BSc in Mathematics with Finance

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queens University Belfast

Program Overview

The BSc in Mathematics with Finance at Queen’s University Belfast blends strong mathematical training with specialised financial insight, giving students the analytical tools to understand and model financial markets and institutions. It’s ideal for students who enjoy working with numbers and want a degree that opens doors into finance, banking, data analysis, and quantitative roles across industry.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, students build a core foundation in both mathematics and finance, studying Introduction to Probability & Statistics to understand uncertainty and data interpretation, and Introduction to Algebra and Analysis to develop rigorous mathematical thinking. They also take Financial Institutions and Markets to gain an early understanding of how financial systems operate and the role of money, banking, and markets in the global economy.

Year 2
The second year deepens both mathematical and financial skills with modules such as Financial Decision Making, where students explore investment decisions, risk, and capital budgeting, and Financial Market Theory which covers portfolio theory and valuation of securities. Alongside these, students study core mathematical content like Methods of Operational Research, strengthening their problem‑solving and analytical abilities that are directly applicable to financial contexts.

Year 3
In the final year, students tackle advanced topics including Financial Mathematics, which introduces derivative pricing and stochastic models key to quantitative finance, and Stochastic Processes and Risk to understand probabilistic models used in risk management. They also participate in a Team Project: Mathematics with Finance, allowing them to apply their mathematical knowledge to real‑world problems and develop collaboration and project management skills.

Focus Areas
Mathematical reasoning and modelling, probability and statistics, financial markets and instruments, decision making under uncertainty, stochastic processes, applied operational research, team‑based financial problem solving.

Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to apply mathematical concepts to solve real‑world financial problems, analyse and interpret data, understand the functioning of financial institutions and markets, formulate quantitative models for risk and investment, and communicate technical insights effectively in both individual and team settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The degree is accredited and delivered by Queen’s University Belfast, known for its rigorous UK quality standards, and equips graduates with a blend of analytical and practical skills highly valued in finance, banking, insurance, data science, and consulting sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Queen’s University Belfast is part of the prestigious Russell Group of research‑intensive UK universities and is consistently ranked among the top universities globally for graduate outcomes, with mathematics graduates frequently progressing into high‑demand careers in finance and quantitative analysis.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BSc in Mathematics with Finance at Queen’s University Belfast is built around practical experience and real industry engagement from the start. Students benefit from learning in the School of Mathematics and Physics’ dedicated Teaching Centre, featuring modern lecture spaces, collaborative group‑study areas and advanced computer labs for quantitative work. Coursework includes computer‑based modules that develop technical skills and allow students to apply theoretical concepts to authentic financial and mathematical problems. The programme has strong partnerships with industry, and students can take an optional placement year between Years 2 and 3 to work in financial services or analytics roles, gaining valuable professional experience. In final year, students undertake supervised projects with industry support, where they tackle real‑world challenges and build practical solutions alongside company mentors:

Hands‑on use of mathematical and statistical tools in computer‑based modules to reinforce theoretical learning with real data application.
Access to specialised computer facilities in the Teaching Centre for modelling, simulation and quantitative analysis.
Opportunity for an optional placement year, giving insight into professional environments and enhancing employability.
Industry‑linked final year projects with company input, where students apply mathematics to finance‑related problems under academic supervision.
Team Project in Mathematics with Finance, involving real‑world business tasks, teamwork, project management and client communication.
Support through peer mentoring and small‑group tutorials that strengthen collaboration, communication and problem‑solving skills.

Programme Overview
This three‑year single honours degree combines rigorous mathematical training with finance and financial markets insight. Students develop a solid grounding in core mathematics and statistics while also studying finance modules delivered in partnership with industry and the Queen’s Management School. The curriculum is structured to deepen analytical thinking and prepare students for careers in financial services, data analytics, risk management and related sectors.

Practical Skills and Tools
Throughout the degree, students build key capabilities that employers value:

Quantitative analysis and mathematical modelling in financial contexts.
Application of statistical methods to data and uncertainty.
Use of software tools for computation and problem solving in real situations.
Understanding of financial institutions, markets, decision‑making and risk.
Teamwork, project management and professional communication through group‑based projects.

Career and Progression Opportunities
Graduates from this programme are highly valued in financial services, banking, analytics and consulting roles. The combination of mathematics, finance and practical experience makes them attractive candidates for employers locally and internationally. Typical destinations include quantitative analyst roles, financial modelling positions, data science and risk assessment careers. Many students also pursue further study or professional qualifications related to finance and actuarial science.

Why This Matters
By blending rigorous mathematical learning with applied finance, industry engagement and real project experience, the BSc in Mathematics with Finance equips students with a powerful mix of analytical skills, practical insights and professional confidence — preparing them not just to graduate, but to launch successful careers in today’s data‑driven finance landscape.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc Mathematics with Finance programme at Queen’s University Belfast are well‑placed to launch careers in finance, analytics and quantitative roles: typical positions include Financial Analyst, Risk Analyst, Data Analyst, and Investment Analyst. This degree combines rigorous mathematical training with practical finance insight, giving graduates a competitive edge in financial services and related industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Comprehensive support from Queen’s Careers, Employability & Skills, including personalised career coaching, employer engagement events, CV and interview support, and access to targeted job opportunities.
Excellent graduate prospects: around 87 % of mathematics students at Queen’s are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation.
Employment patterns show a high proportion of graduates in highly skilled professional roles, including business and financial project management and IT‑related roles around 15 months after graduating.
Strong industry links embedded in the curriculum, with opportunities for a year in industry and partnerships with companies that have recruited mathematics graduates, such as First Derivatives, Citi Group, Allstate NI, AquaQ Analytics, Effex Capital, Ulster Bank and Pramerica.
Long‑term value from a degree awarded by a world‑leading Russell Group research‑intensive university, recognised by employers and academic institutions alike.

Further Academic Progression
Graduates looking to deepen their expertise can pursue postgraduate study such as a Master’s in Finance, Financial Mathematics, Data Science or Economics, or progress to PhD research in mathematical finance or related quantitative fields, building on the solid analytical and problem‑solving foundation acquired through this degree.