Program Overview

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UCC University College Cork

Arts - Mathematics

Course Fact File

• Code: CK101 and CK108
• 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

• MA1055 Mathematics (Honours) (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Analysis, Abstract Algebra) (15 credits)

Year 2

• Theoretical underpinning of integration and differentiation in one and more variables
• Solving differential equations
• Solving real-life problems using graphs and other discrete mathematics techniques
• Experimenting with using computer software in problem solving

Year 3

• Developing topics further
• Studying 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

Previous students have praised the course for its diverse and interesting content, and the opportunities to develop problem-solving and independent thinking skills.

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.

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.

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 and whether there are routes available to this course.

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.