Financial Mathematics with a Professional Placement Year BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Financial Mathematics with a Professional Placement Year BSc (Hons)
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, reg...
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.<br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>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. Youll also focus on topics relevant to computational and market design aspects of contemporary finance, including:<br/>• Complex Systems <br/>• Trading and market microstructure <br/>• Predictive Analytics with investor behaviour <br/>• Fund and Wealth Management<br/>• Fintech and AI in finance<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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, its a great opportunity to explore different career options and might even help you make those all-important decisions about your future.<br/>Our students have completed placements at organisations including HM Revenue & Customs, the Ministry of Defence, Nationwide, BAE Systems and Lloyds Bank. <br/><br/><strong>Distinctive Features of the Programme</strong> <br/><br/><strong>Professional accreditation</strong><br/>This degree is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA).<br/><br/><strong>Build expertise in finance and fintech</strong><br/>Develop your understanding of modern financial markets, investments, financial technology, regulation and policies.<br/><br/><strong>Experience a year in industry</strong><br/>Benefit from our strong links with industrial partners around the UK with a professional placement year. <br/><br/><strong>Excellent facilities</strong><br/>Our purpose-built building offers flexible and creative workspaces, innovative teaching areas, communal study spaces and a simulated Trading Room.
Course Information
1 option available
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Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Sandwich
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
28/09/2026
Campus
Main Site - Cardiff
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
15R6
Institution Code
C15
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34
31
34-31 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 5 in HL Maths or Maths Analysis and Approaches.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD in a BTEC Diploma in any subject and grade A in A-Level Maths.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
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.
Extended Project
A
For applicants taking the EPQ qualification, an A in the EPQ can be recognised to lower the entry requirements by a single grade. For example, an AAB offer would be “AAB from 3 A-levels or ABB from 3 A-levels and a grade A in the EPQ”. Please note that any subject specific requirements must be met.
A level
A,A,B
B,B,B
Must include grade B in 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.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
The Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in place of one A-level at the A-level grades specified, excluding any subject specific requirements.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales will be accepted in lieu of one A level at the A level grades specified, excluding any subject specific requirements.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,790 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
| EU, International | £30,700 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |






































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