Bachelor of Science (Financial Mathematics and Economics)

The BSc in Financial Mathematics and Economics (BSc in FME) programme is a four-year degree programme consisting of courses in mathematics, economics, statistics/probability, applied mathematics, accounting and business finance, and computer science. The programme’s aim is to equip students with expertise in quantitative subjects, with a particular focus on financial economics, actuarial mathematics and statistics. There is a high demand from financial institutions for well-qualified students with quantitative skills, and in an expanding market, highly numerate professionals are being sought, particularly in the areas of insurance, investment and finance. Typically in such employment, you would be predicting the long-term financial consequences of current and past decisions, taking account of various risk factors, and designing solutions to problems that involve financial risk or uncertainty.

The degree should appeal to people who enjoy mathematics and are interested in studying economics and other subjects in the financial area. (Please note that you do not have to study economics for the Leaving Certificate to be admitted to this course.) This degree has an advantage over other programmes, including specialised actuarial programmes, as it is broad and suits students not yet ready to specialise. The course is administered jointly by the College of Science and the College of Business, Public Policy and Law. The entry requirements of either college may be applied, according to whichever is more advantageous to the applicant.

Subjects in this course are:-

YEAR ONE

 •Mathematics

• Computer Science

• Economics

• Mathematics of Finance

• Statistical Methods and Probability Models

• Mathematical Methods I

• Financial Accounting

YEAR TWO

• Differential Forms

• Intermediate Macroeconomics

• Random Variables

• Mathematical Methods I

• Intermediate Microeconomics

• Linear Algebra

• Introduction to Financial Economics

• Computer Science

• Discrete Mathematics

• Modelling, Analysis and Simulation

• Statistical Inference

• Complex Analysis

YEAR THREE

 •Applied Regression Models

• Groups

• Microeconomics and Public Policy

• Annuities and Life Insurance

• Money and Banking

• Metric Spaces

• Economics of Financial Markets

• Macroeconomics and Public Policy

• Actuarial Mathematics

• Business Finance

• Mathematical Modelling

• Topology

YEAR FOUR

• Actuarial Mathematics II: Life Contingencies

• Numerical Analysis

• Measure Theory

• Final Year Project

• Non-Linear Systems

• Derivatives and Risk Management

• Economics electives

• Networks

• Statistical Modelling

• International Monetary Economics

• Differential Equations with Financial Derivatives