Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Mathematics with Finance and Investment Banking (with a Placement Year) (G1N4)

Prepare for a career in the financial markets or investment banking, whilst developing knowledge of mathematics with this BSc Mathematics with Finance and Investment Banking. Explore key aspects of mathematics, such as differential equations and analysis, and gain practical financial and investment banking experience through Henley Business School, the University of Reading's hub of business expertise. The split between the two subjects is roughly two-thirds mathematics and one-third finance and investment banking. In mathematics study areas such as calculus, analysis, linear algebra, differential equations and numerical analysis. The course will also cover key areas of statistics. As mathematics can be a challenging subject, students will be given plenty of support to help them get the most out of their studies, including small group problem-solving tutorials and materials to help manage the transition to university-level mathematics. Additionally, students can get involved with the Department's Staff Student Forums and the Student Teaching and Learning Group, which enable them to have a direct input into the student experience. The finance and investment banking aspects of the course will provide students with practical experience, such as managing multi-asset portfolios using live prices and using the latest investment management technology. Students will also benefit from three dealing rooms, which are equipped with Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters Eikon terminals and use the latest industry simulation software. As part of this aspect of the degree students will experience the thrill of a live market – take positions, quote two-way prices and manage the risk of a $50–100 million trading book. In the final year of the degree students can develop their knowledge by exploring areas of interest in greater depth. The vast majority of modules in this year are optional and include subjects from both areas of the course such as foreign exchange and money markets, management of risk, and numerical analysis. During this year students will also carry out a project on a mathematical topic and produce a report and presentation on it. This course will meet 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 to obtain equivalent competencies to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught master’s degrees. Between your second and final year students will carry out a paid industrial training placement, lasting around 12 months. Placements can be located anywhere in the UK, and occasionally take place abroad. Students could take on a variety of roles such as statistician and business analyst. They will also have the chance to work for a range of national and international organisations such as IBM, HSBC, SAP or HM Revenue & Customs.