BSc Mathematics with Finance and Investment Banking with International Foundation Year - September Entry

Compulsory modules 

Mathematics for Science

This module provides a solid foundation in core areas of pure mathematics, equipping students with the arithmetic, algebraic, trigonometric, and calculus skills needed to support entry to, and progression within, undergraduate degree programmes in mathematics, sciences, and related disciplines.

Quantitative Methods for Science

This module introduces the key elements of statistics and provides students with a foundation in core quantitative techniques required for progression to undergraduate study in mathematics, sciences, and related disciplines. Through learning how to analyse and solve a range of statistical problems, students develop both theoretical understanding and practical numerical skills.

Foundation Physics

This module provides a basic understanding of physics, physical concepts, and its associated skills together with the skills of independent learning.

Further Mathematics

This module aims to achieve a solid grounding in some of the aspects of vectors and matrices, kinematics of motion, advanced integration and differential equations.

Academic Literacies and Skills

This module introduces students to key academic skills and communication skills, in both written and oral formats. These skills will contribute towards success in other modules on the Foundation programme and prepare students for undergraduate studies.

Academic Communication and Inquiry

This module builds on skills introduced in Academic Literacies and Skills (IF0ALS) by critically engaging with research connected to students’ disciplines and exploring different models of reflective writing.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2026/27 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Calculus 

Extend your existing knowledge of calculus into two or more dimensions, exploring techniques of ordinary differential equations of the first and second order, and learn programming with mathematical applications.

Foundations of Mathematics 

Gain a solid introduction to fundamental topics in mathematics and develop the necessary skills to study mathematics at university-level. You’ll focus on the concept of sets, functions and various familiar number systems, as well as the importance of proofs and how to construct them.

Linear Algebra

Learn how to solve systems of linear equations, determine eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and develop the algebra of matrices which are used as a stepping-stone to the more general theory of linear and inner-product spaces.

Probability and Statistics

Understand probability and probability distributions, and techniques for statistical inference and data science – such as regression and hypothesis testing.

Introductory Finance / Trading Simulation I

Discover the financial system's role in the economy, key players, traded instruments, and trading prices. You will also learn about time value of money, bonds, and stocks, and how real and financial assets relate to each other. 

Introductory Securities and Markets

Explore the key financial markets, types of money including cryptocurrencies, and sustainable finance focussed on the role of the finance industry in mitigating climate change impact.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2026/27 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Financial Modelling

Build your MS Excel knowledge to solve a variety of practical problems related to finance. Cover topics such as asset and derivative pricing, portfolio management, time value of money, and the capital asset pricing model.

Mathematical Modelling and Professional Skills 

Develop your problem-solving and independent research skills by applying mathematical modelling techniques to solve real-world problems across a broad range of scientific, engineering and economical areas. You’ll also expand your team-working, presentation, career management, technical, verbal and written communication skills.

Differential Equations

Build on your knowledge of ordinary differential equations and explore partial differential equations and their applications. You’ll explore non-constant coefficients, integral and series solutions, Fourier series, the theory of boundary value problems, diffusion equations, wave equations and Laplace’s equation.

Numerical Analysis I

Describe, analyse and implement numerical methods for problems in continuous mathematics, including solution of linear equations and nonlinear scalar equations, interpolation, scalar optimisation and solution of ordinary differential equations.

Real Analysis I

Explore mathematical analysis concepts including inequalities, sequences, series and functions.

Optional modules

Trends in Finance

Learn how finance has evolved over time and where it may develop in the future. Guest speakers will lecture on topics of current interest, and you will be encouraged to place these within their wider social, global and historical context.

Sustainable Finance

Discover the basics of Sustainable Finance and cover topics such as financing and investment activities. You’ll discuss the environmental, social and governance factors, and the relevant policies and international regulations.  

FX and International Debt Markets

Develop an appreciation of the “fixed income” market by exploring traditional and innovative debt instruments and methods of pricing. Furthermore, learn how different financial institutions use portfolios of debt instruments to achieve stated objectives.

Preparing for Professional Placements Part 2

This non-credit preparatory module builds your employability skills. It provides knowledge and tools for placements, applications, recruitment processes, interviews, assessments, and career exploration.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2026/27 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules:

Derivative Securities

Gain an overview of derivative securities and markets, and a thorough understanding of derivatives pricing and trading. You’ll be guided on the use of derivatives data, and shown how to apply theoretical models and strategies presented in class through several case simulations in the dealing room.

Portfolio of Projects

Conduct a series of projects on mathematical or statistical topics and develop your technical and professional skills.

Optional modules

Private Equity and Venture Capital

Develop your knowledge on investing in private equity and venture capital, emphasizing the relationship between investors and entrepreneurs, fund-raising, and real-world applications.

Advanced Derivative Securities Hedging and Trading 

Focus on option/volatility trading and risk management. Seminars take place in the dealing room, and you will manage the risk, as market makers, of equity options portfolios on ICTrader. Gain a basic practical working knowledge of the hedging and trading of derivative securities, and in particular options.

Fintech and Cryptocurrencies

Discover Fintech, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technology, and gain insights into their implementation and the challenges faced by businesses. 

Asymptotic Methods

Discover the basic ideas of asymptotic analysis and further develop your skills in solving a range of problems involving nonlinear equations, integrals and differential equations.

Applied Stochastic Processes

Learn how to solve problems using stochastic processes and concepts from a variety of applications, including molecular motion, population dynamics, weather and finances.

Numerical Analysis II 

Learn how to develop and analyse a range of numerical methods for the solution of problems of continuous mathematics (including partial differential equations) and techniques in numerical linear algebra. You will also learn how to implement methods using Python.

Summer Placement

Gain experience applying for, and completing, a summer work placement or internship with an employer.

Linear Models and Data Analysis

Gain understanding of the most common models, including multiple linear regression and completely randomised designs, and explore the key principles of planned experiments. Learn how models are applied to practical problems and gain experience of real-life data analysis.

Methods of Machine Learning 

Gain familiarity with the range of unsupervised and supervised methods used in statistical machine learning, and learn how these are used in research and industry. You’ll have the opportunity to implement machine learning methods using statistical software and to interpret and communicate your findings.

Number Theory and Cryptography

Learn the basics and be able to solve and explain the theoretical aspects of number theory. Explore the field of error correction and implement and explain the theory behind error correcting codes. 

Advanced Statistical Modelling

Learn how to fit and interpret generalised linear models, and learn approaches to dealing with repeated measurement data. You’ll develop an understanding of which models are likely to be appropriate in different situations.

Dynamical Systems and Applications

Learn about the analysis of dynamical systems and their application to real-world problems. You’ll explore systems of linear and nonlinear differential equations, and understand how they’re applied to biological issues such as population growth, cell systems, and the spread of infectious diseases.

Topics in Pure and Applied Mathematics 

Study the theory of integral equations, numerical methods for their solution, and their applications – including in meteorology. You will also study the theory of linear water waves, and examine a range of phenomena, including reflection, refraction, group velocity and shallow water waves.

Mathematical Physics 

Explore the core topics of mathematical physics, in particular Hamiltonian formulation of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2026/27 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.