Financial Mathematics (MMCA)

Financial Mathematics is one of the degree subjects available through the Mathematics stream in the common entry Science course. Students study similar modules for all degree subjects in the Mathematics stream in first year and will study modules for a minimum of two degree subjects in second year. At the end of second year, students choose their degree major. Assuming students meet all the academic requirements in first and second year, students are guaranteed a degree subject from the stream they are studying in second year. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice. As we offer plenty of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major. For more information on choosing a degree major at the end of Second Year, visit the Mathematics stream page.

This is a sample set of modules that a Financial Mathematics student could study each year in UCD.

First Year
Scientific Enquiry • Introduction to Applied & Computational Mathematics • Calculus in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences • Applications of Differential Equations • Linear Algebra in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences • Statistical Modelling • Mathematical Analysis • Numbers & Functions • Mathematical Analysis • Microeconomics for Business • Optional Modules • Elective Module 

Second Year
Computational Science • Calculus of Several Variables • Linear Algebra in the Mathematical Sciences • Introduction to Probability • Foundations of Finance • Modern Regression Analysis • + modules for 1 other Science Subject • Elective Modules 

Third Year
Partial Differential Equations in Financial Maths • Corporate Financial Management • Fundamentals Actuarial Mathematics • Metric Spaces • Models - Stochastic Models • Advanced Computational Finance • Financial Maths Foundations • Option Modules • Elective modules 

Fourth Year
Measure Theory & Integration • Time Series Analysis • Monte Carlo Inference • Financial & Actuarial Maths • Advanced Risk Management • Probability Theory • Option modules 

Timetables & Assessment
Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full-time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials, depending on the subjects. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

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.

Students may apply to study abroad for a trimester in third year in partner institutions internationally.

Students have the opportunity to complete a Professional Placement module worth 5 credits. This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a placement in industry (6-10 weeks) in the summer following Third Year.

Students in recent years have completed internships in Grant Thornton, Numerix-Fincad, AIB, Murex, Mazars, JP Morgan, IMC Trading and Citibank.

Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year.

More information about the internship module and application process.

Graduates with training in Financial Mathematics work in fields as diverse as quantitative positions in international financial companies, 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 Financial Mathematics, MSc in Statistics or an MSc in Data Analytics.

By studying an undergraduate degree in the Science programme, you will be joining a global community of scientists and will be taught by world-class researchers at the forefront of research in one of the most innovative and diverse programmes in Ireland, encompassing biology, sustainability, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, mathematics and computer science. Faculty who teach on the Science programme draw on their research to provide an inclusive and equitable education for scientists who will be leaders and innovators in a range of industries and research institutes working towards a sustainable and equitable future. 

The curriculum is informed by the following research:

• Exploring and understanding the processes that drive and can mitigate and enable adaptation to global change from evolutionary, environmental and social perspectives at levels ranging from molecular and genetic to individual, ecosystem and landscape

• Translating fundamental discoveries to a greater understanding of health and disease, with the ultimate aim of informing novel drug discovery

• Performing fundamental and applied research with a focus on current societal challenges including the energy transition, environmental change, geohazards and access to natural resources

The College of Science offers a range of degree subjects within the Science and Sustainability common entry courses that embed sustainability principles and are working towards the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Good Health and Well-being (SGD 3)
• Quality Education (SDG 4)
• Affordable and Clean Energy (SGD 7)
• Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SGD 11)
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SGD 12)
• Life Below Water (SDG 14)
• Life on Land (SDG 15)

The programmes at UCD are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen field, while at the same time embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) in their education where most relevant.

"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 graduating, I went back to work at the same firm full time."

Joseph Mulligan, Graduate