Understanding the Course:

DC127 is a common entry route to three B.Sc. courses in the areas of actuarial, financial and mathematical sciences. They are:

• B.Sc. in Actuarial Mathematics
• B.Sc. in Financial Mathematics
• B.Sc. in Applicable Mathematics

The B.Sc. in Actuarial Mathematics also has direct entry. Prospective students wishing to directly enter the Actuarial Mathematics course in 2011 should apply to DC126. In 2008, we introduced the two new courses in Applicable Mathematics and Financial Mathematics and access to these is exclusively through the DC127 route. The advantage of common entry into three courses is that after two years of study you will be better placed to know which of the options you will enjoy most.

About You:

If you have an interest in and aptitude for high-level maths, enjoy the challenge of problem-solving but want flexibility as to your eventual career path - choose DC127. It offers entry into three B.Sc. degree courses: Actuarial Mathematics, Financial Mathematics and Applicable Mathematics. Since all of the courses are mathematical, you'll need to achieve at least a B3 grade in Higher Level Maths, as well as DCU's general entry requirements.
A report on the future of the international financial services sector in Ireland by Deloitte concludes "It is imperative that Ireland builds its pool of mathematically literate skill sets as they will be a key enabler to a successful high value financial centre". The courses exiting from DC127 address this imperative.

Course Structure:

All of the courses emerging from DC127 common entry last for four years. The structure allows you to make an informed decision about which stream to specialise in after studying fundamental courses such as analysis, algebra and probability together with computing and statistics. At the end of the second year, students in the Maths Common Programme can enter one of the other three courses.

The number of students in the third year of each course is limited and entry to a specific stream will be on merit, based on performance in Years One and Two. In light of this, we offer the following advice:

• If you are certain that you want to pursue an actuarial career, apply for DC126.
• If you wish to keep your options open within the actuarial/financial/applicable/quantitative range, you should apply for DC127.
• If you wish to to maximise your chances of accessing an actuarial or financial course, you should apply for DC126 and DC127 in an order that reflects your priorities.

Students in the Common Entry programme will go on a nine-month work placement (called INTRA). Our INTRA programme offers paid, relevant work experience to our students. Placement provides students with a wonderful opportunity to experience a work environment, make more informed decisions about their career choice and make useful contacts with prospective employers.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

• Option to choose between three qualifications.
• At the end of Year Two, you choose between Actuarial Mathematics, Financial Mathematics and Applicable Mathematics.
• Students opting for the B.Sc. in Actuarial Mathematics have to opportunity to obtain exemptions from all the Core Technical examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.
• The degree in Applicable Mathematics is the only one of its kind in Ireland.

International Students
Non-native English speakers who do not meet the English language requirements may be eligible to apply to the International Foundation Certificate (IFC) course. This course will help you to achieve the English language requirements necessary for entry to this course. It will also help you to adjust to the culture of irish university learning.

Career Prospects:

Financial Mathematics is designed to produce highly numerate graduates for careers in the financial sector. In finance, the explosion in innovative financial products - such as derivatives and swaps - relies on sophisticated mathematical techniques, which determine their fair price. You could find yourself working as an investment analyst, risk manager or trader in these exciting and complicated products.
Applicable Mathematics specialises in high-level applications of modern mathematics to real world problems. Applicable mathematics students find opportunities in information technology, industry and education. Good candidates would also have sufficient background for research in these areas, and would be eligible to apply for government funded postgraduate scholarships.

Entry Requirements:

In exceptional circumstances applicants from second-level schools which do not offer Higher Level Mathematics may be accepted with a Grade A2 or
A1 at Ordinary Level in Mathematics. Such candidates should contact the Registry immediately on receipt of their Leaving Certificate Results quoting (a) CAO number; (b) Leaving Certificate results and (c) address and telephone number of their school.

CASLT Applied Science Laboratory Techniques Distinctions in 5 modules, including:

C20139 Mathematics

AND 3 from the following:

How to Apply and Closing Dates

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

Mature Applicants Apply through the CAO by 1st February

Transfer Applicants Apply directly to DCU by the 1st July

All Non-EU Candidates
Candidates should apply directly to DCU. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to the 1st July. All non-EU candidates are advised to apply early as places are limited.

Make an Application

Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at www.cao.ie Candidates required to apply directly to DCU can download, print and complete a direct application form by clicking here

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