Program Overview

Arts - Mathematical Studies

Course Fact File

Course Outline

This course in the theory and practice of mathematics is specially designed for students in the CACSSS who want to further develop their interest in mathematics. It can also provide a route into teaching mathematics at second-level.

The BA in Mathematical Studies is an option in the BA Arts (Honours) degree and complements other numerically based options in the BA Arts degree, for example Economics or Geography.

You will develop the theoretical underpinning of the mathematics you studied at school, while also developing applications of Mathematics to problems in the wider world. Throughout the degree you will learn written and oral presentation skills, for example, how to present a logic argument, perhaps backed up by numerical data.

Year 1 Modules

• All modules 5 credits unless otherwise stated.
• Three modules will consolidate what you will have learnt in school and provide the building blocks for the rest of the degree:
  • MS1002 Calculus
  • MS1003 Linear Algebra
  • MS1004 Introduction to Statistics

Year 2 Modules

• You will build on this foundation, with modules chosen from the following:
  • discrete mathematics
  • dynamical systems
  • further calculus
  • applications of abstract algebra
  • geometry
  • data analytics and other applications of statistics
  • mechanics.

Year 3 Modules

• You will develop these topics further, again with a mixture of theory and applications. Modules include:
  • differential equations and mathematical modelling
  • further statistics
  • further geometry
  • number theory and further abstract algebra
  • financial mathematics
  • analysis.

Course Practicalities

Year 1

• You will spend one quarter of your time doing Mathematical Studies, with three hours of lectures per week, and a tutorial.

Years 2 and 3

• You will spend either one half or one third of your time doing Mathematical Studies, 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. Problems will be assigned in the lectures for you to prepare for discussion in the tutorials.

Assessment

• Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal 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.

Why Choose This Course

• The way Mathematical Studies is delivered ensures that each student is provided with a wonderful chance to further their understanding.
• You will enter the jobs market with a numerate degree from one of the strongest mathematical sciences departments in Ireland.
• The emphasis on developing problem-solving skills across a range of disciplines is highly regarded by employers.
• There are many electives in Years 2/3 allowing students to tailor the content to their interests.
• The course content is designed to cover the requirements for second-level teaching in mathematics set down by the Teaching Council of Ireland.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

• If you take Mathematical Studies 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

• You can take this subject through a number of undergraduate programmes. You must meet the requirements for the programme that you apply for.
• This subject has no requirements additional to the overall programme requirements. However, students entering the course from September 2025 who wish to take Mathematical Studies must have achieved at least a H4 in Mathematics in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent).

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.
• 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

• Refer to CK101 or CK108.
• Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants: Apply via the CAO.
• Mature Applicants: Apply via the CAO by 1 February.
• QQI/FET Applicants: Apply via the CAO.
• Non-EU Applicants: Apply online via the UCC Apply portal.