Mathematics (Common Entry)

About You

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 mathematics, not in the sense of the Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics syllabus, but rather in the sense of mathematics being used to solve problems that arise in science, engineering, industry, finance or society. Applied mathematical modelling is a philosophy of asking, and trying to understand, how things work. A problem or phenomenon of some sort occurs outside mathematics and mathematics is used to explain, to understand and ideally to improve it.

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, 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 a physics module 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.

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.

In addition, applicants must hold a minimum grade H3 in Mathematics. 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.

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; 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 

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.