Skip to main content
School of Mathematical Sciences

Maths graduates are Queen Mary’s biggest earners

Postgraduate students from the School of Mathematical Sciences at Queen Mary University of London are the institution’s highest earners according to the 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey. 

Published:
Graduate Outcomes Survey Logo

£53,213 was the average annual salary for our postgraduate students who finished their degree in 2022. This figure is 36% higher than the University average and puts us ahead of all other Schools and Institutes at Queen Mary.  

We’re incredibly proud of our graduates and these salaries are testament to the in-demand skills and knowledge they have developed throughout their academic and professional careers. We’re also proud of the part our School community has played in helping our postgraduate students achieve their professional goals.  

What jobs are they doing?  

When we drill down into the survey data, we can see the roles that our graduates have gone on to do. Most reported working with data in roles such as Data Analyst, Data Scientist and Data Consultant, which is no real surprise considering around two thirds of the class of 2022 studied on our MSc Data Analytics.  

The very top earners are working in the financial sector and reported roles such as Quantitative Analyst, Quantitative Risk Analyst and Investment Principal. These are some of the highest paid roles in the UK and it’s not uncommon to see six figure salaries in London.  

Why do finance roles command such high salaries?  

It’s no secret that people working in the financial sector are high earners, but they also work hard and take on a lot of risk. Let’s take a closer look at a couple of the roles that some of our highest earners are doing and see why they command six figure salaries: 

Quantitative Analysts  
Quants need a deep understanding of mathematics, statistics, and programming to create complex financial models. This is a highly technical and niche skill set, and so it commands a premium. The financial impact of a quant can be enormous too, so firms are often willing to pay well to attract top talent who can maximise profits or minimise losses.  

Investment Principal 
An Investment Principal oversees and makes strategic investment decisions for private equity firms, venture capital funds, or other investment entities. They analyse potential investments, manage high-stakes portfolios, and work closely with companies to enhance value and profitability. Their high earnings reflect the specialised expertise required, as well as the substantial financial impact and responsibility their decisions carry for the firm and its investors. 

 
Why study a maths-based degree?  

A degree in mathematical sciences from Queen Mary is going to provide you with a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics and computing. Through your elective modules, you can then tailor the degree to your own career aspirations. It’s a great way to further specialise in your field of interest or to pivot towards a new industry entirely.  

A lot of our teaching staff have come from industry and will help you build your professional networks. They also bring industrial applications into the classroom so that you’re building relevant skills and knowledge.  

For more information on the postgraduate courses in the School of Mathematical Sciences, please visit the taught programmes section of our website or join one of our dedicated Open Events.  

 

Where can I learn more about the Graduate Outcomes Survey? 

The Graduate Outcomes Survey is a national survey conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) in the UK. It collects data on the activities and perspectives of graduates approximately 15 months after they complete their higher education courses. The survey is crucial for both institutions and policy-makers as it provides insights into the employment status, further study, or other activities graduates are engaged in after leaving higher education.  

 

 

Back to top