In the first year, the BSc (Hons) Financial Mathematics and BSc (Hons) Mathematics courses are exactly the same. So, if you change your mind and want to change, that’s easily done. Your second year is where you start specialising in financial mathematics if you choose this pathway.  

In your first year, you’ll learn all the foundations and basics that you need to know. We are aware that our students come from different schools and have followed different programmes. The first year is about making sure that everybody is on the same page. You’ll study linear algebra, basic statistics, and computational modelling. You’ll learn about numbers and sets, the applications of mathematics and financial maths. You’ll also take the first ‘mathematical techniques’ model to set you up with a strong foundation for your second and third year.  

In your second year, you’ll take the second module on mathematical techniques. You’ll also work on differential equations, take a module in career planning and development and attend small group tutorials. You’ll study programming, financial markets and portfolio theory. You’ll learn how to analyse portfolios of securities and financial data. In the second half of the module you’ll learn more theories that underlie the financial markets. This year there are also some optional modules for you to choose from. These include algebra, number theory and real analysis. Want to go into teaching? You can even take a module in professional teaching skills to prepare you for a career in education.  

Work placement/study abroad option: Between your second and final year, you’ll have the option to study abroad or do a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you an amazing experience to talk about but will also give your CV a boost. If you’d rather go straight to your final year, that’s absolutely fine too. 

In your final year, you’ll study non-linear optimisation, derivative pricing and investigations in financial mathematics. Most other modules are optional this year, so you can do what you like best. Modules include linear modelling, combinatorics, and advanced levels of algebra and numerical methods. You can even choose to study space dynamics in our labs. Think about atmospheric drag, spacecraft spin and transfer orbits. This year really allows you to home in on your favourite areas of mathematics. There is also a strong focus on employability and finding a fitting job for when you leave us. 

Work placement

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.  

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.  

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it. 

What's next for my career?

The number of people working in jobs requiring numerical ability has been steadily rising in the UK in recent years. In the world of employment, maths graduates are in high demand for their skills in problem-solving, logical thinking and their ability to understand and interpret data. Recent maths graduates from the University of Hertfordshire have gone on to exciting careers in finance, actuaries statistics and data science, IT, business analysis, teaching and many more.

These careers are also well paid. According to data from the government’s Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) Data Analysis, the University of Hertfordshire is ranked 16th (out of 64 universities) for the highest quartile earnings for maths graduates five years after graduating.