Actuarial Mathematics
DC126

Actuarial Mathematics

Course Details

CAO Code:
DC126
Course Type:
Undergraduate
NFQ Level:
8 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Placement:
Yes
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Minimum Points
577
Duration
Four Years
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 5291

Do you excel in mathematics and problem solving? Do you love to understand subjects through using logic and tackling challenges?

Overview

Overview Icon

Actuarial Mathematics could be the perfect course for you. It’s accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, UK, meaning you may be exempt from some of the exams needed to qualify as an actuary in Ireland and the UK.

Before you embark on learning essential actuarial knowledge and theories, you’ll be given solid mathematical training. In your first two years, you’ll study the fundamental mathematical principles that underpin the actuarial and financial models covered in later years. You’ll also study computer programming, economics and accounting.

Preparing for the real world
In third and fourth year, you’ll apply sophisticated mathematical techniques to real-world problems in insurance, finance and banking. During the course, you’ll also come to understand the actuarial and financial industry, and gain the state-of-the-art skills and techniques needed to work in it.

In third year, you’ll do an eight-month paid INTRA placement in the actuarial or financial industry. This could be in a large insurance company, an actuarial consultancy, an investment bank or a trading house. Once you graduate, you’ll find rewarding employment as an actuary, working in financial services or as a data scientist.

DCU People

Profile picture of Tomás-Broe-Brady
Tomás Broe-Brady
Alumni

During his time studying at DCU for the BSc Actuarial Mathematics Tomás combined his love of maths with an active social life through the DCU Weightlifting Club.


Read more about Tomás Broe-Brady
Profile picture of Aisling Crean-Lynch
Aisling Crean Lynch
Alumni

DCU was the only college offering entry into Actuarial and Financial Mathematics when Aisling Crean-Lynch was unsure if “the BSc in Actuarial Mathematics would be a good fit for me.”


Read more about Aisling Crean Lynch
Profile picture of Ava McKee
Ava McKee
Alumni

DCU has been an absolutely fantastic aid to my learning. The course can be very challenging at times, no doubt about it. It can involve abstract thinking and concepts that are often brand new.


Read more about Ava McKee
Profile picture of Ryan Kwok
Kwok Chuen (Ryan) Wong
Staff

From a young age in Hong Kong, I loved mathematics and found satisfaction when I solved problems or finished mathematical exercises.


Read more about Kwok Chuen (Ryan) Wong

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

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 Actuaries, 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.

Actuary
Actuarial Consultancy
Risk Management
Investments
Insurance
Pensions
Finance Analyst
Pricing Analyst

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

Entry Requirements Icon

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

Certified qualifications that cover all or most modules in Year 1 of our programme are essential for admission to the second year. Good academic background including solid mathematical skills in university level is required.

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

Course Structure Icon
  • Mathematical Analysis
  • Probability 
  • Computing for Mathematics 
  • Linear Mathematics 
  • Microeconomics 
  • Sequences and Series 
  • Calculus 
  • Macroeconomics 
  • Financial Modelling with Excel
  • Statistics 
  • Calculus 
  • Linear Algebra 
  • Numerical Methods 
  • Analysis 
  • Differential Equations 
  • Probability 
  • Accounting
  • Actuarial Modelling 
  • Stochastic Modelling 
  • Financial Mathematics 
  • Accounting 
  • Financial and Actuarial Models 
  • INTRA
  • Life Contingencies 
  • Financial Economics 
  • Time Series 
  • Simulation for Finance 
  • Deep Learning 
  • Probability and Finance 
  • Stochastic Finance
  • Optimisation

For more information on the course structure click here

Fees and Funding

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Fees

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

How To Apply

How To Apply Icon

Applicants presenting EU School Leaving/FETAC Level 5 examinations: Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

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.  Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

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

All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February. For further information and for special application procedures for mature students, please click here

Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 6th November to 1st July.

Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at cao.ie
 

Life On Campus

Life on Campus
DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

FAQ Icon

What is 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.