Mathematics and Accounting BSc Honours

Course overview

Employers will value the combination of skills you develop on this joint honours degree.

You explore modern accounting theory and practice, such as:

• financial accounting
• company accounts
• corporate finance

You also develop a thorough grounding in mathematics and statistics, including:

• differential equations
• probability

Many of our accountancy modules carry exemptions from accrediting bodies and/or are based on real case studies, helping you prepare for a professional career.

Download information about this course as a PDF

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

• Top 20 in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Accounting and Finance – The Complete University Guide 2022
• Top 125 for Business and Economics – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2022
• Top 200 for Accounting and Finance - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
• 1st in the UK and 8th in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 125 University - QS World University Rankings 2023
• Global Top 140 University - THE World University Rankings 2023

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Featured module

MAS1607: Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations

Develop an understanding of ordinary differential equations and introduce the calculus of functions of several variables.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

We introduce you to accounting and finance through modules in financial accounting, management accounting and business economics. You also study core topics in mathematics and statistics including probability; algebra; differential equations and calculus.

You develop your communication and study skills by working in small group tutorials.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Introduction to Financial Accounting	20
Introduction to Management Accounting and Finance	20
Introduction to Calculus	20
Introductory Algebra	20
Multivariable Calculus & Differential Equations	20
Introduction to Probability & R	20

In accounting, you develop skills in financial control and financial accounting. You then choose between options in interpreting company accounts or corporate finance.

Your core mathematical topics include vector calculus and statistical inference, as well as an introduction to computing and problem-solving.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Financial Control	20
Intermediate Financial Accounting	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Interpreting Company Accounts	20
Responsible Corporate Finance	20
Complex Analysis	10
Algebra	10
Vector Spaces, Groups and Algorithms	20
Fluid Dynamics	10
Vector Calculus & Differential Equations, Transforms & Waves	20
Scientific Computation with Python	10
Introduction to Bayesian methods	10
Statistical Inference & Stochastic Modelling	20
Computational Probability and Statistics with R	10

You take compulsory modules in financial and management accounting, and can choose between optional modules exploring real-life case studies to develop your business knowledge and improve your understanding of international financial management.

In mathematics, you can choose from a variety of topics that are closely linked to our research expertise. These include stochastic financial modelling, Bayesian inference and statistical modelling.

You may also choose linear models as an optional module to focus on career development.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Financial Accounting	20
Management Accounting	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Case Studies in Finance, Accounting and Business	20
International Financial Management	20
Foundations of group theory	10
Linear analysis	10
Matrix analysis	10
Topology	10
Number Theory and Cryptography	20
Graphs and symmetry	10
Representation theory	10
Curves and Surfaces	10
Quantum Mechanics	10
Advanced Fluid Dynamics	10
Relativity	10
Instabilities	10
Variational Methods and Lagrangian Dynamics	10
Methods for Differential Equations & Partial Differential Equations & Non -Linear Waves	20
Mathematical Biology	10
Bayesian Inference	10
Stochastic Financial Modelling	10
Statistical Inference	10
Big Data Analytics	10
Discrete Stochastic Modelling	10
Survival Analysis	10
Linear & Generalised Linear Models	20

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Our degrees are taught using a combination of lectures, problem classes, tutorials, practical computer classes, computer-based assessments, and data collection and analysis.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assignments – written or fieldwork

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

Skills and experience

Practical skills

This practical course will equip you with technical skills and the knowledge to confidently apply them in real-world scenarios.

Alongside your studies, you'll have the opportunity to self-study the Sage CIMA qualification to develop your use of accountancy software.

The multidisciplinary nature of this degree also means you'll develop a range of skills that employers value, such as: 

• time management
• organisation
• self-motivation

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas. Our overseas partner institutions include:

• Universiteit Leiden, in The Netherlands
• L-Universta ta' Malta, in Malta
• Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, in Barcelona
• Technisches Universitat Munchen, Munich

There are also lots of options in North America, Australia and Asia, including:

• Buffalo (New York State)
• McGill (Montreal)
• University of New South Wales (Sydney)
• Hong Kong
• Singapore

During your time studying abroad, you will select from a range of modules offered by your host university. Alongside taking some subject-relevant modules, you will be given greater flexibility to choose modules from different disciplines (eg Languages, Business)

If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.

A full year not for you? No problem - there are usually lots of short-term student mobility experiences to take part in. This includes field trips and student conferences.

Find out more about study abroad

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year.  Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements.

Facilities and environment

Facilities

You'll have access to the facilities of both the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics based in the Herschel Building, and Newcastle University Business School, based in our state-of-the-art building within the Newcastle Helix development – Newcastle's emerging business district.

A state-of-the-art learning environment will support your studies and you'll have access to extensive IT facilities for teaching and self-study, including:

• computer-based exercises with instant review of model solutions
• problem-solving video tutorials
• recording system for video capture of lectures, which you can download and watch again to help with your revision

Support

To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive a tablet. You can download the online learning resources you'll need for your course (helping us to make our campus more sustainable).

You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues. There is a transition officer specifically to help your transition from school/college to university life.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.

You'll also benefit from our:

• induction programme, including social events, to help you settle in quickly
• activities and events run by our student-run society, MathSoc
• homework classes to help with assignments

Your future

This course will prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities in accounting, finance and statistical roles across a variety of sectors.

Recent graduates have taken on roles such as:

• business analyst
• finance associate
• tax analyst
• trainee auditor
• assurance associate

They have also found employment with a range of globally recognised companies including:

• Ernst & Young
• Deloitte
• PwC
• KPMG
• Baker Tilly
• Cummins Europe
• National Audit Office
• Grant Thornton UK LLP

Benefit from strong industry links

You'll also benefit from our well-established links with organisations within the industry. Through research or placements we work with companies such as:

• Nissan
• Northern Gas networks
• Office for National Statistics
• Centre for Life
• Met Office
• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• Drager Safety
• Enzen Global
• PTV Group
• USGS

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2023 entry (per year)

Home Fee Students

£9250

International Fee Students

£22800

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Read more about fees and funding

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

• different tuition fees
• additional costs

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages