| Code | Subject available through multiple programmes |
|---|---|
| Subject Title | Mathematics |
| Qualifications | BA (Hons) |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
Course Outline
The BA in Mathematics covers concepts and techniques of modern and classical mathematics and will develop your mathematical knowledge and ability to a level that is highly valued by employers.
This degree course is an option in the BA Arts (Honours) and provides good preparation for teaching at all levels. It can provide a route to careers in accountancy, actuary, administration, the civil service, management, consultancy, investment banking, meteorology, teaching or statistics.
While consolidating concepts and skills you have acquired in school, you will also develop a deeper, more extensive and sophisticated view of the topics involved.
Modules
Year 1
You will review Leaving Certificate mathematics, with an emphasis on understanding, and build on this. The topics covered in this year are calculus, analysis, linear algebra and abstract algebra.
MA1055 Mathematics (Honours) (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Analysis, Abstract Algebra) (15 credits)
Year 2
You will study the theoretical underpinning of integration and differentiation in one and more variables, solve differential equations, and solve real-life problems using graphs and other discrete mathematics techniques. You will experiment with using computer software in problem solving.
Year 3
These topics will be developed further and you will also study other topics in analysis, algebra and geometry.
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
Most modules consist of 2-3 lectures per week, together with exercise sheets that you work through with support from a tutor in a weekly tutorial.
In Year 1 you will have on average five hours of lectures per week, and three tutorials.
In Years 2 and 3 you will spend either one half or one third of your time doing mathematics, taking either four or six modules in each year. Each module has two hours of lectures and a one-hour tutorial each week over the course of a 12-week semester.
Assessment
Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have written examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment including in-class tests, take-home problems, etc.
Lecturers take care to give you as much feedback on your progress as possible.
Who teaches this course
Staff from the School of Mathematical Sciences.
Why Choose This Course
- You will enter the jobs market with a numerate degree from one of the strongest Mathematical Sciences departments in the country
- The emphasis on developing problem-solving skills across a range of disciplines is highly regarded by employers
- Our students have an excellent track record, both in career development following graduation and in postgraduate study
- The course content covers the requirements for second-level teaching in mathematics, set down by the Teaching Council of Ireland.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
If you take Mathematics together with a foreign language, your degree can last four years, with Year 3 spent studying the language and mathematics abroad. There is no official placement module, but staff can advise and assist you to find summer internships.
Skills and Careers Information
As a graduate, your technical and numeracy skills will prepare you for a range of employment opportunities. Your soft skills, such as oral and written presentation skills and experience of working in a team, will also be attractive to employers.
A degree that includes mathematics will be seen by employers as evidence that you are able to think independently and quickly learn new skills.
Recent graduates have embarked on career paths such as:
- teaching
- accountancy
- banking
- management services
- insurance
- sales and marketing
- media
- civil service.
Requirements
Refer to CK101 and CK108. Applicants also require a H3 in Higher Level Mathematics.
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.
Fees and Costs
- Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
- The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
- See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
- Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
- Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.
How To Apply
To study this subject, you must apply to an undergraduate programme that offers this subject. You will then select it as one of your subject options in First Year.
Please note that this subject will not be available as a subject option to first-year students from September 2025 onwards.
Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.
Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.
QQI/FET Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process.
Non-EU Applicants
If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.