Applied Mathematics - Arts

The primary mission of the School of Mathematical Sciences at UCC is to provide you with the highest quality education in mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics. Our tradition of excellence dates to George Boole (1815-1864), the first Professor of Mathematics at UCC who is renowned for transforming mathematics as a discipline.

Mathematics is at the very heart of many disciplines including business, economics, engineering, finance, geography & geology, and the sciences. Applied mathematicians develop analytical and numerical techniques and use them in the construction of mathematical models capable of describing a wide range of physical and related phenomenon.

If you have a good feel for puzzles, games and mathematical conundrums, and you’re generally considered to have an aptitude for mathematics and mathematical problems, this is a good indication that Applied Mathematics may be for you.

The emphasis throughout this three-year course is on developing and enhancing your problem-solving skills. Computers play a central role in Applied Mathematics, as many problems can be solved by making use of computers to perform immense numerical computations far beyond the power of human beings. Numerical computation encompasses scientific programming, the use of sophisticated mathematical software libraries, computer laboratory experiments and numerical analysis. The course content at UCC reflects this and the School of Mathematical Sciences has dedicated computer laboratories for this purpose.

You can take this subject through a number of undergraduate programmes. You must meet the requirements for the programme that you apply for.

In addition, to meet the requirements to study this subject, you must have achieved at least a H3 in Mathematics in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent).

Whilst prior knowledge of Applied Mathematics at Leaving Certificate level is helpful, it is not an essential requirement for this course.

Graduate Study Options

Further study options for students who graduate with Applied Mathematics as part of their degree include:

Career Opportunities

As a graduate, your technical, practical and numeracy skills, as well as the soft skills you have acquired, such as oral and written presentation skills and the ability to work in teams, will prepare you for a wide range of employment opportunities. 

Being able to effectively communicate about problems and their solutions with those from other related disciplines is essential. Regardless of the career path chosen, today’s employers demand these types of skills and flexibility of approach. A degree in Applied Mathematics will be seen by employers as evidence that you are able to think independently and quickly learn new skills.

Recent graduates have embarked on career paths such as accountancy & banking, civil service, data analytics, insurance, management services, pharmaceutical & biotechnological industries, software & computing, and teaching & academia.