BSc Hons Mathematics with a Professional Placement

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Mathematics with a Professional Placement at Queen Mary University of London combines rigorous mathematical study with a year of real-world, paid professional experience. It is ideal for students who want strong analytical and quantitative skills alongside practical industry exposure, giving you confidence, career clarity, and a standout CV.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
The first year provides a solid foundation in mathematics with modules such as Programming in Python I, Numbers, Sets and Functions, Introduction to Analysis with Calculus, Probability & Statistics, Introduction to Algebra, and Vectors and Matrices. Students develop analytical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how to apply programming to mathematical contexts, laying the groundwork for more advanced study.

Year 2:
Year 2 focuses on deeper mathematical topics including Differential Equations, Linear Algebra I, Programming in Python II, Convergence and Continuity, and optional modules such as Actuarial Mathematics I. This year strengthens students’ ability to tackle complex quantitative problems and prepares them for real-world application of their skills.

Year 3 – Professional Placement:
During Year 3, students undertake a professional placement with an employer in a mathematics-related field. This hands-on, paid experience allows students to apply their numerical, modelling, and computational skills in a workplace setting, gain industry insights, and develop professional networks that enhance employability.

Final Year (Year 4):
After returning from the placement, the final year focuses on advanced mathematics modules and optional specialist pathways, such as higher-level analysis, probabilistic modelling, or computational mathematics. Students can also undertake independent or project-based work, integrating their academic knowledge with practical insights from their placement.

Focus areas (in a string):

Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability & Statistics, Differential Equations, Programming in Python, Mathematical Modelling, Analytical Thinking, Professional Experience

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Apply rigorous mathematical reasoning, develop advanced quantitative and computational skills, solve complex real-world problems, integrate academic learning with professional practice, and communicate results effectively in technical and workplace settings

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The programme includes a structured professional placement year that provides practical experience, helping students develop skills and industry insights highly valued by employers in finance, technology, analytics, research, and consulting.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Queen Mary University of London is a respected Russell Group institution with a strong School of Mathematical Sciences. Students benefit from supportive teaching, high-quality academic training, and strong graduate outcomes, while the placement year gives a competitive advantage in the job market.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BSc (Hons) Mathematics with a Professional Placement at Queen Mary University of London allows students to apply their mathematical studies directly in a professional setting through a full paid work placement year. This ensures students gain practical experience and develop skills that employers value in sectors such as finance, technology, business analytics, and data science. Throughout the placement, students remain enrolled at Queen Mary and have access to academic support and university resources.

While on campus, the programme combines lectures and tutorials with practical sessions that apply mathematical thinking to real problems and promote collaborative learning. Students also receive guidance on preparing for their placement from the early stages of the degree, ensuring readiness for professional experience.

Key experiential learning features include:

Professional placement year: A full year working in a relevant organisation, applying analytical, data, IT, and communication skills in real-world scenarios.
Guided placement support: Dedicated school support helps students identify and apply for placements, with interview preparation and career guidance.
Integration with your degree: The placement is directly connected to your mathematical studies, giving context to academic learning and insight into career pathways.
Collaborative problem solving: Tutorials and exercise classes encourage group work to explore mathematical ideas and strengthen communication of complex concepts.
Use of computing resources: Access to campus computer labs and mathematical software supports analytical exercises, modelling work, and computational tasks reflective of industry practices.
Professional skills development: Placement preparation and coursework build expertise in data analysis, mathematical reasoning, presentation, and professional communication.
Library and study spaces: Modern study zones and library resources support both academic learning and independent research throughout the degree.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Mathematics with a Professional Placement combine strong mathematical expertise with real‑world work experience, making them highly attractive to employers in competitive sectors. Completing a placement year demonstrates the ability to apply skills in professional settings, and mathematics graduates typically earn above the national average for STEM fields in early career stages. This degree prepares students for analytical and technology‑oriented careers with practical experience already on their CV.

Typical job roles include:

Data Analyst / Quantitative Analyst – interpreting complex datasets to guide decisions.
Software or Systems Developer – applying logic and computation to build technical solutions.
Financial Analyst / Risk Specialist – using mathematical models in financial and business analysis.
Consultant / Business Analyst – solving organisational challenges with analytical insight.

University support for career success:

Professional Placement Integration: The programme includes a paid professional placement year where students gain hands‑on work experience relevant to their career goals, bridging the gap between study and graduate roles.
Career Services Support: Dedicated guidance for CV development, interview preparation, job search strategies, networking, and connecting students with potential employers.
Skill Development in Context: Strong analytical, numerical, and problem‑solving skills are built during the academic years and applied directly in industry, strengthening professional profiles.
Graduate Outcomes: Mathematics graduates from Queen Mary typically progress into employment or further study shortly after graduating, reflecting strong demand for this skillset.
Reputation and Credibility: Studying in London at a research‑led institution adds long‑term value to the qualification and enhances career opportunities across sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue postgraduate study such as master’s degrees in Data Science, Statistics, Financial Mathematics, Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics to specialise further. Those interested in research may progress to MRes or PhD programmes in mathematical sciences or related fields, while others may pursue professional postgraduate training in areas like actuarial science, artificial intelligence, or quantitative finance.