UG Prospectus 2025

42 WhyDCU? − Choose between 2 qualifications − At the end of Year 2, you decide between Actuarial Mathematics or Financial Mathematics − BSc in Actuarial Mathematicsmay offer exemptions from the Core Principles examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) UK – CS1, CS2, CM1, CM2, CB1 andCB2 − BSc in Financial Mathematics opens up a wide range of financial careers andmay offer exemptions fromtheCore Principles examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) UK - CS1, CM2, CB2 − Employers value the high-level mathematical trainingwe offer About You Do you have an interest in and aptitude for high-level mathematics and enjoy the challenge of problemsolving? Do youwant flexibility in deciding on your eventual career path? Common Entry gives you the choice of 2 courses: Actuarial Mathematics or Financial Mathematics. Additional Requirements In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to theUniversity (see page 174), the following entry requirement applies: minimumof H3 inMathematics. Understanding: Actuarial and Financial Mathematics DC127 is a common entry route to 2 BSc courses in the areas of actuarial and financial mathematics. After 2 years of study via (DC127) Common Entry route you are better placed to know which of the 2 options you enjoymost. They are: − BSc in Actuarial Mathematics − BSc in Financial Mathematics Entry toActuarial Mathematics is subject to performance in Years 1 and 2. The BSc in Actuarial Mathematics also has a direct entry route. If youwish to directly enter the Actuarial Mathematics course, you should apply to the BSc in Actuarial Mathematics (dcu.ie/DC126 ). Access to Financial Mathematics is exclusively via the Common Entry (DC127) only. A report on the future of the international financial services sector in Ireland by Deloitte concludes that, “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.” These BSc courses address this imperative. Course Structure Both of the courses emerging from Common Entry last for 4 years in total. At the end of Year 2, you choosewhich course to follow. The structure allows you tomake an informed decision about which stream to specialise in after studying fundamental courses such as analysis, algebra and probability, together with computing and statistics. In light of this, we offer the following advice: − If you are certain that youwant to pursue an actuarial career, apply for the DC126 BSc in Actuarial Mathematics − If youwish to keep your options open with the actuarial/financial range, apply for DC127 Common Entry − If youwish tomaximise your chances of accessing an actuarial or financial course, you should apply for both DC127 Common Entry andDC126 BSc in Actuarial Mathematics in the order that reflects your priorities Youwill have the opportunity to undertake a placement in the actuarial or financial industry. INTRAplacement offers you paid, relevant work experience. It gives you awonderful opportunity to experience a real work environment, makemore informed decisions about your career choice andmake useful contacts with prospective employers. If you elect the BSc in Financial Mathematics, youwill study how random processes can develop over time, and apply thesemathematical methods to examine howfinancial phenomena can evolve. Youwill also learn how to employ sophisticated statistical techniques to investigate large quantities of financial data and develop cutting-edge and data- drivenmodels of the stockmarket. Youwill study high-level modern probability, and apply it to designing and pricing complex financial products such as derivatives and swaps. Youwill also learn how tomake the large-scale computer simulations needed to price exotic financial securities. Common Entry intoActuarial and Financial Mathematics Applyingmathematics in the real world