Financial Mathematics

Financial mathematics applies rigorous mathematical and statistical methods to the problems of finance, developing the quantitative tools used to price financial instruments, manage risk, optimise investment portfolios and model the behaviour of markets. Since the development of modern mathematical finance in the late twentieth century, and with particular urgency since the global financial crisis of 2008, the expertise of financial mathematicians has become essential to banks, insurance companies, investment funds, regulatory bodies and the many other institutions that operate in financial markets. It is a demanding field that requires both deep mathematical ability and the commercial awareness to apply it effectively.

At Queen Mary University of London this five-year, full-time programme develops your mathematical and statistical foundations before building the specialist financial theory that underpins professional practice. You will study calculus, linear algebra, probability, statistics and numerical methods alongside core financial topics including stochastic processes, options pricing, risk management, portfolio theory and financial modelling. You will learn to interpret data rigorously, draw well-founded conclusions from quantitative evidence and make good decisions in conditions of uncertainty, skills that are at a premium in financial practice.

Queen Mary's location in London, at the heart of one of the world's major financial centres, provides a rich context for your studies and direct access to the industry you are preparing to enter.

Graduates pursue careers as quantitative analysts, risk managers, derivatives traders, actuaries, financial engineers, data scientists in financial services, and in roles across investment banking, asset management, insurance, hedge funds and financial consultancy. The combination of mathematical rigour and financial knowledge from a London university is highly regarded by employers in these sectors. Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in financial mathematics, mathematical finance, statistics or related fields, building on the quantitative foundations the degree provides.