Financial Mathematics with a Professional Placement Year (BSc)
- Subject area: Mathematics
- UCAS code: 15R6
- Next intake: September 2027
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode: Full time with sandwich year
Why study this course
Get a strong mathematical foundation and real-world experience while exploring the cutting edge of finance, from fintech and AI to market design and investment strategy.
Experience a year in industry
Benefit from our strong links with industrial partners around the UK with a professional placement year.
Build expertise in finance and FinTech
Develop your understanding of modern financial markets, investments, financial technology, regulation and policies
Excellent facilities
Our purpose-built building offers flexible and creative workspaces, innovative teaching areas, communal study spaces and a simulated Trading Room.
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.
Subject area: Mathematics
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
AAB-BBB. Must include grade B in Maths.
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
- Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application. Eligible students will be given an offer that is lower than the standard offer (usually the middle or lower end of the advertised grade range).
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional consideration in the selection process.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
34-31 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 5 in HL Maths or Maths Analysis and Approaches.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
GCSE and other essential requirements
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
English language requirements
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
DD-DM in a BTEC Diploma in any subject and grade B in A-Level Maths.
T level
Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees for 2027 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year.
1 Home status tuition fees are charged at the maximum fee set by the Government each year. If the tuition fee cap changes before you start your course, we’ll email you to let you know. We’ll explain any changes to your tuition fees, and allow you to withdraw without penalty if you decide not to study with us.
Tuition fees may increase for subsequent years of your course if the fee cap changes. Learn what happens if tuition fees increase.
Fees for overseas status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year.
Costs for sandwich years
During a sandwich year (e.g. year in industry, placement year or year abroad) a lower fee will apply. Full details can be found on our fees pages.
Additional costs
You may be required to cover additional costs that are either not essential or are basic costs that a student should be expected to cover themselves. This includes but is not limited to laptop computers, calculators, general stationery, and textbooks (assumed to be available in the library). This will be clearly detailed in all programme information and in any verbal instructions given by tutors.
As you will spend a year on professional placement, you will need to need to pay for travel to and from your place of work and living costs, such as accommodation and groceries.
Course specific equipment
We provide a range of high-spec PCs for students to access, but we do recommend you acquire a laptop computer or tablet to be able to access digital learning materials and run specific software. Free access to specialist software will be arranged by the school as required for study, in all cases for campus use and when possible individual licenses will be provided.
We recommend that you have a scientific calculator. This will be necessary for completing some calculations and supporting your understanding of material introduced during the programme. Note that graphics calculators are not allowed in any examinations.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
This is a four-year full-time degree programme consisting of 120 credits a year and a one-year industrial placement at an approved organisation. It is structured in such a way that you will acquire over successive years high-level skills of mathematics study and interpretation to become an independent and critical thinker, equipped for professional employment. The course includes a carefully chosen balance of essential mathematical topics and modules which develop wider skills, with increased opportunity to focus on specific areas of interest as the programme develops, whilst gaining knowledge and experience of topics relevant to computational and market design aspects of contemporary finance.
You are required to successfully progress from Year Two of the programme without failing any module(s) at the main examination board pass to continue your studies onto the placement year. Students who fail any modules in Year Two will be transferred onto the non placement version of the programme.
Please note that acceptance onto this programme does not guarantee you a placement as all applications must be accepted by the placement provider. We will provide you with support and advice throughout the application process. If you are unable to obtain a placement in Year Two, you will be transferred onto the non placement year version of the programme.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2027/2028 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2027.
Year one
Year One contains a foundational core in mathematical topics, alongside the exploration of contemporary applications of the subject and development of essential associated skills, and an introduction to financial mathematics.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Computing for Mathematics | MA1003 | 20 credits |
| Foundations of Mathematics I | MA1005 | 20 credits |
| Foundations of Mathematics II | MA1006 | 20 credits |
| Linear and Differential Equations | MA1011 | 20 credits |
| Probability and Statistics | MA1502 | 20 credits |
| Foundations of Finance and Modern Financial Markets | MA1802 | 20 credits |
Year two
Year Two of the programme builds upon the foundational mathematics introduced in Year One, with some choice to allow focus on specific areas of interest in Year Three, whilst continuing to develop knowledge of financial mathematics.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus | MA2012 | 20 credits |
| Probability Theory and Stochastic Simulation | MA2503 | 20 credits |
| Operational Research | MA2601 | 20 credits |
| Modern Mathematical Computing | MA2702 | 20 credits |
| Further Finance: Pricing and Risk Modelling | MA2802 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Abstract Algebra | MA2015 | 20 credits |
| Mechanics | MA2304 | 20 credits |
| Entrepreneurship | MA2902 | 20 credits |
Year three: Sandwich year
In Year Three you will commence salaried employment, working as a Mathematician or Statistician at a professional organisation in the UK or Europe. The placement can be undertaken with a wide range of providers across industry including many in the financial services, the pharmaceutical industry, and government.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Training | MA9999 | 120 credits |
Year four
The final year of the programme provides opportunity to delve deeper into financial mathematics and other specific aspects of interest. Some optional modules will depend on having studied appropriate modules in Year Two. Personal Tutors will be available to guide you through the options available.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioural Finance | MA3800 | 10 credits |
| Market Microstructure, Trading Theory and Applications | MA3806 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
We’re located in Abacws, a world-leading facility designed in collaboration with students and academic staff to create interdisciplinary, flexible and creative workspaces, with innovative teaching areas being a key feature including a simulated Trading Room for financial mathematics. Classes will include lectures, practical tutorials, workshops, and staff and student-led seminars. Independent learning is encouraged throughout the course including regular homework problems which are essential for learning mathematics.
How will I be supported?
At the start of each year, you will be given a guide to module aims, learning outcomes, methods of assessment, module syllabuses, and reading lists. You will be allocated a personal tutor, a member of the academic staff who will provide pastoral support and academic advice during your course.
For the professional placement in year three you will have a line manager at the host organisation to provide guidance and support. The School’s placement coordinator will also maintain regular contact to review your personal and professional progress.
All lecturing staff can be contacted by email and have either an ‘open door’ policy for students with specific queries about course material, or a system to book meeting times. Student Hubs will also be available to support any administrative queries.
You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, exercises and solutions, and further links.
The University offers a range of services including Student Futures – the careers and employability service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service and excellent libraries and resource centres.
Further learning support is also available via the University wide Maths Support Service. This provides relaxed and informal daily drop-in sessions where students are encouraged to discuss any elements of their studies with a tutor on a one-to-one or small group basis.
How will I be assessed?
A range of assessment approaches are utilised throughout the programme. These reflect the outcomes associated with the specific modules and include:
- written examination (at the end of the autumn or spring semesters)
- group based and individual project work
- problem-solving exercises
- written reports
- computer programs
- oral assessments
Feedback on progress is typically provided through a combination of discussion in class, comments relating to submitted work, and review of outline solutions to problems. This provides you with opportunity to reflect on your progress and develop independent learning strategies. You are also encouraged to discuss any queries related to specific modules with individual lecturers.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- demonstrate reasonable knowledge and understanding of the core areas of mathematics and financial mathematics
- evidence an awareness of the scope and breadth of modern financial mathematics as an interdisciplinary subject, and recognise connections among fields including mathematics, statistics, finance, and economics
- evidence an awareness of the societal impact of mathematical research
Intellectual Skills:
- formulate problems mathematically and make hypotheses
- solve problems formulated within established mathematical frameworks in core areas of mathematics and some specialist areas and draw valid inferences from their solutions
- reason using logical arguments, including identifying assumptions made and the conclusions drawn
- apply concepts and principles in well-defined contexts, showing judgement in the selection and application of tools and techniques
- demonstrate the ability to adapt to the professional practices by successfully undertaking a professional placement year
Professional Practical Skills:
- accurately read and communicate with technical subject-specific terminology and notation
- perform calculations and manipulations with precision and rigour within the body of knowledge
- write and run computer code in at least one programming language to analyse problems mathematically
- perform mathematical and statistical analyses to gain insights from data
- evaluate the impact and implications of scientific solutions for the targeted problems both theoretically and with real-life perspectives
Transferable/Key Skills:
- effectively communicate mathematical ideas to a variety of audiences in multiple formats
- demonstrate creativity and criticality in problem solving
- locate, critically evaluate, and interpret data and information from a range of sources
- make effective contributions to group work to achieve a specific aim
- work independently by successfully completing a professional placement year
Careers and placements
Career prospects
You will build a wide range of valuable skills through this programme, alongside a grounding in finance knowledge. You will develop a logical and analytical way of thinking, learning how to solve problems by creating and applying mathematical theories, and be able to work with abstract ideas. You will also learn how to work with data to spot patterns and draw conclusions, and use technology to support your work.
As part of your studies, you will gain confidence in presenting clear and accurate mathematical arguments, and will become highly skilled in working with numbers and analysing large sets of information. These skills are useful in many careers, not just those directly related to maths or finance.
Alongside this, you'll also develop other important skills that employers look for in all kinds of jobs. These include:
- Communicating clearly, both in writing and speaking
- Collaborating effectively with others
- Managing your time and staying organised
- Working independently and taking responsibility
- Paying close attention to detail
- Making well-informed decisions
This programme is designed to meet the evolving needs of the financial industry with a blend of foundational mathematical knowledge and cutting-edge skills to enable students to pursue careers in finance. Recent graduate destinations include Admiral, PwC, Lloyds Banking Groups and other financial institutions.
For students pursuing academia, the programme provides a rigorous pathway to research and advanced study. Opportunities for exploration of emerging areas, independent projects, and exposure to current research trends will develop intellectual curiosity and critical inquiry.
The professional placement also provides hands-on experience applying mathematical concepts to real-world problems, helping bridge the gap between theory and practice. It also builds valuable workplace skills such as teamwork, communication, and time management, while giving insight into potential impactful future careers.
We aim to provide you with both the skills and confidence to succeed in your chosen career, and will support you through our Careers Advisor, the wider University Careers Service and a range of on-site careers fairs and employer visits.
Placements
There are opportunities for short-term activities such as planning and delivering outreach activities through the optional project in the final year.
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
