Financial Mathematics

If you want to understand the why, more than the what and the how, when it comes to the complex world of global finance, this course is for you.



Designed to give you a competitive edge, the programme offers the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in quantitative finance and insurance roles.



During the course, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of mathematics and finance to help build your technical skills. You’ll also cover pricing, hedging of financial derivatives, portfolio optimisation, risk management, data analysis, machine learning and more.



Choose the study path for you

The course is open to graduates with a mathematics degree, or related area, keen to advance their careers. With part-time and full-time study options available, you can choose the best route for you. You’ll also get to undertake a work placement or complete a supervised project.



Once you graduate, you’ll be sought after for roles like financial engineer, financial services consultant or analyst in an insurance or financial institution.



Course Programme

Established in 1996, this programme is the first M.Sc in Financial Mathematics in Ireland and one of the oldest in Europe.



The DCU School of Mathematical Sciences has a long-standing commitment to teaching and research in Financial Mathematics. In 2009, it was awarded the only Stokes Chair in Financial Mathematics in Ireland. It has since attracted funding from Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, formerly Science Foundation Ireland, with the Edgeworth Centre for Financial Mathematics and an ERC grant on market frictions. The curriculum in this programme is taught by active researchers and has evolved over time to adapt to current developments in this field.



The course can be completed in one year (Autumn, Spring, Summer) with the full-time option or in two years (Autumn, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Spring) with the part-time option.

For admission to the M.Sc. in Financial Mathematics



Hold an award equivalent to an Honours B.Sc. or similar in any quantitative discipline, such as Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering and Economics.



Candidates must have an honours primary degree in one of the above disciplines with not less than 50% grade in Calculus, Linear Algebra, Quantitative Methods or similar modules.



Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and work experience will also be considered. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.



Candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language. More information about DCU's English language requirements can be found here.

1 Year Full Time or 2 Years Part Time

Careers

The increasing sophistication of financial markets has created an unprecedented need for advanced mathematics in the banking, insurance, and finance sectors.



Graduates with a wide spectrum of quantitative methods and the ability to adapt them to new situations are far more valuable to an employer than candidates with narrowly focused training.



Graduates are employed in quantitative roles in the FinTech, Financial Services and Banking industries. Typically working to determine price, analyse and manage risk, and identify profitable opportunities.



Global career opportunities

Non-EEA graduates (including those from Asia and the MiddleEast) are eligible to apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme to obtain a visa for up to two years, for the purpose of seeking employment. Numerous students from the Middle East, the Asian subcontinent and the Far East have completed this programme and returned to lucrative careers in Ireland and their home countries.