Actuarial Mathematics
The DCU BSc in Actuarial Mathematics prepares students to pursue a career as an actuary or, more generally, for a career in finance. Actuaries are involved in quantifying and managing risk and work in areas as diverse as banking, insurance and healthcare.
As financial markets become increasingly complex there is a growing need for professionals who combine both mathematical and financial expertise. Graduates of the DCU BSc in Actuarial Mathematics are in high demand by both the actuarial and financial industry in Ireland and internationally.
In the first two years of their degree students cover the fundamental mathematical principles that underpin the financial models studied in later years. Students also study practical and finance-related subjects such as computer programming, economics and accounting. In years three and four students apply sophisticated mathematical techniques to real-world problems in insurance, finance and banking.
In year three, students spend eight months on a paid work placement (INTRA) in the actuarial or financial industry. The placements are, typically, with major insurance companies, actuarial consultancies or in investment banks and trading houses. This is a key opportunity for students to gain practical skills and experience in a commercial environment and also helps students make an informed career choice on graduation.
Actuarial Exemptions
The BSc in Actuarial Mathematics is fully accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, UK. Students may obtain exemptions from the Core Principles examinations (CS1, CS2, CM1, CM2, CB1 and CB2) of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, UK. These are the initial examinations required in order to qualify as an actuary in Ireland and the UK. Exemptions depend on examination performance during the degree and students who achieve all six exemptions can significantly reduce the time taken to qualify as an actuary.
View the current course structure
For more information on every aspect of studying at DCU visit our CAO Hub where you can listen to taster lectures, hear from our student ambassadors and find answers to frequently asked questions.
We have a unique and vibrant culture on our modern campus close to Dublin city centre. We provide state-of-the-art study facilities for all our courses and everything else you need for a healthy, fun and active student life.
There is also an active student society, FAMS (Financial and Actuarial Maths Society), organised by students of the actuarial and financial mathematics degrees. The society hosts social and career events throughout the year and involves students from all years of the degrees. Events range from the society’s annual ball to company presentations by prospective employers.
We have three academic campuses close to Dublin City centre - they are located in Glasnevin and Drumcondra, and can be reached by public transport (Dublin Bus).
Each campus has libraries, study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. Sports facilities are located on two of the academic campuses. We also have a dedicated sports campus in the form of St Claire’s.
Exceptional facilities
DCU students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, classrooms, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of languages, engineering, physics, chemistry and biotechnology, as well as a sports performance centre and training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
Construction on our FutureTech building on the Glasnevin campus will get underway in 2022. Once completed, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines. It will have the capacity to accommodate an additional 3,000 STEM students on the university’s Glasnevin campus.
Campus life
DCU student facilities boast a fully equipped sports complex with a 25-metre pool, three libraries and The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
Our purpose built, state-of-the-art new student centre known as 'The U' serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body of 18,500. It is home to the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub.
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.
Student Supports
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice 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.
Careers 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.
This degree is the perfect foundation for a career as an actuary, as well as any career in banking, insurance and financial services. The work experience in third year is a fantastic way to get hands-on experience and helped me decide the direction I wanted my career to go. Doing this course in DCU has fast-tracked my qualification as an actuary and given me an excellent college experience, with friends that I will have for life.
John Harney, Actuarial Mathematics Graduate
The BSc in Actuarial Mathematics provides an excellent start to a career as an actuary or in finance. Students who perform sufficiently well on the degree may be exempt from some or all of the Core Principles examinations (CS1, CS2, CM1, CM2, CB1, CB2) of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaies, UK and can, therefore, significantly reduce the time taken to qualify as an actuary. The Actuarial Profession is a global profession with opportunities internationally in America, Asia, India, Africa and Australia. Graduates are also well placed to undertake further studies and research in actuarial science, mathematics, financial mathematics, economics and finance. Graduates can look forward to a rewarding and varied career with opportunities in all areas of the actuarial profession as well as certain areas of business and finance.
Requirements
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply
Minimum of H3 in Mathematics
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply
GCE A Level B Mathematics
No Entry Path
Applications are welcomed from students who wish to transfer from another level 8 course, providing that they have achieved the requisite points and fulfil the requirements of the course. Due to the special nature of the Actuarial Mathematics course, candidates will usually only be considered for entry into first year. Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 1st Feb to the 1st May 2022.
Transfer students may be exempt from certain modules.
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.