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.
Exceptional Facilities
DCU students enjoy exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our 3 academic campuses. These include modern learning theatres, research centres, television and sound studios, classrooms, computer suites and advanced laboratories in the areas of languages, engineering, physics, chemistry and biotechnology, as well as a sports performance centre and a virtual hospital ward.
A Vibrant, Dynamic Social Environment
Student facilities include a superb sports complex with a 25 metre pool, two libraries and The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre. In 2016 we announced plans to invest over €230m in developing new, world-class facilities across our three academic campuses. Already building has begun on an exciting, new €14m Student Centre that will be home to the more than one hundred and twenty student clubs and societies. This commitment to student facilities means that our world-class learning experiences are complemented by a vibrant, dynamic social environment.
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. Please apply directly to DCU using the R10 form. Closing date for applications 1st July.
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.