Key Info
Mathematics (Common Entry)
You like mathematics and are good at it. You are interested in a career that involves Mathematics, but may also be interested in Physics or Economics.
Why study Mathematics at UL?
In UL the focus is on applied Mathematical sciences, where Mathematics and Statistics are used to solve problems that arise in science, engineering, industry, finance or society. Applied mathematical and statistical modelling is a philosophy of asking, and trying to understand, how things work. A problem or phenomenon of some sort occurs and Mathematics and Statistics are used to explain, to understand and ideally to improve it.
Learn more about our courses and upcoming events
What you will study
LM124 Mathematics Common Entry is designed to provide you with a gateway to better choice if you’re unsure which area you’d like to study. You can avail of a broad common first year which will introduce you to various topics in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics and Economics. Having gained a better understanding of each subject area, you then choose your preferred pathway to specialise for the remaining 3 years of your degree programme. At UL, you get to try before you decide.
In the first semester, you will study calculus, linear algebra and computer programming and can choose from a selection of other modules, including physics and economics, before deciding whether to pursue a degree in
- Mathematical Sciences
- Mathematics and Physics; or
- Economics and Mathematical Sciences.
A Special Mathematics (Higher Level) Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.
We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.
Your choice of programme needs to be made before the end of the first semester; there is no restriction on this choice, except that to continue with Mathematics and Physics you must take the physics module Mechanics/Heat/Electricity/Magnetism (PH4131) in the first semester, and similarly to continue with Economics and Mathematical Sciences you must take an economics module in the first semester. It is possible for you to select modules which leave all three options open for the second semester.
Module Electives - what are they?
Electives give you the opportunity to choose modules that you want to study.
Each Semester you will be given a choice of a number of modules and you will be asked to select a certain amount to study. This can range from 1 module to 4 modules, based on the course.
For example, you may be given a list of 4 modules, and will be asked to choose 2 to study for the upcoming semester.
Course Pathways - what are they?
A course pathway, or elective stream, is where you choose a particular area to specialise in within the broader course.
The pathway you choose will influence the modules you can study each semester and will be recognised in your final degree as an area of expertise.
For example, if you are studying Applied languages you are required to specialise in 2 languages from a selection of French, German, Irish and Spanish.
Electives and Pathways for Mathematics
Click here to see the various electives and pathways for this course.
Entry requirements
| CAO points history |
424
|
|---|---|
| Minimum grades |
Applicants are required to hold the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English. |
| Subject requirements |
In addition, applicants must hold a minimum grade H3 in Mathematics. |
| Additional considerations |
A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement. We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February. Application information for mature student applicants (PDF) QQI EntryCertain QQI Awards are acceptable in fulfilling admission requirements for this programme. Visit the UL Undergraduate Admissions QQI site for a full list of modules. |
| Non-EU Entry Requirements |
|
How to apply
| Where are you applying from? | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Ireland | Irish students must apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found here. |
| The UK | Students who have completed their A-Levels can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| The EU | EU Students can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| Non-EU country | If you are outside of the EU, you can apply for this degree here. |
Fees and funding
Student course fees are broken into three components - Student contribution, Student Levy and Tuition Fees.
A number of illustrative examples of fees for this course based on the current fee levels have been set out in the tables below.
An explanation of the components, how to determine status and the criteria involved is provided below the examples as is a list of possible scholarships and funding available.
EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
| SUSI pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
| €7,362 |
EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
| €7,362 |
Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
| €7,362 |
Non-EU Students
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €20,900 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
| €21,000 |
Student course fees are comprised of the following components:
Student Contribution
Annual charge set by the government for all full-time third level students. All students are liable unless they have been approved for a grant by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please refer to https://www.studentfinance.ie to determine your eligibility for a grant and for instructions on how to apply. The current student contribution is set at €3000.
Student Levy
All students are liable to pay the Student Levy of €100. Please note the Student Levy is not covered by the SUSI Grant.
Tuition Fees
These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.
Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows
-
Residency
- You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
-
Citizenship
- You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
-
Course Requirements
(all must be met)
- You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
- You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 year’s duration
- You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)
Depending on how you meet these criteria your status will be one of the following -
- Free Fee Status: You satisfy all three categories (1, 2 and 3) and therefore are eligible for the Higher Education Authority’s Free Fees scheme.
- EU Fee Status: You satisfy both the citizenship and residency criteria but fail to satisfy the course requirements and are liable to EU fees.
- Non EU Fee Status: You do not meet either the citizenship or residency criteria and are therefore liable to Non EU fees.
More information about fees can be found on the Finance website
These scholarships are available for this course
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| BD Science and Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship | €2,000 for one year | 6 |
| Intel, Shannon Women in Technology Scholarship | €2,000 grant for the remainder of your degree | |
| Royal Irish Academy Hamilton Awards – Mathematics | €250 | 1 |
| The Critchley Prize | 1 | |
| The Ei Electronics Women in Engineering Scholarship | €2,500 for 3 years | 1 |
These scholarships are available for all courses
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| All Ireland Scholarships - sponsored by J.P. McManus | €6,750 | 125 |
| Brad Duffy Access Scholarship | €5,000 for one year | 1 |
| Bursary for my Future Scholarship | €2,750 one off payment | 4 |
| Cooperative Education Award | 1 medal per faculty | |
| Elaine Fagan Scholarship | €1,500 | |
| Financial Aid Fund | ||
| Hegarty Family Access Scholarships | €5,000 for one year | 2 |
| Higher Education Grants & VEC Grants | ||
| Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship | €2,500 | |
| Plassey Campus Centre Scholarship Programme | ||
| Provincial GAA Bursaries Scheme | €750 | |
| Stuart Mangan Scholarship | ||
| The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O’Brien Athletics Scholarship | Various benefits equating to over €7,000 in value | |
| UL Sports Scholarships | Varies depending on level of Scholarship | Multiple |
Your future career
The career opportunities will depend primarily on the BSc course chosen by you. Graduates of UL Mathematics courses have successfully developed careers in the following employment areas:
Mathematical Sciences
Research; data scientist; statistician; teaching; financial services including accounting, lending analysis and investment analysis; data analysis including market research, demographics and medical research; software development; manufacturing including production planning, quality control and research and development of new products.
Mathematics and Physics
Research; medical device manufacturing; electronics; Physicist, meteorologist; patent agent; planetary scientist; acoustical physicist; teacher.
Economics and Mathematical Sciences
Economist; statistician; market research analyst; securities trader; investment banking analyst; health policy planner; international trade specialist; demographer; banking; civil service; actuarial services, education including teaching and research.
Follow-On Study
- Masters in Mathematical Modelling
- Masters in Data Science and Statistical Learning
- Relevant PhD Programme
