Course Information
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) & MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Full Time – Undergraduate Studies
CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 5 Years (BSc 4 Years + MSc 1 Year)
Average Intake: 400
- O2/H6 in Mathematics
- O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
- O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Special Entry Recommendations
We recommend that all students in Physics, Mathematics & Education should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.
- A-Level/GCSE
- Other EU Applicants
- Non-EU Applicants
- QQI FET Entry Routes
- Level 6/7 Progression Routes
Why is this course for me?
If you are interested in physics and mathematics, and think you might like to teach these subjects at post-primary level, then this course may be for you. It’s designed so that from the start, you study physics and mathematics, along with education, in an integrated manner. In third year, you’ll gain teaching experience by completing placements (which we find for you) in a post-primary school and as a third-level tutor.
The four-year BSc in Physics, Mathematics & Education leads directly to the one-year MSc in Mathematics and Science Education. On completion of both degrees, you are fully qualified to teach Physics and Mathematics to Higher Level Leaving Certificate Level and Science to Junior Certificate Level.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
On completion of the BSc, students have guaranteed entry to the MSc in Mathematics & Science Education, provided they have achieved a GPA of 3.08. This is equivalent to a 2.1 Honours.
Placements are integrated into this course from first year. Care is taken to slowly introduce you to placements to enable you to build confidence before teaching a class of pupils.
During the last two years of the course, students are assigned year-long placements at two different post-primary schools. These placements are designed so that students not only obtain teaching experience, but also gain a whole-of-school experience through participating in parent-teacher meetings, timetabling etc. The complete five-year course is fully accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland.
Key Facts:
The five-year course is fully accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland.
Placements are integrated into this course from first year, with year-long placements at two different post-primary schools during the final two years of the course.
What Will I Study
This is a sample pathway for Physics, Mathematics & Education.
First Year
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Education
- Biology & Chemistry
- Elective module
Second Year
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Education
- Elective modules
Third Year
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Education
- School Placement – one placement in a post-primary school, and one placement as a third-level tutor.
Fourth Year
- Education
- School Placement
- Physics & Mathematics
Fifth Year
- Education
- School Placement
- Research Project
Testimonial
“The Science DN200 course was a perfect option for me as it allowed me to study all the sciences in first year, before concentrating on my chosen pathway of Physics, Maths & Education. I am completing my MSc in Mathematics and Science Education and will qualify as a post-primary teacher this summer. Such is the flexibility of this course, however, that many other options are still available to me in both Maths and Physics. UCD offers many opportunities for students to get involved. I have been a member of UCD GAA club since first year and play with the Men’s Gaelic Football Team. It is a good way of getting a break from time spent studying.”
Jim Rossiter Student