What will I learn on this module?
This module is designed to provide you with the graduate skills that are essential to your future career and/or postgraduate study, and with the practical experience needed to conduct an independent, individual, ethical research project in Financial Mathematics. You will focus on applying rigorous mathematical methodologies to real-world financial case studies, addressing problems of immediate relevance to the fields of finance and investment management. Throughout the year, you will engage in theoretical, research-rich, experiential learning, guided by two supervisors – one from Mathematics/Statistics and one from Finance and Investment Management – who will support you in your research journey. The module emphasises student-led inquiry, allowing you to define and investigate mathematical and statistical problems relevant to your interests in finance and investment management.
You will learn to:
Develop Research Skills: Refine your research question, conduct a comprehensive literature review, and synthesize current thinking in your chosen area of study. This will involve critically appraising both your work and that of others in the field.
Apply Methodologies: Select and justify appropriate mathematical and statistical methodologies and models to analyse and describe theoretically and/or numerically financial data and processes, employing relevant software. You will engage with both quantitative and qualitative research techniques, ensuring your approach is robust and ethically sound.
Data Analysis: Generate and collect relevant primary or secondary data, applying suitable analysis methods to draw meaningful conclusions from your findings.
Effective Communication: Present your research through a poster presentation at the end of the first semester and submit a comprehensive written report at the end of the second semester. You will develop your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, both visually and in writing, meeting professional standards.
Professional Skills: Enhance your transferable skills such as time management, project management, and critical thinking, which are essential for your future career or postgraduate studies.
Upon completion of this module, you will be well-equipped to conduct independent research in Financial Mathematics, critically evaluate the implications of your findings, and prepare yourself for the challenges and opportunities in the professional world of finance and investment management or for postgraduate study.
How will I learn on this module?
This is a year-long module. On this module you will learn through active engagement in research-rich, experiential learning. You will carry out, under staff supervision, an investigation in an appropriate area pertinent to your degree. A supervisor from Mathematics or Statistics will guide your mathematical and statistical research, whereas a supervisor from Finance or Investment Management will provide the experiential context and the benchmark for your work to be professionally relevant. You will be encouraged to develop initiative and the capability to work independently, growing and deepening critical thinking and judgement. This project module aims to enhance your ability to communicate, both in written and verbal form, the objectives, analysis and conclusions of technical work. You will also develop the academic skills associated with individual research and knowledge assimilation. The mathematical and/or statistical rigour associated with this module naturally increases your employability and is a highly transferable skill.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Once a week, you will meet with one or both of your two allocated supervisors, who will provide guidance and monitor progress. You are issued with a Project Handbook and a Project Log Book. You will be encouraged to develop initiative and the capability to work independently. The University’s eLearning Portal offers remote access to supporting materials and aids in facilitating your independent research.
Academic staff will help train and grow the academic skills and curiosity necessary to develop the capability to work independently on a research-based investigation. Academic staff will also help you access specialist resources and relevant materials, including textbooks, data sets and research journal articles.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
KU1 Demonstrate systematic understanding of appropriate key aspects, including clearly and appropriately defining the aims and objectives of the project. (MLO-KU1)
KU2 Critically apply financial and mathematical knowledge, concepts, theories, models and methodologies to identify and solve complex real-world problems of immediate relevance to professional practice. (MLO-KU2)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
IPSA1 Deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and inquiry and initiate and carry out the project. (MLO-IPSA1)
IPSA2 Interpret outcomes and critically appraise their relevance and validity in relation to previous work, the current problem and possible future developments. (MLO-IPSA2)
IPSA3 Present a coherent critical account, (written and oral), at an appropriate technical and discursive level, of what has been achieved. (MLO-IPSA3)
IPSA4 Develop personal profile in view of professional practice and postgraduate education via supervised experiential learning and guided, self-directed research. (MLO-IPSA4)
IPSA5 Develop and appraise key employability capabilities, including time management, project management, communication (written and verbal), negotiation, persuasion and influence, discovery, initiative, creativity and innovation in problem-solving and analysis as a means of assessing personal development. (MLO-IPSA5)
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
PVA1 Communicate and analyse information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. (MLO-PVA1)
PVA2 Critically evaluate the ethical implications of the research work undertaken. (MLO-PVA2)
How will I be assessed?
SUMMATIVE
Poster + Presentation (30%)
MLO-KU1,2 / MLO-IPSA1,2,3,4,5 / MLO-PVA1,2
Written Report (70%) [20000 words limit + equations/plots/figures/tables/codes and bibliography]
MLO-KU1,2 / MLO-IPSA1,2,3,4,5 / MLO-PVA1,2
FORMATIVE (MLO-KU1,2 / MLO-IPSA1,2,3,4,5 / MLO-PVA1,2)
Once a week the student meets with one or both of their supervisors who will provide guidance and monitor progress.
The student will present a poster summarising their work up to the end of Semester One. Staff will question the student and assess the presentation. The student will submit a written report of their work for assessment towards the end of Semester Two.
Students will receive oral feedback at the poster presentations by the staff involved and then additional written feedback from the module tutor via the Project Mark Books at the beginning of Semester 2. After submission of their reports, students receive feedback on their reports again from the module tutor via the Project Mark Books.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
This module provides the opportunity to conduct an in-depth investigation into a financial mathematics challenge that is relevant to your academic and professional interests. You will engage in an independent, student-led, experiential research project, applying rigorous mathematical methodologies to analyse real-world financial case studies and problems that are of immediate significance in the fields of finance and investment management.
Under the guidance of two supervisors - one from Mathematics/Statistics and one from Finance and Investment Management - you will develop essential skills in defining complex mathematical and statistical problems, selecting appropriate methodologies, and managing the research process. You will show the ability to critically appraise both their own work and the work of others in the field. This module emphasises experiential learning, encouraging you to take initiative and work independently while cultivating critical thinking and judgment.
Throughout the year, you will enhance your professional competences by analysing data, running simulations, discussing models, using relevant software, and drawing theoretically informed conclusions. You will further develop your ability to communicate your objectives, analyses, and findings effectively through a poster presentation at the end of the first semester and a comprehensive written report submitted at the end of the second semester.
In addition to advancing your research capabilities, this module is designed to equip you with key transferable skills essential for your future career or postgraduate study. These skills include time management, project management, effective communication (both written and verbal), negotiation, and innovative problem-solving. You will engage in enquiry-based research, exploring the relevant literature in financial mathematics as part of your independent study.
Above all, this module is designed to enhance a student's graduate skills that are essential to their future careers and/or postgraduate study.
Course info
UCAS Code G102
Credits 40
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
School Engineering, Physics and Mathematics
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2026
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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