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Mathematics

BA/BSc (NFQ Level 8)
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If you are interested in studying Mathematics together with an Arts and Humanities or Social Sciences subject, then this degree is for you.

Mathematics has long played a central role in our quest to fully describe and understand the natural world. Nowadays, it is also a vital tool in many of the social sciences. Those who concentrate on this subject will gain an understanding of mathematical concepts and learn how to prove key facts and solve problems using deductive reasoning.

About This Course

If you are interested in studying Mathematics together with an Arts and Humanities or Social Sciences subject, then this degree is for you.

Mathematics has long played a central role in our quest to fully describe and understand the natural world. Nowadays, it is also a vital tool in many of the social sciences. Those who concentrate on this subject will gain an understanding of mathematical concepts and learn how to prove key facts and solve problems using deductive reasoning.

Some first-year modules build on the foundations laid at Leaving Certificate or equivalent, while others will introduce exciting new aspects of the subject. It is not assumed that you will have met everything before and each topic is carefully introduced and built upon.

BA Joint Honours

Mathematics as part of a BA can be combined with one of 12 Arts and Humanities subjects including English, Music, Irish and History.

First Year

Calculus • Linear Algebra 1 • Combinatorics & Number Theory • +1 other subject • Elective Module

Second Year

Topics in Mathematics include: Multivariable Calculus • Analysis • Algebraic Structures • Linear Algebra 2 • Statistics & Probability • Graphs & Networks • The Mathematics of Google • Theory of Games • +1 other subject • Elective Modules

Third Year

Complex Analysis • Geometry • Group Theory and Applications • History of Mathematics • Financial Mathematics • Differential Equations • +1 other subject • Elective Modules

BSc Social Sciences

Mathematics as part of a BSc can be combined with one of seven Social Sciences subjects including Economics, Sociology and Geography.

First Year

Calculus • Linear Algebra 1 • Combinatorics & Number Theory • +1 other subject • Elective Module

Second Year

Algebraic Structures • Multivariable Calculus • Analysis • Linear Algebra 2 • +1 other subject • Elective Modules

Third & Fourth Year

Mathematics topics include: Complex Analysis • Group Theory & Applications • Geometry • Graphs & Networks • The Mathematics of Google • Financial Mathematics • History of Mathematics • Differential Equations • Statistics & Probability • Cryptography • Study Abroad Opportunity • Internship Opportunity • Research Project • Elective Modules

Assessment

Assessment will be through a combination of end-of-trimester written examinations, projects and continuous assessment.

Study Mathematics (BA Arts)

Art History Irish/Gaeilge
Drama Studies Irish Folklore
English Italian
French Linguistics
Greek & Roman Civilisation Music
History Statistics
Portuguese
Study Mathematics (BSc Social Sciences)

Archaeology Philosophy
Economics Politics & International Relations
Geography Sociology
Information & Communication Studies

Students may apply to study abroad at international partner universities in Year 3 of the Social Sciences programme.

The skills and problem-solving abilities you acquire are highly prized in a range of professions. Mathematics graduates have found highly rewarding employment in: Actuarial Science, Political Science, Journalism, Business, Sociology, Banking and Financial Services, IT, Education, Meteorology, Accounting.

Graduates may also pursue further study, including the HDip in Mathematical Science and the HDip and MA in Statistics.

Associate Professor Chris Boyd
UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics
e. chris.boyd@ucd.ie


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
MST10010 Calculus I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
MST10040 Combinatorics & Number Theory Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
MST10020 Calculus II Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
MST10030 Linear Algebra I Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
MST20010 Algebraic Structures Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
MST20070 Multivariable Calculus with Applications Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
MST20040 Analysis Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
MST20050 Linear Algebra II Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits from the two options lists below. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here.
Students who are not study ing abroad or taking up an internship in Stage 3 must select MST30090 (second options list).
MATH20150 Graphs and Networks Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits from the two options lists below. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here.
Students who are not study ing abroad or taking up an internship in Stage 3 must select MST30090 (second options list).
MST30010 Group Theory and Applications Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits from the two options lists below. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here.
Students who are not study ing abroad or taking up an internship in Stage 3 must select MST30090 (second options list).
MST30020 History of Mathematics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits from the two options lists below. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here.
Students who are not study ing abroad or taking up an internship in Stage 3 must select MST30090 (second options list).
MST30050 Complex Analysis Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits from the two options lists below. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here.
Students who are not study ing abroad or taking up an internship in Stage 3 must select MST30090 (second options list).
MATH20260 The Mathematics of Google Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits from the two options lists below. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here.
Students who are not study ing abroad or taking up an internship in Stage 3 must select MST30090 (second options list).
MATH20270 Theory of Games Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits from the two options lists below. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here.
Students who are not study ing abroad or taking up an internship in Stage 3 must select MST30090 (second options list).
MATH30250 Cryptography: Theory & Practice Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits from the two options lists below. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here.
Students who are not study ing abroad or taking up an internship in Stage 3 must select MST30090 (second options list).
MST30030 Financial Mathematics Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits from the two options lists below. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here.
Students who are not study ing abroad or taking up an internship in Stage 3 must select MST30090 (second options list).
MST30040 Differential Equations Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits from the two options lists below. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here.
Students who are not study ing abroad or taking up an internship in Stage 3 must select MST30090 (second options list).
MST30070 Differential Geometry Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 25 credits from the two options lists below. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here.
Students who are not study ing abroad or taking up an internship in Stage 3 must select MST30090 (second options list).
STAT20060 Statistics & Probability Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B)5CR:
Students who are NOT studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship must take MST30090.
MST30090 Skills for Math Sciences Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
MST30080 Maths Research Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Please note that you must take ALL THREE of the modules in this list during the course of your degree programme. Please ensure that you register for any of these modules you have not yet taken.
MST30010 Group Theory and Applications Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Please note that you must take ALL THREE of the modules in this list during the course of your degree programme. Please ensure that you register for any of these modules you have not yet taken.
MST30050 Complex Analysis Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Please note that you must take ALL THREE of the modules in this list during the course of your degree programme. Please ensure that you register for any of these modules you have not yet taken.
MST30070 Differential Geometry Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
You may choose modules from the following option list to fulfill your credit requirement of 25 credits for stage 4 as required.
MATH20150 Graphs and Networks Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
You may choose modules from the following option list to fulfill your credit requirement of 25 credits for stage 4 as required.
MATH40550 Applied Matrix Theory Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
You may choose modules from the following option list to fulfill your credit requirement of 25 credits for stage 4 as required.
MST30020 History of Mathematics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
You may choose modules from the following option list to fulfill your credit requirement of 25 credits for stage 4 as required.
MATH20270 Theory of Games Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
You may choose modules from the following option list to fulfill your credit requirement of 25 credits for stage 4 as required.
MATH30250 Cryptography: Theory & Practice Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
You may choose modules from the following option list to fulfill your credit requirement of 25 credits for stage 4 as required.
MST30030 Financial Mathematics Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
You may choose modules from the following option list to fulfill your credit requirement of 25 credits for stage 4 as required.
MST30040 Differential Equations Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
You may choose modules from the following option list to fulfill your credit requirement of 25 credits for stage 4 as required.
STAT20060 Statistics & Probability Spring  5

SDG4 SDG 5 SDG 10 SDG 11 SDG 16 SDG 17

 

By joining the UCD College of Arts and Humanities you will be part of a vibrant community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable, just and equitable future. Our courses are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen arts and humanities subjects. Our research and teaching and learning connect with many of the SDGs, most notably:

  • SDG 4: Quality Education -Promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

  • SDG 5: Gender Equality - Advances gender equality by addressing social norms, histories, and cultural practices that contribute to gender disparities.

  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - Encourages understanding and action against social, economic, and political inequalities.

  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Enhances cultural understanding and heritage preservation, fostering sustainable communities.

  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions through critical inquiry into human rights, ethics, and governance.

  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Encourages global partnerships and collaboration by fostering international understanding and dialogue.

Our programmes equip students with critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness, essential for addressing complex global challenges.

I chose to study mathematics at UCD because I always enjoyed maths growing up and had an incredibly positive experience with the subject throughout secondary school. I won’t lie it was a challenge at times, but 100% worth it. The wide range of modules really gave a taste of different types of maths, from abstract algebra to tutoring modules. The lecturers have been beyond helpful, providing extensive office hours and unlimited worked examples, they really wanted to see you succeed. I do think having an undergraduate degree in Mathematics has made my job search so much easier too!

Hannah Sommerville, Student

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Mathematics:

ROWCLASS Apply to
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BAU5
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
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SBU3
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
showAudience-audienceEU
DN520
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO
showAudience-audienceEU
DN700
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page