Financial Mathematics with Year Abroad MSci (Hons)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

The MSci (Hons) in Financial Mathematics with Year Abroad at Queen Mary University of London gives students a solid foundation in pure and applied mathematics, along with deep training in financial mathematics and computational finance. It is ideal for students passionate about mathematics, programming, and economic or financial systems — particularly for those aiming at careers in finance, risk analysis, investment banking, or quantitative finance.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In the first year, students develop foundational mathematical and computational skills through modules such as Applied Calculus, Applied Probability & Statistics, Numbers, Sets and Functions, Vectors and Matrices, along with Economics for Business Management and introductory programming in Python. These modules ensure a well-rounded base in calculus, probability and statistics, linear algebra, and basic programming — all crucial for later financial mathematics and quantitative work.

Year 2
The second year deepens core understanding with modules like Applied Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Probability & Statistics II, and Statistical Modelling. At this stage, students often choose from electives such as Actuarial Mathematics I, Complex Variables, Statistics for Insurance, or modules covering computational or business-oriented topics — allowing a gradual introduction to financial and actuarial applications of mathematics.

Year 3 (Year Abroad)
During the third year, the student goes abroad — one of the key benefits of this programme. This “Year Abroad” year provides international exposure, academic breadth, and the opportunity to gain different perspectives on mathematics or finance in a global context.

Year 4 and Year 5 (Final Years after Return)
After returning from abroad, in the final two years students dive into advanced, master-level content. They study specialist financial mathematics modules, numerical and computational methods (including programming/computing for finance), and complete an individual MSci project in Financial Mathematics. This period focuses on sophisticated topics — such as financial instruments and markets, derivatives pricing, risk modelling, continuous-time models, stochastic processes, and numerical methods — preparing them for both quantitative finance roles and potential postgraduate study.

Focus areas
Applied mathematics (calculus, linear algebra, differential equations), probability and statistics, computational finance (programming, numerical methods), financial mathematics (markets, derivatives, risk modelling), and independent research via the MSci project.

Learning outcomes
Graduates will have strong mathematical and statistical reasoning, programming and computational skills, and specialized expertise in financial mathematics — including modelling financial markets, pricing, and risk analysis. They will also benefit from international exposure and be well-prepared for demanding quantitative roles in finance or further academic research.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
The programme follows UK higher-education standards under the formal framework for mathematics, statistics, and operational research. While there is no formal accreditation by an external professional body, the curriculum is closely aligned with quantitative finance, mathematical finance, risk management, and computational finance — making it highly relevant for careers in banking, investment firms, fintech, and related sectors.

Reputation (employability & outcomes)
QMUL’s Financial Mathematics MSci is well-regarded among students aiming for quantitative finance. Many mathematics and financial-mathematics graduates from QMUL go on to employment or further study shortly after graduation, demonstrating strong employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the Financial Mathematics with Year Abroad MSci programme at Queen Mary don’t just study theory — they build real, practical skills and get access to excellent facilities that mirror what’s used in the financial industry. From early on, they move beyond pure maths to learn computational methods, data analysis, and financial modelling. Queen Mary’s modern Mathematical Sciences building — with high-quality teaching rooms, group-study areas, and a social hub — offers a supportive and collaborative environment.

Moreover, because of Queen Mary’s location in London’s financial-centre area, students are strategically positioned to explore internships, placements, and graduate opportunities in top financial firms.

That practical exposure is reinforced by computing and programming training, and a final-year individual research project in mathematical finance — giving a taste of real-world quantitative finance work.

Key Practical & Academic Features:

Students study a blend of pure and applied mathematics plus specialist modules in mathematical finance, numerical methods, and computing.
Programming and numerical modules equip students with high-demand computing skills such as financial modelling and quantitative methods.
In the final year, students complete an individual research project in contemporary financial mathematics — this helps build independent analytical and research skills.
Students benefit from a dedicated careers consultant and support for internship/placement applications, giving them guidance on CVs, applications, and interviews.
Because of Queen Mary’s London location and proximity to major financial institutions, there are excellent opportunities for placement or graduate schemes in finance, fintech, risk management, banking.
Many modules are taught in computer labs, giving hands-on exposure to computational tools and techniques, not just theory.

Why This Programme Stands Out
By the time a student graduates, they don’t just understand abstract mathematics — they are equipped with a powerful, practical toolkit of quantitative, programming and analytical skills, immediately relevant to finance, fintech, risk-analysis, and data-driven financial roles. The Year Abroad option adds international exposure, which can broaden perspective and enhance global employability.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Financial Mathematics with Year Abroad MSci (Hons) at Queen Mary University of London typically move into high-level analytical and finance roles. They are well prepared for careers in quantitative finance, banking, consulting, or data-driven sectors, supported by strong mathematical and statistical foundations.

Typical job roles include:

Quantitative Analyst or Quant Developer
Risk Management Analyst
Investment or Financial Analyst
Data Analyst in finance or fintech

This programme supports long-term career growth through:

University career services offering dedicated careers consultants, internship coordinators, skills workshops, and tailored support for CVs, applications, and interview preparation
Strong employability outcomes, with a high proportion of mathematical sciences graduates progressing into work or further study within six months, and competitive starting salaries for finance-focused roles
Global exposure through established international university partnerships, enhancing employability in international banking, consulting, and financial services
Long-term value from studying in a university with recognised strengths in mathematics, quantitative training, and industry relevance
Strong graduate outcomes, with alumni progressing into respected financial institutions, consulting firms, government agencies, and data-driven companies

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may continue into specialised postgraduate study, such as a Master’s in Quantitative Finance, Financial Mathematics, Data Science, or Statistics. They may also pursue doctoral research in applied mathematics or mathematical finance, or progress into professional postgraduate qualifications in finance, actuarial science, or business-related fields such as an MSc in Finance or an MBA.