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Finance & Business Degree

Quantitative Analyst

Build mathematical models to price assets, manage risk and guide trading or investment decisions.

A day in the life

Develop algorithms from financial theory, back-test strategies on historical data, and explain model limits to traders.

Typical route

Helpful A-levels

Physics + Maths + Further Maths

Typical qualification and training

  • Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or Computer Science degree
  • Internship then graduate quant role

These are common routes, not compulsory subject combinations. Entry requirements vary between universities, training schemes and employers, so always check the current provider requirements.

Indicative UK salary

Starter
£40,000-£65,000
Experienced
£80,000-£150,000
Senior
£200,000+

Total compensation often includes large bonuses.

Salary range checked against Prospects.ac.uk: Quantitative Analyst.

UK employers

  • Jane Street
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Barclays
  • Marshall Wace

Worldwide employers

  • Goldman Sachs
  • Two Sigma
  • Citadel
  • JP Morgan

Useful route links

These links are good starting points for courses, apprenticeships, graduate routes and professional training. They open the official or specialist sites rather than another summary page.

Key skills

Sources and further reading

External links open in a new tab.

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