BSc in Mathematics with Finance

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Heriot Watt University Edinburgh

Program Overview

The BSc Mathematics with Finance combines deep mathematical training with a strong foundation in financial theory, giving you the tools to understand markets, analyse data, and solve complex quantitative problems. It’s perfect for students who enjoy mathematics and want to apply those skills to finance, investment, risk analysis, or data-driven decision-making.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

You begin with core mathematical modules such as Calculus A, Calculus B, Introduction to University Mathematics, and Elements of Probability, ensuring a strong transition from school-level maths to university rigour. Alongside this, you study Introductory Finance and Topics in Statistical Practice, building early financial awareness and useful statistical skills.

Year 2

Your second year strengthens both mathematical depth and financial literacy. You study Real Analysis, Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, and Applied Mathematics A, while also taking dedicated finance modules such as Fundamentals of Finance and Financial Markets Theory. Technical skills also advance through Numerical Analysis A, helping you develop strong computational understanding.

Year 3

In third year, you move into more advanced mathematics and specialised financial topics. You explore modules such as Abstract Algebra, Complex Analysis, and Ordinary Differential Equations, while developing finance expertise through Corporate Financial Theory, Financial Derivatives, and Applied Financial Modelling in Python. This mix builds strong quantitative and coding abilities essential in the financial industry.

Year 4

Your final year allows you to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals. You take advanced finance modules such as Risk Management and Derivatives Applications, complemented by higher-level mathematical options like Optimisation, Functional Analysis, Numerical Analysis C, or Partial Differential Equations. You also complete an independent Mathematics Project Dissertation, showcasing your ability to investigate, analyse, and present complex mathematical or financial ideas.

Focus Areas

Pure and applied mathematics, financial mathematics, financial theory, market behaviour, quantitative modelling, risk management, and computational finance.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop strong analytical reasoning, advanced quantitative problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply mathematical thinking directly to financial modelling, risk analysis, and market-driven decision making.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Delivered through the internationally recognised School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences and shaped by research from the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, the programme aligns with professional expectations in financial analysis, quantitative modelling, actuarial work, and data-heavy roles in banking and finance.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Mathematics degrees at Heriot-Watt are ranked 1st in Scotland for graduate employment prospects and among the top in the UK for producing job-ready graduates. Graduates typically move into sectors such as finance, investment banking, data science, risk analysis, and consulting, supported by strong placement and industry connections.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BSc Mathematics with Finance at Heriot-Watt is built to help you apply mathematical and financial concepts in real, practical ways. You’ll learn through collaborative problem-solving, hands-on computational work, exposure to financial modelling techniques, and structured project preparation that trains you to think like a quantitative professional. Students also benefit from specialist support spaces, university digital tools, and a research environment shaped by the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences.

Here’s how your practical learning experience is supported:

Maths Café peer-learning hub, where students collaborate on mathematical exercises, finance-related problem sheets, and exam revision—strengthening understanding through group discussion and shared problem-solving.
University computing labs equipped with mathematical and statistical software, including tools used for financial modelling, numerical analysis, and data handling available through the Desktop Services network.
Access to extensive finance and mathematics digital resources, including journals, datasets, and databases for quantitative finance, supporting coursework and self-guided learning.
Strong research environment via the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, giving students valuable indirect exposure to current mathematical modelling, data analysis, and applied finance research themes.
Applied Financial Modelling coursework, where students use programming tools (such as Python) to build and test models—developing practical coding and quantitative analysis skills.
Independent research and project development, especially in the final-year Mathematics Project Dissertation, where students explore a specialised topic involving mathematical, statistical, or financial analysis.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme step confidently into roles where strong quantitative skills and financial understanding are essential. The combination of mathematical rigour and practical financial training gives you a competitive edge in sectors such as banking, investment, insurance, data analytics, and consultancy.

Strong Early-Career Success: Many graduates secure full-time roles within months of finishing the degree. A large proportion begin careers in finance-focused positions, while others enter analytical or technical roles where mathematical expertise is valued.
Excellent Employment Support: The Careers and Graduate Futures Service offers tailored workshops, CV reviews, interview coaching, employer networking sessions, and internship guidance — helping you transition smoothly from university into the professional world.
Competitive Graduate Salaries: Students from this pathway often start in roles with strong earning potential, particularly in financial analysis, actuarial work, risk modelling, and investment operations.
Highly Respected Programme: Heriot-Watt has an international reputation for quantitative subjects, and employers consistently recognise the strength of its math-finance graduates. This reputation, combined with industry-aligned teaching, enhances your employability across global markets.
Versatile Career Pathways: Your skill set prepares you for careers in financial modelling, portfolio analysis, data science, actuarial services, economic research, banking operations, and applied analytics. Because the training is highly transferable, you can also transition into technology, consulting, or government roles.

Further Academic Progression

Many students continue to postgraduate study in areas such as financial mathematics, actuarial science, data science, quantitative finance, applied mathematics, or economics. Heriot-Watt’s strong research culture and connections with industry-focused master’s programmes make it a smooth next step if you want to specialise further.