Course Information
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Full Time – Undergraduate Studies
CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
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 Financial Mathematics should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Higher Level 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 have a strong interest in Mathematics, enjoy problem solving and are interested in how Mathematics is used in business and finance, this degree in Financial Mathematics will give you an understanding of the mathematical theories that underpin financial models, as well as computational expertise in the algorithms that price financial products. One example of a financial model included in the course is the Black-Scholes option pricing model, dating from 1973, which is one of the earliest equations developed and used to price options. Implementations of these models, including computer programming, form a key part of the course.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
Graduates with training in Financial Mathematics work in fields as diverse as:
- Quantitative positions in the financial sector
- Risk modelling in banking and insurance
- Computing in business, technology, research and academia
Graduates can also pursue a range of MSc or PhD programmes such as the MSc in Actuarial Science, MSc in Quantitative Finance, or an MSc in Statistics.
What Will I Study
This is a sample pathway for a degree in Financial Mathematics. Sample topics include probability theory, statistical modelling, computational science, fundamentals of actuarial and financial mathematics, advanced corporate finance, stochastic analysis and machine learning.
First Year
- Statistics
- Applied & Computational Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Optional Science modules
- Elective module
Second Year
- Applied & Computational Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Finance
- 1 other Science subject
- Elective modules
Third Year
- Financial Mathematics (modules include Computational Finance, Stochastic models, Corporate Finance)
- Elective modules
Fourth Year
- Financial Mathematics (modules include Financial and Actuarial Mathematics, Stochastic Analysis, Risk Management)
All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.
Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.
International Study Opportunities
Students may apply to study abroad for a semester in third year in partner institutions internationally.
Testimonial
“When I came to the UCD Open Day and saw the beautiful science building and how friendly everyone was, my mind was made up right away. When I learned about Financial Mathematics, it sounded like the perfect way to continue to study mathematics while also combining it with my interest in financial markets. I was also lucky enough to get to go abroad for my third year to UC Berkeley in California which was an amazing experience. Studying at a different institution gave me another perspective and I think it’s really helped me in my final year. I also completed an internship in the summer between third and fourth year at Credit Suisse and was able to earn credits as part of the professional placement module. After I graduate, I’ll be going back to work at that same firm full time.”
Joseph Mulligan Student