About Mathematical Studies - Arts (ba (hons)) in University College Cork

This course in the theory and practice of mathematics is specially designed for students in the CACSSS who want to further develop their interest in mathematics. It can also provide a route into teaching mathematics at second-level. 

The BA in Mathematical Studies is an option in the BA Arts (Honours) degree and complements other numerically based options in the BA Arts degree, for example Economics or Geography.

You will develop the theoretical underpinning of the mathematics you studied at school, while also developing applications of Mathematics to problems in the wider world. Throughout the degree you will learn written and oral presentation skills, for example, how to present a logic argument, perhaps backed up by numerical data.

• You will enter the jobs market with a numerate degree from one of the strongest mathematical sciences departments in Ireland
• The emphasis on developing problem-solving skills across a range of disciplines is highly regarded by employers
• There are many electives in Years 2/3 allowing students to tailor the content to their interests
• The course content is designed to cover the requirements for second-level teaching in mathematics set down by the Teaching Council of Ireland.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

If you take Mathematical Studies together with a foreign language, your degree can last four years, with Year 3 spent studying the language and mathematics abroad. There is no official placement module, but staff can advise and assist you to find summer internships.

Skills and Careers Information

As a graduate, your technical and numeracy skills will prepare you for a range of employment opportunities. Your soft skills, such as oral and written presentation skills and experience of working in a team, will also be attractive to employers.

A degree that includes 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:

• teaching
• accountancy
• banking
• management services
• insurance
• sales and marketing
• media
• civil service.

Academic qualification equivalents

 1.    All India Senior School Certificate 

 2.    Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard 12 

 3.    Indian School Certificate (Year 12) 

Band 1 Programmes

Minimum average of 90% + in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum average of 80-89% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 3 Programmes

Minimum average of 75-79% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Additional Requirements

Where Maths is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% in Maths is required.

Where a Lab Science subject is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% is required in the appropriate Lab Science subject.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: 6.5  Minimum individual sections 5.5
• TOEFL: TOEFL 90  Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing 17
• PTE: 63 Minimum individual sections 51

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