BSc Financial Mathematics and Statistics

The business world is increasingly dominated by data. So, there’s a real demand for graduates with the right mathematical and statistical skills who can make sense of this data. This BSc in Financial Mathematics and Statistics meets that need.

Taught jointly by the departments of Mathematics and Statistics, this degree provides a solid grounding in financial mathematics and statistics as well as exploring the interrelationships between these two complementary disciplines.

You’ll develop your theoretical knowledge and learn about mathematical and statistical methods and techniques in finance. At the same time, you’ll explore financial risk management, financing and investment decisions alongside topics such as pricing, derivatives, hedging and optimisation.

Our graduates progress to careers in finance, accounting and other areas where quantitative analysis and data handling are critically important.

Mathematics as it is applied in economics and finance

• M Anthony and N Biggs Mathematics for Economics and Finance (Cambridge University Press, 1996)

Economics

• T Harford The Undercover Economist (Oxford University Press, 2006)

Mathematics

Much of university level mathematics is concerned with formal proofs and rigorous mathematical argument, and this is necessary for some of the advanced mathematics required in finance, economics, and other fields of application. For an introduction, we recommend:

• L Alcock How to Study for a Mathematics Degree (Oxford University Press, 2013)
• R Allenby Numbers and Proofs (Butterworth-Heinemann, 1997)
• A Dilnot The Tiger That Isn't: Seeing Through a World of Numbers (Profile books, 2007)
• P Eccles An Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning (Cambridge University Press, 1997)
• T Gowers Mathematics: a very short introduction (Oxford University Press, 2002)
• D Hand Statistics: a very short introduction (Oxford University Press, 2008)
• M Liebeck A Concise Introduction to Pure Mathematics (Chapman & Hall/CRC Mathematics, 2005)

Applicants are encouraged to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). The test is not mandatory, however a good performance on the test may make an application more competitive.

The Department of Mathematics aims to be a leading centre for the study of mathematics in the social sciences.

The department has a vibrant intellectual community, with fantastic students, internationally respected academics and high-achieving alumni. Our department has grown rapidly in recent years, with exciting developments in research and new teaching programmes and courses.

This research encompasses four main overlapping areas:

• discrete mathematics and algorithms
• mathematical game theory
• financial and related mathematics
• operational research.

All aspects of our research were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), submitted jointly with the Department of Statistics.

We embrace the School’s ethos of research-led teaching. Currently, we offer four undergraduate and three postgraduate programmes, as well as doctoral research opportunities on our MPhil/PhD in Mathematics. These programmes are all in high demand – attracting talented students from diverse backgrounds.

Our programmes are highly interdisciplinary and we have close ties with other departments at LSE, including Statistics, Economics, Finance, Management and the Data Science Institute.

Whatever your study route, you’ll benefit from a welcoming, inclusive and friendly learning environment where students and staff are supported to achieve their best.

Learn more about our programmes, recent research and regular events and seminars.

Department of Mathematics

We consider each application carefully, taking into account all the details you’ve included on your UCAS form, such as:

• academic achievement, including predicted and achieved grades (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• subjects and subject combinations (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• your personal statement
• your teacher’s reference
• educational circumstances

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although this is not needed at the application stage. See our English language requirements page.

We’re looking for students who demonstrate:

• an interest in mathematics, statistics and finance
• an understanding of the links between the disciplines
• involvement in related extra-curricular activities, such as maths competitions or Olympiads
• the ability to think and work independently
• intellectual curiosity and the ability to ask incisive questions
• logical thinking and the ability to follow complex lines of reasoning
• creativity and flexibility in problem-solving
• great organisational and communication skills
• self-motivation and a willingness to work hard.

Formative coursework

All taught courses include formative coursework, which is not assessed. This helps you prepare you for summative assessment. We use a range of formative assessment methods, such as essays, case studies, reports, quizzes and mock exams.

Feedback is an essential part of the learning experience at the School. You’ll receive feedback on any formative coursework within three weeks, provided it’s submitted on time.

Summative assessment

This assessment counts towards your final course mark and degree award.

Summative assessment involves exams in most courses at the end of each year (May or early June). Some courses also include assessments in January.

You’ll receive feedback on any summative coursework as part of the assessment for individual courses (except for final submitted dissertations). Feedback will normally be provided before the examination period.

Assessment on individual courses can change from year to year. See details of the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course in the relevant course guide.

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods.

Recent graduates have gone on to work in the areas of corporate finance, accountancy, management, and banking. Many have pursued graduate study in areas related to mathematics, economics, or both.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.