Common Entry into Actuarial and Financial Mathematics

Program Overview

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Common Entry into Actuarial and Financial Mathematics

Course Details

CAO Code:

DC127

Course Type:

Undergraduate

NFQ Level:

• Please see for further information

Delivery Modes:

• Full-Time

Minimum Points:

545

Duration:

2 + 2 Years

Phone:

+353 (0) 1

Email:

Overview

If you’d like to qualify for in-demand quantitative roles in the insurance and financial industry, the Common Entry into Actuarial and Financial Mathematics programme (CAFM) might be for you. It’s especially ideal if you’d like the flexibility to explore different areas of maths before choosing how you’ll specialise.

After this two-year course, you choose whether to spend the next two years studying to get a degree in Actuarial Mathematics (ACM) or in Financial Mathematics (FIM). The modules taken in CAFM are the same as in years 1 and 2 of its twin programme Actuarial Mathematics (ACM), to which you can apply directly through the CAO. Therefore, CAFM offers an alternative route into ACM. Entry into FIM, on the other hand, is guaranteed and exclusive through CAFM.

Deep theory and expert skills
You’ll learn the fundamental mathematical principles that underpin the state-of-the-art actuarial and financial models you’ll study in later years, along with computer programming, data analysis, economics and accounting. You’ll also gain highly valuable general analytic skills, allowing you to understand and analyse matters in a systematic way, making you an ideal problem-solver.

Whichever path you choose after the first two years, you’ll do an eight-month paid internship in your third year. This could be in a large insurance company, an actuarial consultancy, an investment bank or a trading house. Once you graduate, you’ll be qualified to work as an actuary, in financial services or in other roles, such as data scientist.

Careers & Further Options

Careers

For further information on the various professional opportunities review the entry for the BSc in Actuarial Mathematics or the BSc in Financial Mathematics.

DCU Career Services

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Cert

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

• Minimum of H3 in Mathematics

GCE A Level

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

• GCE A Level B Mathematics

FET Level 5

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

To apply to DCU, please visit

Mature Applicants

Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate:

• a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for
• academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study
• an ability to engage and succeed on the programme

All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.

For further guidance on the mature application process please see the CAO Website

Advanced Entry

No Entry Path

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

Course Structure

The Common Entry structure allows you to make an informed decision about which stream to specialise in after first studying fundamental courses such as analysis, algebra and probability, together with computing and statistics.

At the end of Year Two, students on this Common Entry programme enter one of two courses—there are a limited number of places in the third year of the BSc in Actuarial Mathematics, with entry based on a student’s performance in Years One and Two.

Year 1

• Analysis
• Calculus
• Probability
• Computing for Mathematics
• Linear Mathematics
• Microeconomics
• Sequences and Series
• Macroeconomics
• Financial Modelling with Excel

Year 2

• Statistics
• Calculus
• Linear Algebra
• Numerical Methods
• Analysis
• Differential Equations
• Probability
• Mathematics of Finance
• Accounting

Fees and Funding

Fees

Full time

• Student Contribution: €3,043 per annum
• EU Status Fee: €6,250 per annum
• Non EU Fee: €16,400 per annum

Click here for all DCU Fees Information

How To Apply

Applicants presenting EU school leaving examinations (EU, EFTA & UK)

EU School Leavers/FETAC Level 5 Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

Applicants presenting examinations from outside the EU

To apply for this programme:

Candidates should apply directly here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.

Please provide

• Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. All Non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places are limited.

Mature Applicants

Apply through the CAO by 1st February.

Advanced Entry

No entry path.

Application Queries

Please see Application Procedures or E-mail .

Life On Campus

Life on Campus

At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.

DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.

They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.

Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

Exceptional Facilities

DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.

These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.

We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.

Campus Life

Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.

There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.

For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.

Accommodation

Information about accommodation each of our three campuses can be accessed here.

Student Supports

We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.

Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice

The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year

Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules

Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.

work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.

Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.

FAQs

Programme FAQs

What is an actuary?
Actuaries work with other people using mathematics (and computing) to solve problems related to financial risk. Very often they work in insurance companies, working on such things as calculating insurance payments of different kinds, pensions and financial risk management - helping individuals and companies to plan for their financial future. They earn very good salaries (starting at c. €35K, with a significant jump when they complete their professional qualifications), and work in a stimulating and challenging environment that has lots of different career opportunities.

Faculty FAQs

Is DCU all one campus?

DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.

Click here to see maps of all of our campuses

If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?

_Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of. _

Have You Considered?

• DC126 Actuarial Mathematics
• DC206 Physical Education with Mathematics
• DC203 Science and Mathematics Education

Program Outline

Program: Common Entry into Actuarial and Financial Mathematics (CAFM)

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Degree Overview:

The CAFM program introduces students to the fundamental mathematical principles that underpin actuarial and financial models, preparing them to specialize in either Actuarial Mathematics (ACM) or Financial Mathematics (FIM) in later years. This program allows students to explore different areas of mathematics before choosing their specific specialization, ensuring a well-rounded foundation. The program combines a deep theoretical understanding with practical skills like computer programming, data analysis, economics, and accounting. Students develop strong analytical skills, allowing them to solve complex problems systematically and efficiently. After completing the two-year CAFM program, students choose to further specialize in either ACM or FIM through an additional two years of study. Notably, entry into FIM is guaranteed exclusively through CAFM, while entry into ACM remains competitive and offered based on performance in years 1 and 2.

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Outline:

Year 1:

• Analysis
• Calculus
• Probability
• Computing for Mathematics
• Linear Mathematics
• Microeconomics
• Sequences and Series
• Macroeconomics
• Financial Modelling with Excel
Year 2:
• Statistics
• Calculus
• Linear Algebra
• Numerical Methods
• Analysis
• Differential Equations
• Probability
• Mathematics of Finance
• Accounting

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Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods, including:

• Continuous assessment through coursework and assignments
• End-of-semester examinations
• Presentations
• Projects
The specific weighting of each assessment method may vary depending on the individual module.

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Teaching:

The CAFM program boasts a dedicated and experienced faculty with expertise in various mathematical and financial domains. The program utilizes a blend of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Laboratory sessions
The program also emphasizes the importance of independent learning and provides students with access to extensive learning resources, including online materials and library support.

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Careers:

Graduates of the CAFM program can pursue various careers in the financial and insurance industries, including:

• Actuary
• Financial Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Investment Banker
• Economist
• Statistician
The program also provides a strong foundation for further postgraduate studies in mathematics, finance, or related fields.

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Other:

• The program offers an eight-month paid internship in the third year, providing valuable real-world experience in relevant fields.
• The program is recognized by professional bodies such as the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) and the Society of Actuaries (SOA).
• Graduates of the program are highly sought after by leading employers, with strong employment rates and competitive salaries.
• The program provides opportunities for students to develop important transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
• The program fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment, encouraging students to connect with their peers and faculty.
• The program offers various student support services, including academic advising, career guidance, and mental health support.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Full time Student Contribution. €3,043 per annum EU Status Fee €6,250 per annum Non EU Fee. €16,000 per annum