Financial Mathematics with a Professional Placement Year

The financial service sector is evolving rapidly, and talented mathematicians with a strong grounding in finance knowledge are in high demand. They are needed across almost every area of the finance industry and in research institutes including banking, investment, insurance, wealth management, risk management and more. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in mathematics, while also developing knowledge and skills that are essential for careers in the finance industry. You’ll develop an understanding of modern financial markets, investments, financial technology, regulation and policies, along with the opportunity to spend a year gaining real-world experience in a paid role as a mathematician or statistician.

You’ll study core areas like calculus, algebra, and statistics, while having the flexibility to explore topics like operational research, mathematical modelling, mathematical analysis, and more.

Throughout the course you’ll develop valuable analytical, computational, and problem-solving skills that are highly sought after in industries like finance, technology, engineering, education, and research. You'll also focus on topics relevant to computational and market design aspects of contemporary finance, including:
• Complex Systems
• Trading and market microstructure
• Predictive Analytics with investor behaviour
• Fund and Wealth Management
• Fintech and AI in finance

This four-year version of the degree includes a year of paid work in a mathematician and/or statistician role during year three. You will return to Cardiff following the successful completion of your work placement at the start of the autumn semester ready for your final year of studies.

In a competitive graduate job market, a placement can help you gain extra skills and experience to make you stand out from the crowd. Providing real-world context to support your studies, it's a great opportunity to explore different career options and might even help you make those all-important decisions about your future.
Our students have completed placements at organisations including HM Revenue & Customs, the Ministry of Defence, Nationwide, BAE Systems and Lloyds Bank.

Distinctive Features of the Programme

Professional accreditation
This degree is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA).

Build expertise in finance and fintech
Develop your understanding of modern financial markets, investments, financial technology, regulation and policies.

Experience a year in industry
Benefit from our strong links with industrial partners around the UK with a professional placement year.

Excellent facilities
Our purpose-built building offers flexible and creative workspaces, innovative teaching areas, communal study spaces and a simulated Trading Room.