Prepare yourself for a career in the financial markets or investment banking, whilst developing your knowledge of mathematics.

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 you will 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, you will be given plenty of support to help you get the most out of your studies, including small group problem-solving tutorials and materials to help you manage the transition to university-level mathematics. Additionally, you can get involved with the Department's Staff Student Forums and the Student Teaching and Learning Group, which enable you to have a direct input into the student experience.

The finance and investment banking aspects of the course will provide you with practical experience, such as managing multi-asset portfolios using live prices and using the latest investment management technology. You will also benefit from our 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 you 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 you can develop your 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 you will also carry out a project on a mathematical topic and produce a report and presentation on it.