Mathematics with Finance (Placement Year) Lancaster University

Financial mathematicians are interested in making good decisions in the face of uncertainty. Through our rigorous programme, you will develop the skills and knowledge to become a major decision maker and influencer in your chosen career and gain valuable real-world experience in industry.

Financial maths is about learning to interpret and manipulate data to draw valuable conclusions and make predictions. This is particularly important in business and finance, but the skills gained from this programme are widely applicable and highly sought after. During the course, you will be able to draw on expertise from three specialist departments: Mathematics and Statistics; Accounting and Finance; and Economics. You will also benefit from completing a year of full-time work experience, providing you with invaluable experience and an insight into the real-world workplace.

During your first year, you will build on your previous knowledge and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts. Modules cover a wide range of topics from calculus, probability and statistics to logic, proofs and theorems. As well as developing your technical knowledge and mathematical skills, you will also enhance your data analysis, problem-solving and quantitative reasoning skills. During this year, you will also receive an introduction to accounting and finance, which will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and techniques of the discipline, including financial accounting, managerial finance, and financial statement analysis.

In the second year, you will further develop your knowledge in analysis, probability and statistics. During this year, you will also begin to explore advanced finance and will benefit from modules in economics at managerial level. These will provide you with insight into micro and macroeconomics, and their related issues. You will develop real-world knowledge and experience by applying your analytical skills, interpreting events and evaluating policies. This will be instrumental in developing a career related to banking, finance, international payments and exchange rates, and monetary policy.

To prepare you for your work placement year, our Careers and Placements Team will provide advice and guidance on: the skills required to create effective CVs, cover letters and applications; tips and techniques on how to make an impact at interviews and assessment centres; how to create a relevant digital profile; and how to research employers and career sectors of interest. In addition, there is great emphasis placed upon developing self-awareness and on how to present yourself in a professional manner to employers. This optional provision will be delivered via a blend of traditional and digital methods including face-to-face workshops, online webinars, e-courses and 1:1 appointments.

The third year will take you away from the academic environment and into the workplace. You will spend this year with one of our partner organisations, putting what you have learnt into practice and gaining experience of a real workplace. This is a fantastic opportunity to see how what you have studied applies to the real-world and gives you the chance to get a taster of a potential career. This experience will be highly beneficial once you begin researching your career and applying for jobs.

Returning to Lancaster in the fourth year to complete your study, you will delve deeper into the theory of probability and will explore the concept of statistical inference. Alongside this, you will build upon the valuable industry and employability skills gained during your placement through a dedicated careers-focused module. This final year will also be highly customisable, allowing you to select from a range of modules to suit your own interests and career aspirations.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

AAA. This should include Mathematics grade A or Further Mathematics grade A. The overall offer grades will be lowered to AAB for applicants who achieve both Mathematics and Further Mathematics at grades AB, in either order.

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical entry requirement would be 45 Level 3 credits at Distinction, but you would need to have evidence that you had the equivalent of A level Mathematics grade A.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD considered alongside both A level Mathematics grade A and A level Further Mathematics grade B

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level Mathematics grade A plus A level Further Mathematics grade A plus BTEC at D

International Baccalaureate

36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including 6 in Mathematics HL (either analysis and approaches or applications and interpretations)

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Only considered alongside A level Mathematics grade A

GCSE requirements

There are no specific GCSE requirements for this course, although we will look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

English language requirements

We require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.