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Financial Mathematics

Although there are many options open to graduates from this subject, Financial Mathematics is an increasingly popular degree for analyst roles, well respected by employers for its combination of mathematical theories and financial sector knowledge. 

In 2010/11, six months after graduating:

84.8% of graduates with a first degree were in employment

9.1% were in full-time further study

In 2010/11 Financial Mathematics graduates were employed in the following positions:

• Application Support Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Planner
• Personal Banker
• Purchases and Operations Assistant
• Rebate Analyst
• Research Assistant

In 2010/11 Financial Mathematics graduates entered further study courses such as:

• PGCE Secondary Maths

The positive impact of a sandwich placement on graduate employment outcomes across Brunel is considerable. Those who have done placements are also much more likely to be in employment for which their degree was a formal requirement or where they believe their degree gave them a competitive advantage in recruitment.

Placement leavers from Financial Mathematics experienced the following outcomes:

• 100.0% progressed into employment or further study
• 71.4% were engaged in a graduate-level activity (employment or further study)
• 71.4% of employed leavers were working in the top three categories of graduate level employment
• The average starting salary was £26,600. 

The graduate labour market remains competitive and relevant experience is increasingly required for graduate level jobs. For those without related experience job search strategy is often about getting a ‘foot in the door’ in order to compete for graduate positions later.

A growing national trend is for many students to delay their job applications until completing their studies, preferring to focus on achieving the highest grade possible. This can result in some graduates initially continuing with their part-time job while they explore their options after graduating. As a result some graduates were working in non-graduate level positions including administration and customer service and sales occupations.

The DLHE survey provides a snapshot of a very short amount of time (six months) after graduating and while many have progressed into relevant graduate jobs others are taking time out, travelling, waiting to start a course or continuing with their part-time job while they explore their options after graduating. Many graduates have moved on in their careers since completing the questionnaire.