On the Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics and Education) you will study mathematical concepts and ideas from a variety of fields and explore theories and practices in education, including how students learn and how to bring mathematics to life in the classroom.

In first year, you will explore core areas of mathematics and education, in addition to refreshing or experiencing for the first time the foundational aspects of study in applied mathematics in the module Introduction to Applied Mathematics. You will revisit the secondary school mathematics curriculum in the module Principles of Second-level Mathematics, identifying key ideas and considering the best approaches for teaching these to students.

In second year, you will strengthen and deepen your understanding of pure and applied mathematics in modules such as Statistics in Data Science and Mechanics. You will engage in further studies in education and discover engaging and innovative strategies for teaching mathematics. You will undertake and be supported for your first school placement as part of Practical Teaching Programme 2, giving you hands-on experience of being a teacher.

In third year, you will continue to build on your mathematical expertise with modules in discrete mathematics, modelling and groups. You will also learn about and how to use the latest software for mathematical scientists and educators. You will expand on your studies in educational theory in the module Psychology, Sociology and Catering for Diversity. In Practical Teaching Programme 3, you will further develop your knowledge of strategies for teaching mathematics and be supported in using these strategies in your second school placement.

In final year, you decide on the areas of mathematics that you wish to study with elective choice, in addition to gaining extensive experience teaching in a school in your final school placement. You will also learn about conducting research, and be supported as you complete your own research project in relation to mathematics teaching and learning. 

Curriculum Information

• Obtain a globally recognised mathematics degree and mathematics and applied mathematics teacher qualification, with a strong foundation in a wide range of mathematical fields and mathematics education in four years.
• Gain classroom teaching experience annually in a variety of school settings across Ireland.
• Choose the areas of mathematics that you wish to study.
• Build on or gain your first experience in the study of applied mathematics.

Have the opportunity to work in a wide-range of careers, including teaching, technology, data science, finance, and more, or continue to postgraduate study

Our BA (Mathematics and Education) opens the door to a dynamic and meaningful career—whether you're passionate about teaching or want to apply your mathematical knowledge in industries like technology, finance, or data science. Our graduates go on to enjoy extremely rewarding careers; for our teachers, this involves helping students to learn and love mathematics and applied mathematics, while for those who pursue careers in industry, this involves working in STEM-related fields.

If you have a passion and appreciation for mathematics and want a degree that combines deep subject knowledge with real-world teaching experience, then the BA (Mathematics and Education) is the perfect programme for you.

This course will equip you with the key skills that today’s schools and employers are looking for, including:

• Mathematical expertise—gain a full degree in mathematics,.
• Professional teaching skills and knowledge —learn how to plan lessons, manage classrooms, and support all learners.
• Real-world experience—complete school placements in a variety of educational settings.
• Communication and confidence—develop the ability to explain foundational and interesting mathematical ideas clearly and effectively.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving—develop the key skills that are highly valued in teaching and in STEM-related careers.
• Accreditation for employability—graduate as qualified teacher of mathematics and applied mathematics at secondary school level in Ireland and beyond.

No matter where your journey takes you, the BA (Mathematics and Education) gives you the tools to make an impact—in the classroom, in the workplace, and in the wider world.

In line with Teaching Council of Ireland regulations, all students are required to complete a minimum of 200 hours of school placement over the course of the four years. Gradually, students build up experience across all four years of the degree. Placement settings vary to give students a broad understanding of different school contexts, and all placements are closely supported by the University of Galway.

• Year 1, 2 and 3 (100 hours over the first 3 years)
• Year 4 (110 hours in a block placement)

Location:

Students can choose to do their Block School Placement (Year 4) in any location in Ireland. 

The Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics and Education) at University of Galway is accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland. This means that graduates of the programme are eligible to register as qualified post-primary teachers of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics in Ireland.

Requirements for Accreditation

Accreditation is automatically granted upon successful completion of the four-year programme. The course is designed in line with the Teaching Council's Curricular Subject Requirements and Initial Teacher Education standards.

International Recognition

The Teaching Council of Ireland’s accreditation is widely recognised in many countries, particularly within the EU and other English-speaking education systems. Graduates who wish to teach abroad may need to meet additional local requirements (such as language proficiency or registration with the relevant national teaching body), but their qualification is highly regarded internationally.

Kathy O’Sullivan
Stephen Quirke
Elaine Keane
Niamh Flynn
Tony Hall
Ian Munday
Kevin Jennings
Aisling McCloskey
James Cruickshank

The Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics and Education) is designed to develop students’ mathematical knowledge and expertise teaching mathematics. Students build a deep knowledge in and appreciation for mathematics and gain and utilise during school placement experiences the skills needed to teach mathematics effectively. The learning experience is engaging, enriching and rewarding, blending university-based study with school-based practice from year one.

How Will I Learn?

1. Innovative teaching — Students engage with mathematical concepts and ideas along with approaches to teaching mathematics in lectures, interactive classes and workshops, through collaborative learning opportunities and with the assistance of innovative resources and learning aids.
2. Critical discussions — Students experience and participate in critical discussions and reflections on matters pertaining to education and the teaching and learning of mathematics.
3. Practice-based experiences — School placement is an integral part of the programme, with students engaging in three school placement experiences in diverse school settings. Students are supported by and learn from their school placement tutors and co-operating teachers in their placement schools.

How Will I Be Assessed?

1. Continuous Assessment — Coursework includes the development of lesson plans, reflective journals, group projects, presentations, problem sets, and microteaching activities. Students receive regular constructive feedback to assist with assessment submissions.
2. Examinations — Written examinations take place in some modules at the end of each term.
3. School placement — School placements are assessed through observation reports, teaching portfolios, and professional reflection.

Research project – Student compile a research project on to support the development of their mathematics/ applied mathematics teaching practices. 

Course queries:
education@universityofgalway.ie

Q. Is the study of applied mathematics at secondary school level required for this programme?
A. No, the study of applied mathematics at secondary school is not required for this programme. In Semester 1 of first year students undertake the module Introduction to Applied Mathematics to enable those who have not studied the content before to gain foundational knowledge in the subject.

Q. Will I be qualified to teach two subjects at secondary school level upon completion of the programme?
A. Yes, graduates of the programme are qualified to teach mathematics and applied mathematics at all levels at secondary school.

Q. Can I decide which school I do my School Placement in?
A. Yes, for some school placements and if the school is agreeable, you may undertake the school placement in the school of your choosing. You must complete at least school placement in at least two different schools over the course of the programme.

Q. How does this programme differ from other pathways to becoming a mathematics and applied mathematics teachers?
A. This programme offers a shorter duration to becoming a qualified mathematics and applied mathematics teacher. Other routes may be five years or longer in duration, and may require the completion of an undergraduate and postgraduate degree.

Q. What options are available should I wish to pursue further study in mathematics or mathematics education?
A. Upon completion of the BME, graduates are suitably prepared to pursue a Masters degree from the various offerings of the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at University of Galway or further studies in mathematics education, such as a PhD in education at the School of Education at the University of Galway

For further information please visit

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.

School of Education 

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, and another language, and two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Additional Requirements  

A H5 or O1 Grade in Mathematics is an additional entry requirement.

Alternative Pathways

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links:

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme

Other Qualifications

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.

Admissions Office

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information.

International (Non-EU) Application Information

Application Process

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1^st October each year for entry the following September.  

Further Information

Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.

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