BSc Mathematics with Finance and Investment Banking with a Placement Year

Expand your mathematical knowledge, gain practical experience, and help prepare yourself for a professional career on our BSc Mathematics with Finance and Investment Banking with a Placement Year course.

Study a wide range of topics from statistics to foreign exchange and experience the thrill of live markets. This flexible degree will help you to develop your skills - including how to code.

Choose BSc Mathematics with Finance and Investment Banking with a Placement Year

Join a University ranked 1st in the UK for environmental and ethical performance (People and Planet University League 2023/24) and the first ever winner of the Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership in 2023.
Your study will take place on our parkland campus at Whiteknights, which has been voted among the best and most popular green spaces in the UK for 14 consecutive years in the Green Flag awards.
98% of our research is world leading or internationally excellent and 100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Mathematical Sciences).
The University of Reading has been named Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Your study will take place on our parkland campus at Whiteknights, which has been voted among the best and most popular green spaces in the UK for 14 consecutive years in the Green Flag Awards.

Grow in confidence as a mathematician

Join the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and become a part of a supportive, interactive, and accomplished learning community.

Taught by expert staff with extensive teaching and research experience, you’ll work collaboratively across a range of topics in pure and applied mathematics. You will study mathematics for approximately two thirds of the course and our modules are informed by our world-leading research in areas such as:

calculus
numerical analysis
linear algebra
differential equations
statistics.

Your second year will feature a skills module, designed to improve your transferrable skills and enhance your employability. In your final year, you will undertake some mathematics and/or statistics project work.

This course meets the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when followed by subsequent training and experience in employment in order to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught master's degrees.

Finance and investment banking

Finance and investment banking will make up the remaining third of your degree. Guided by the triple-accredited Henley Business School, you will have access to the latest investment management technology, including our three dealing rooms, equipped with Bloomberg and Thomsen Reuters Eikon terminals.

You will have the opportunity to manage the risk of a $50-100 million trading book, quote two-way prices, take positions, and immerse yourself in the financial industry.

We pride ourselves in our high-quality teaching, which will be delivered through a wide range of approaches, such as:

lectures
group tutorials
group presentations
open debate.

Tailor your degree

In your final year, you will be able to explore areas of interest in greater depth.

Alongside your mathematical and/or statistical project work, you will choose from a range of optional modules such as:

Fintech and cryptocurrencies
Private equity and venture capital
Partial differential equations and applications
Number theory and cryptography
Applied stochastic processes.

Support across your studies

Benefit from being a part of two departments who will support you throughout your degree.

Support for the transition to university-level mathematics will be provided through regular contact time with your lecturers, you'll receive plenty of support, including:

small group problem-solving tutorials
materials to help you manage the transition to university-level mathematics.

97% of our students said it was easy to contact teaching staff when they needed to (National Student Survey 2024, 96.97% of responders from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics).

You will also be encouraged to get involved with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics' Student-Staff Partnership Group, enabling you to have a direct input into the student experience.

Dedicated finance and investment facilities

Put your understanding of financial systems and capital markets into practice in our state-of-the-art dealing rooms, featuring computer trading simulations and financial modelling.

You'll experience the thrill of a live market – take positions, quote two-way prices, and manage the risk of a $50-100m trading book.

These facilities provide an excellent learning opportunity, offering you highly valuable experience to draw upon when applying for graduate roles.

Study abroad

With support and guidance from the University, you can choose to spend two weeks, a semester, or an academic year of your degree studying abroad.

Visit the Study Abroad website for more information about the possibilities and benefits of studying abroad.

Overview

Study a wide range of topics from statistics to foreign exchange and experience the thrill of live markets. This flexible degree will help you to develop your skills - including how to code.

Choose BSc Mathematics with Finance and Investment Banking with a Placement Year

Join a University ranked 1st in the UK for environmental and ethical performance (People and Planet University League 2023/24) and the first ever winner of the Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership in 2023.
Your study will take place on our parkland campus at Whiteknights, which has been voted among the best and most popular green spaces in the UK for 14 consecutive years in the Green Flag awards.
98% of our research is world leading or internationally excellent and 100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Mathematical Sciences).
The University of Reading has been named Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Your study will take place on our parkland campus at Whiteknights, which has been voted among the best and most popular green spaces in the UK for 14 consecutive years in the Green Flag Awards.

calculus
numerical analysis
linear algebra
differential equations
statistics.

lectures
group tutorials
group presentations
open debate.

Learning

Tailor your degree

In your final year, you will be able to explore areas of interest in greater depth.

Alongside your mathematical and/or statistical project work, you will choose from a range of optional modules such as:

Fintech and cryptocurrencies
Private equity and venture capital
Partial differential equations and applications
Number theory and cryptography
Applied stochastic processes.

Support across your studies

Benefit from being a part of two departments who will support you throughout your degree.

Support for the transition to university-level mathematics will be provided through regular contact time with your lecturers, you'll receive plenty of support, including:

small group problem-solving tutorials
materials to help you manage the transition to university-level mathematics.

97% of our students said it was easy to contact teaching staff when they needed to (National Student Survey 2024, 96.97% of responders from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics).

You will also be encouraged to get involved with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics' Student-Staff Partnership Group, enabling you to have a direct input into the student experience.

Dedicated finance and investment facilities

Put your understanding of financial systems and capital markets into practice in our state-of-the-art dealing rooms, featuring computer trading simulations and financial modelling.

You'll experience the thrill of a live market – take positions, quote two-way prices, and manage the risk of a $50-100m trading book.

These facilities provide an excellent learning opportunity, offering you highly valuable experience to draw upon when applying for graduate roles.

Study abroad

With support and guidance from the University, you can choose to spend two weeks, a semester, or an academic year of your degree studying abroad.

Visit the Study Abroad website for more information about the possibilities and benefits of studying abroad.

Entry requirements A Level ABB

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

ABB with an A in Maths, and if you place us as your Firm choice we will accept you with one grade lower than this, including accepting a B in Maths at A level (e.g BBB with Maths at B or ABC with Maths at either A or B).

If you are studying an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in addition to your A levels and achieve a B in the EPQ we will accept ABC at A level with an A in Mathematics. If you place us as Firm choice we will accept BBC with a B in Mathematics alongside a B in the EPQ.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall including 6 in Maths at higher level. If you place us as your firm choice we will accept you with 30 points overall including 5 in Maths at higher level.

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

Learn more about our International Foundation programme

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Compulsory modules

Calculus

Extend your existing knowledge of calculus into two or more dimensions, exploring techniques of ordinary differential equations of the first and second order and learning how programming has mathematical applications.

Foundations of Mathematics

Gain a solid introduction to fundamental topics in mathematics and develop the necessary skills to study mathematics at university-level. You’ll focus on the concept of sets, functions and various familiar number systems, as well as the importance of proofs and how to construct them.

Linear Algebra

Learn how to solve systems of linear equations, determine eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and develop the algebra of matrices which are used as a stepping-stone to the more general theory of liner and inner-product spaces.

Probability and Statistics

Understand probability and probability distributions, results and techniques for statistical reference and data science, and regression and hypothesis testing.

Introductory Finance / Trading Simulation I

Discover the financial system's role in the economy, key players, traded instruments, and trading prices. You will also learn about time value of money, bonds, and stocks, and how real and financial assets relate to each other.

Introductory Securities and Markets

Explore the key financial markets, types of money including cryptocurrencies, and sustainable finance focused on the role of the finance industry in mitigating climate change impact.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Financial Modelling

Build your MS Excel knowledge to solve a variety of practical problems related to finance. Cover topics such as spreadsheet modelling and a working knowledge of Visual Basic for Applications.

Mathematical Modelling and Professional Skills

Develop your problem-solving and independent research skills by applying mathematical modelling techniques to solve real-world problems across a broad range of scientific, engineering and economical areas. You’ll also expand your team-working, presentation, career management, technical, verbal and written communication skills.

Differential Equations

Build on your knowledge of ordinary differential equations and explore partial differential equations and their applications. You’ll explore non-constant coefficients, integral and series solutions, Fourier series, the theory of boundary value problems, diffusion equations, wave equations and Laplace’s equation.

Numerical Analysis I

Describe, analyse and implement numerical methods for problems in continuous mathematics, including solution of linear equations and nonlinear scalar equations, interpolation, scalar optimisation and solution of ordinary differential equations.

Real Analysis I

Explore mathematical analysis concepts including inequalities, sequences, series and functions.

Optional modules

Trends in Finance

Learn how finance has evolved over time and where it may develop in the future. Guest speakers will lecture on topics of current interest, and you will be encouraged to place these within their wider social and historical context.

Sustainable Finance

Discover the basics of Sustainable Finance, and cover topics such as financing and investment activities. You’ll discuss the environmental, social and governance factors, and the relevant policies and international regulations.

Fx and International Debt Markets

Develop an appreciation of the “fixed income” market by exploring traditional and innovative debt instruments and methods of pricing. Furthermore, learn how different financial institutions use portfolios of debt instruments to achieve stated objectives.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Placement Year

Compulsory modules:

Derivative Securities

Gain an overview of derivative securities and markets, and a thorough understanding of derivatives pricing and trading. You’ll be guided on the use of derivatives data, and shown how to apply theoretical models and strategies presented in class through several case simulations in the dealing room.

Portfolio of Projects

Conduct a series of projects on mathematical or statistical topics and develop your technical and professional skills.

Optional modules

Private Equity and Venture Capital

Develop your knowledge on investing in private equity and venture capital, emphasizing the relationship between investors and entrepreneurs, fund-raising, and real-world applications.

Finance and Occupational Pensions

Learn about pension schemes, providing insight into their operations and addressing the challenges they confront in a changing global landscape.

Fintech and Cryptocurrencies

Discover Fintech, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technology, and gain insights into their implementation and the challenges faced by businesses.

Asymptotic Methods

Discover the basic ideas of asymptotic analysis and further develop your skills in solving a range of problems involving nonlinear equations, integrals and differential equations.

Applied Stochastic Processes

Learn how to solve problems using stochastic processes and concepts from a variety of applications, including molecular motion, population dynamics, weather and finances.

Partial Differential Equation and Applications

Examine partial differential equations and how they appear in practical applications and natural phenomena, in particular fluid mechanics, water waves and wave scattering theory.

Numerical Analysis II

Motivate, develop and analyse a range of algorithms for the approximate solution of problems of continuous mathematics and techniques in numerical linear algebra.

Summer Placement

Gain experience applying for, and completing, a summer work placement or internship with an employer.

Linear Models and Data Analysis

Gain understanding of the most common models, including multiple linear regression and completely randomised designs, and explore the key principles of planned experiments. Learn how models are applied to practical problems and gain experience of real-life data analysis.

Methods of Machine Learning

Gain an introduction to a range of methods and techniques used in machine learning and learn how to decide which statistical method to use in different situations. Use statistical learning tools to build and evaluate algorithms for supervised learning.

Number Theory and Cryptography

Learn the basics and be able to solve and explain the theoretical aspects of number theory. Explore the field of error correction and implement and explain the theory behind error correcting codes.

Advanced Statistical Modelling

Explore advanced, alternative machine learning techniques and be able to recognise which models to use in different situations. Learn how to fit appropriate models to different data types and check and analyse the adequacy of different models.

Dynamical Systems and Applications

Take an introduction to the analysis of dynamical systems and their application. You will explore ordinary differential equations and nonlinear ones. In the second half of the module, you will learn how to apply the theory to biological problems.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,535 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

New international students: £29,950 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Placement year fees

If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact placements@reading.ac.uk.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

Career paths and support

Jobs in the financial markets, investment banking, and securities are generally well paid and highly sought-after. Your mathematical knowledge combined with coding, investment and presentation skills will make you highly desirable to a range of employers.

This degree provides a direct route into many areas including accounting and professional services, banking, consultancy, finance, human resources, IT, investment banking, marketing, operations, and general management.

Other related careers that you could move into include:

financial analysis
engineering
modelling
actuarial work.

Alternatively, you can develop your skills further by moving into research, teacher training or postgraduate studies.

Overall, 90% of graduates from Mathematics and Statistics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes first degree Mathematics and Statistics responders).

Previous Reading graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as:

BDO
Civil Service
Deloitte
EY
Grant Thornton
JLL
Lloyds Banking Group
IBM
IQVIA
KPMG
NHS
Pepsi Co
PwC.

Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2020-2024, Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2017/18-2021/22, includes undergraduate responders from the Department of Mathematics.

BSc Mathematics with Finance and Investment Banking with a Placement Year

Choose BSc Mathematics with Finance and Investment Banking with a Placement Year

Tailor your degree

Support across your studies

Dedicated finance and investment facilities

Study abroad

Tuition fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Ready for more?