, business or industry in order for you to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in an academic environment to a professional work setting.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
45 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules
You must select 45-75 credits from Optional Group 1
You may select 0-30 credits from Optional Group 2
You may select up to 30 credits of free choice modules at NQF Level 5 (Stage 2) or NQF Level 6 (Stage 3)
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Advanced Management Accounting | 15 | |
| Advanced Financial Reporting | 15 | |
| Research in Mathematical Sciences | 15 | |
BEA3017: Advanced Management Accounting
Summary:
Management control systems play an important role in the success of organisations. It is essential that organisations maintain strategic and management control by having the necessary systems in place to influence the behaviour of employees towards achievement of the organisation's objectives. The design of such systems, however, is a challenging task; one that requires the consideration of the interplay and interconnections between the various components that make up the package of systems, and the effects of situational contingencies. This module will provide you with valuable insights, aided by case studies, on the design of management control systems and the unintended consequences arising from the use of the different types of controls.
Additional Information:
Internationalisation
The principles, concepts, tools and techniques taught in this module are applicable worldwide due to their universal nature.
This module also offers students an online forum where students may initiate discussions with peers and the module convenor. Students will also have access to recordings of the whole cohort synchronous sessions.
Sustainable development
The concept and accounting for sustainable development will be embedded within the various aspects of management control systems covered within this module.
BEA3020: Advanced Financial Reporting
Summary:
The aim of the module is to enhance your knowledge of the theory and practice of financial reporting. To this end, the module will cover advanced financial reporting topics such as: accounting for changing price levels; financial instruments; employee benefits; foreign currency transactions; various types of business combinations (e.g., subsidiaries, associates, joint arrangements, indirect holdings, and acquisitions-in-stages); and theories of accounting regulation and accounting choice.
Details:
This module builds on the second-year Financial Accounting modules (BEA2019 and BEA2020), which are prerequisites for entry to this module. This module has three aims:
(1) to develop students' knowledge and skills in applying accounting standards and the theoretical framework in: the preparation of financial statements for groups of entities; the accounting of financial instruments, employee benefits and foreign currency transactions; and the knowledge of the use of and problems with various income measurement and assets valuation bases.
(2) to provide students with an understanding of the economics and politics behind accounting standards setting and the accounting choices made by companies; and
(3) to advance students' knowledge of advanced financial reporting issues and their ability to critique current practice.
Additional Information:
MTHM036: Research in Mathematical Sciences
This is a unique module that runs in several research themes and provides you with a taste for and experience in research in mathematical sciences. The themes are broadly aligned with Fourth Year options and would cover subjects from pure maths, applied maths and statistics, although the number and range of topics may change from year to year. Each theme consists of lectures, student-led discussion, reading, and practical sessions, getting deeper experience in research approaches and skills. Students will learn to write a short essay, make an oral presentation and write a longer scientific report.
Set in at least three distinct research themes, this module will introduce you to scientific thinking and abstraction and give you knowledge/experience in core research skills: reading (and understanding), writing and presenting for the mathematical sciences.
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Theory of Weather and Climate | 15 | |
| Number Theory | 15 | |
| Mathematical Biology and Ecology | 15 | |
| Fluid Dynamics | 15 | |
| Partial Differential Equations | 15 | |
| Applied Differential Geometry | 15 | |
| Mathematics: History and Culture | 15 | |
| Graphs, Networks and Algorithms | 15 | |
| Stochastic Processes | 15 | |
| Cryptography | 15 | |
| Statistical Inference | 15 | |
| Mathematics of Climate Change | 15 | |
| Galois Theory | 15 | |
| Computational Nonlinear Dynamics | 15 | |
| Topology and Metric Spaces | 15 | |
| Bayesian Statistics, Philosophy and Practice | 15 | |
| Integral Equations | 15 | |
| Statistical Computing | 15 | |
| Dynamical Systems and Chaos | 15 | |
| Statistical Data Modelling | 15 | |
| Optional 2 | ||
| Commercial and Industrial Experience | 15 | |
| Aerosols, Clouds and Climate | 15 | |
EMP3001: Commercial and Industrial Experience
This module will provide you with an opportunity to undertake practical work experience in a business, commercial or public sector setting that is of direct relevance to your development as an experienced professional. You will apply the knowledge and skills from taught modules to authentic problem solving in the workplace, which will give you important insights into your potential job role once you graduate from university. You will be encouraged to use imagination and creativity in problem solving and to develop communication skills, planning and time management and team-working skills. Placements will involve taking responsibility for a substantial project, which may be a problem to be solved in the host organisation, in line with your degree programme. Placements are subject to availability, approval by the module convener and full compliance with important Health and Safety procedures and requirements. Placements are normally three months some time during May-September, finishing before autumn classes start. Placements must be a minimum of six weeks full time. It is understood that this will entail around 210 hours of supervised work in order to generate the depth of experience equivalent to the 125 hours of self‑directed study on a focused topic specified under the regulations, as workplace activity is not counted directly as academic study International placements are allowed. Placements can be paid or volunteer.
NSC3009: Aerosols, Clouds and Climate
Climate change is arguably one of the most urgent issues over the next two decades as humanity struggles to meet the 1.5C above pre-industrial target set by the Paris COP21. Concentrations of both greenhouse gases (GHG) and aerosols (particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere) have increased considerably since pre-industrial time. Whilst anthropogenic emissions of GHG warm the planet, aerosol emissions exert a significant, yet poorly quantified cooling that acts to offset a fraction of global warming from GHG.
Reducing current uncertainties associated with estimates of climate change sensitivity to GHG emissions is hampered by our understanding of the strength of the cooling effect aerosol particles have on the climate via their interactions with clouds and sunlight. Despite decades of research the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report continue to highlight our low understanding of aerosol-cloud-interactions (ACI) as the key uncertainty hampering our understanding of climate change.
This module is designed to explore the atmospheric physical processes determining the role of aerosols and their interaction with clouds on the climate to provide insight on the importance in reducing current uncertainties associated with aerosol - cloud - interactions (ACI) for adoption of more robust adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
You must select between 15-45 credits from Optional Module Group 1
You may select 0-45 credits from Optional Module Group 2
You may select up to 30 credits of free choice modules at NQF Level 6 (Stage 3) or NQF Level 7 (Stage 4), which may include further modules from the Business School. You must take at least 120 credits at NQF Level 7 in Stages 3 and 4 combined
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Analysis and Computation for Finance | 15 | |
| Mathematical Theory of Option Pricing | 15 | |
| Mathematics, Business and Finance Project | 30 | |
MTHM003: Analysis and Computation for Finance
In this module, you will learn how to use the C++ programming language and other relevant modelling software to apply modern numerical modelling techniques. You will learn how to use C++ for linear algebra calculations, simulating stochastic processes (e.g., Markov chain models) as well as for solving ordinary, stochastic, and partial differential equations.
AIMS - intentions of the module:
C++ is one of the primary programming languages used in financial institutions to implement models arising from theoretical concepts in mathematical finance. This module aims to provide an understanding of modern methods of numerical approximation and financial modelling. Using C++ and other relevant software, you will develop practical skills in applying computational methods to financial modelling.
MTHM006: Mathematical Theory of Option Pricing
On this module you will study the mathematical basis, including Ito Calculus, for a range of methods used to price financial options. The methods include the binomial method, the Monte Carlo method, and the Black-Scholes equation. The common principles that underpin these approaches will be emphasised. You will see how to apply the methods both analytically and in computer implementations. The strengths and limitations of each of the approaches will be discussed.
Pre-requisite modules: MTH3024 Stochastic Processes, or MTHM002 Methods for Stochastics and Finance.
By taking this module, you will gain an understanding of the theoretical assumptions on which the mathematical models underlying option pricing depend, and of the methods used to obtain analytic or numerical solutions to a variety of option pricing problems.
MTHM032: Mathematics, Business and Finance Project
This independent research project gives you the chance to showcase the skills you have developed throughout your degree programme. It consists of a piece of work exploring the application of mathematics in areas related to business and finance that you will choose yourself from a provided list. Using your independent learning skills, you will undertake the project individually, supervised by a member of staff. Projects will combine theory, modelling, computation and applications, including possible use of computer programmes and packages.
The aim of this module is to engage you with business and finance applications and products. By taking this project module, you will expand on the knowledge you acquired in formal modules and strengthen your skills in research and report writing.
You will receive guidance on the responsible use of AI-assisted tools to support aspects of your research, report writing and presentation preparation, in line with University policy.
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Advanced Financial Accounting | 15 | |
| Advanced Management Accounting | 15 | |
| Derivatives Pricing | 15 | |
| Applied Econometrics 2 | 15 | |
| Econometric Theory I | 15 | |
| Econometric Theory II | 15 | |
| Optional 2 | ||
| Fractal Geometry | 15 | |
| Advanced Topics in Mathematical and Computational Biology | 15 | |
| Representation Theory of Finite Groups | 15 | |
| Metric Number Theory and Diophantine Approximation | 15 | |
| Advanced Topics in Statistics | 15 | |
| Dynamical Systems and Chaos | 15 | |
| Fluid Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans | 15 | |
| Modelling the Weather and Climate | 15 | |
| Algebraic Number Theory | 15 | |
| Algebraic Curves | 15 | |
| Waves, Instabilities and Turbulence | 15 | |
| Magnetic Fields and Fluid Flows | 15 | |
| Statistical Modelling in Space and Time | 15 | |
| Space Weather and Plasmas | 15 | |
| Ergodic Theory | 15 | |
| Mid-latitude Weather Systems | 15 | |
| Data-driven Analysis and Modelling of Dynamical Systems | 15 | |
| Uncertainty Quantification | 15 | |
| Statistical Data Modelling | 15 | |
| Mathematical Modelling in Biology and Medicine | 15 | |
BEAM024: Advanced Financial Accounting
Summary:
This module aims to equip you with the necessary skills for critically evaluating financial reporting information as well as the underlying accounting standards from the perspective of the user of financial statements.
Additional Information:
Internationalisation
The module's content relies on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) which apply to more than 100 countries around the world, as well as U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and, therefore, prepares students for an international career.
Sustainability
Presentations, PowerPoint slides and tutorial notes are all made available on the ELE (Exeter Learning Environment).
External Engagement
This course aligns with the CFA (Chartered Financial Analysts) Institute curriculum.
Employability
You learn to synthesize information from multiple sources and make decisions based on their own analysis of information and its context.
To equip you with knowledge and skills in key financial reporting topics relevant to contemporary practice and research. Particular attention will be paid to the application of this knowledge towards analysing companies' financial reporting information.
BEAM025: Advanced Management Accounting
Summary:
This module introduces students to contemporary and advanced developments in management accounting and organisational control, covering relevant practices, leading research and relevant theory.
Additional information:
Internationalisation
The whole theme of management accounting and organisational control is intertwined with global practices that are used (and sometimes changed) by organisations on an international scale. Management accounting is a global phenomenon that impacts organisations far and wide, and which is overseen by international professional bodies.
Sustainability
Management accounting is very much at the core of sustainable development within organisations, and increasingly management accountants are becoming involved at the front-end of such practices. The interrelationship between management accounting and social and ecological sustainable development will feature at several junctures in the module programme.
Employability
Students taking this module will equip themselves with a raft of (transferable) skills in the realm of management and accounting - e.g., critical analysis skills, discussion and questioning, and knowledge of contemporary developments in the field.
Research in Teaching
BEAM035: Derivatives Pricing
Summary:
This module aims to equips you with theoretical frameworks and numerical methods to evaluate credit instruments and financial derivative instruments in the bond, stock, equity, FX, and interest rate markets. It covers the analysis of the five distinct valuation methods, including Forwards, Futures, SWAPs, and options via Binomial Trees and Black-Scholes model. Fixed Income Instruments, securitisation techniques, and the numerical methods to price derivatives in the equity market will also be covered.
Prerequisite: You are expected to have a good command of the University of Exeter Business School Approved Financial Calculator, MS Excel, and basic financial concepts such as NPV, Bond, and Stock Pricing.
Additional Information:
Internationalization
This module helps you build an online professional profile, allowing them to connect with former students and potential employers internationally in about 100 countries and hundreds of banks across the globe. In addition, many of the examples discussed throughout the module are based on American, European, and Asian markets.
External Engagement
The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA) accredits this module, and all of the content is based on the CFA level examination.
Employability
BEEM012: Applied Econometrics 2
Summary:
In this module you will be introduced to important concepts of time series econometrics and their usefulness in analysing financial/economic data. It is designed to give you an understanding of why the specific econometric methods are used, to provide you with a working ability of applying modern econometric methods and illustrate their application in finance.
Additional Information:
Internationalisation
Since econometrics relies on mathematical and statistical tools, the course content is relevant internationally.
Sustainability
All of the lecture material is available on ELE (Exeter Learning Environment).
Employability
Students acquire the ability to analyse financial data and understand the foundations of economic theory. They also develop their technical expertise in a computer software tool, logical articulation of solutions for financial data questions, and their confidence in identifying, calculating and solving research problems. These valuable skills will help them for a career in business, international organisations, government, academia or banking.
The aim of the module is to introduce you to the fundamental techniques used in the analysis of financial data, and to provide the necessary economic background to carry out empirical investigations.
BEEM139: Econometric Theory I
Econometrics is the branch of economics devoted to the development and application of statistical methods to the study and clarification of the economic phenomena. This module provides an advanced introduction to econometric theory, understood as a collection of mathematical and statistical concepts and principles which motivates much of the empirical analysis conducted by economists.
This module aims at providing the students with an introduction to the theory of econometrics covering important topics in econometric estimation and inference. The module will provide students with the necessary knowledge for understanding recent developments in econometrics.
The module will help students carry out future applied econometric analysis by allowing them to understand the underlying econometric theory, which is important in order to make reasonable judgments about the methods to implement.
BEEM142: Econometric Theory II
This module builds on Econometric Theory I and further develops your knowledge and understanding of econometric and methodological research tools and the application of various econometric methods and techniques to real life problems.
Additional Information:
Internationalisation
The methods covered in this module, such as those used to forecast inflation and GDP, are applicable across countries.
Sustainability
Resources for this module are available on the ELE (Exeter Learning Environment).
Employability
Students gain an understanding of the statistical techniques used to study topics such unemployment and forecasting inflation and economic growth which are all necessary skill for working in central banks. They also develop their numerical and problem-solving skills in learning these mathematical techniques.
This module aims at providing the students with the necessary econometric and methodological research tools to equip them for carrying out empirical research projects as well as understand the contents of other modules.
The module is dedicated to the application of various econometric methods and techniques to real life problems.
Course variants
MSci Mathematics with Accounting with a year in industry
UCAS code: G2N1
The MSci Mathematics with Accounting with a Year in Industry programme includes an industrial placement which takes place in the third year of this five-year degree.
Your placement will be spent working in an appropriate business or industry related to mathematics, and you will benefit from our established connections with local, national and multinational organisations. As well as increasing your first-hand knowledge, you’ll also improve many personal and transferable skills, making new contacts and enhancing your employability.
Does it count towards my degree?
Yes, it’s worth 120 credits.
How does it affect my tuition fee?
During this year you will pay a reduced tuition fee. Visit the Tuition Fees page for more information.
How do I apply?
You can apply for this programme through UCAS using the code. You can also transfer to the Year in Industry programme from MSci Mathematics with Accounting during your first year.
Preparation and support
We will help you to prepare for your work placement from early in your studies. A special module 'Employability and Placement Preparation’ takes place at the start of your first year. This is an opportunity to start thinking about your placement well in advance. You will also be invited to attend workshops offering guidance and support such as ‘Making the most of your placement’ and ‘How to use your placement as an individual project’.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,790 per year
International students: £30,100 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
Learning and teaching
All our degrees involve a combination of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, examples classes, workshops and tutorials. Most modules in mathematics involve three one-hour lectures per week, so you typically have 12 lectures per week. In the first year there are tutorial classes for each module every fortnight, except for modules involving computing or project work. Thus in the first year you would typically have around 16 contact hours per week. In the first term, the ‘Foundations’ module helps you with the transition from A level to university mathematics.
Private study and support
In addition to lectures and seminars, you should spend about 20 hours per week in private study. Working through examples and solving problems is a vital part of learning mathematics, and we advise you attempt all coursework problems, whether formally assessed or not. You will be allocated a personal tutor who will be happy to advise or put you in touch with support services and you are encouraged to discuss mathematical problems or questions with tutors and lecturers who advertise regular office hours. Extra support is available, for example through lunchtime mathematics surgeries or our peer mentor scheme, and we have an active student-staff liaison committee.
Project and computer work
There are modules at all levels that involve project work and report writing, and the final year project is a major piece of research and writing that allows you to go into depth for a specific area under the guidance of a member of academic staff. You can choose from wide range of possible project topics each year, or negotiate a topic/title with a member of academic staff. Several of the modules develop skills to use a range of modern computer tools for working with data, programming or symbolic algebra as well as typesetting and presentation.
Elective modules
Once you have mastered the foundations, our mathematics programmes offer in later years a wide range of options within the programme. In addition to the named degrees with study abroad, professional experience and year in industry, you can take optional (called elective) modules from all over the university in years 2 and 3. These options are subject to your availability, having the appropriate background (pre-requisites) and certain programme constraints.
A research and practice led culture
You will benefit from teaching by academic staff comprising internationally-recognised mathematicians, scientists and practitioners active across a wide range of topics in pure and applied mathematics, statistics and applications. As you progress through your degree, you will hear about the latest mathematical research and have opportunities (for example, the independent research project) to become actively involved in a research project yourself.
Assessment
Assessment for all degrees is through a combination of examinations and coursework. Examinations are the more important part of the process, but the coursework helps you to work steadily throughout your degree. This is particularly important in Mathematics where the subject matter develops logically as the degree progresses. Written examinations for mathematics modules are held in January and May/June of the first and second years and in May/June of each subsequent year. Some modules have tests, essays, presentations and/or project reports that contribute to the assessment.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Minors: Future Skills Pathways
You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.
Your future
Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and a strong employment record. Our graduates go on to excel in many specialist mathematical fields and across a broad range of other sectors. We offer a very wide range of opportunities for you to develop the deep and adaptable skills that employers are looking for.
You’ll be able to meet with local and national employers who regularly visit the university to engage with students, hosting mock interviews, CV workshops, drop-ins and lectures. This is a great opportunity for you to find out more about the day to day activities of their business and recruitment opportunities. Our Careers Service also host a wealth of employer activity, such as Careers Fairs, so you’ll never be short of chances to network with potential employers.
Industrial experience
As part of your degree, you can choose to take an optional ‘Commercial and Industrial Experience’ module during the vacation before your third year (fourth year for ‘with a Year in Industry’ students). This opportunity allows you to gain paid work experience in a commercial setting while earning credits towards your degree programme. Professional experience not only develops your CV but helps you to determine your career aspirations. We have excellent links with employers and can provide assistance in finding suitable employment.
Career paths
The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Mathematics but also in wider fields. Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:
- Accountant
- Actuary
- Analyst Programmer
- Business Analyst
- Credit Risk Analyst
- Data Science Developer
- Investment Analyst
- Software Engineer
- Statistician
- Tax Manager
