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. 

Year 1 

• Mathematics
• Introduction to Financial Accounting
• Computer Science
• Principles of Microeconomics
• Probability Models
• Skills for Economics
• Mathematical Methods
• Mathematics of Finance
• Principles of Macroeconomics
• Statistical Methods  

Year 2 

• Differential Forms
• Discrete Mathematics
• Intermediate Microeconomics
• Mathematical Methods
• Programming for Science and Finance
• Random Variables
• Linear Algebra
• Complex Analysis
• Intermediate Macroeconomics
• Introduction to Financial Economics
• Statistical Inference 

Year 3 

• Work Placement (Offered on merit basis)
• Actuarial Mathematics: Cashflow Models
• Applied Regression Models
• Groups
• Metric Spaces
• Money and Banking
• Microeconomics and Public Policy
• Business Finance
• Economics of Financial Markets
• Modelling
• Macroeconomics and Public Policy
• Nonlinear Systems
• Topology 

Year 4 

• Final Year Project in Mathematics or Economics
• Actuarial Mathematics: Life Contingencies 1, Pricing and Reserving 
• Actuarial Mathematics: Life Contingencies 2
• Numerical Analysis
• Measure Theory
• Derivatives and Risk Management
• Networks
• Statistical Modelling
• Differential Equations with Financial Derivative
• Economics electives

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• Professional recognition: Exemptions from three key actuarial exams give you a strong head start toward a career as an actuary.
• Flexible learning path: A broad degree that lets you explore maths, economics, and finance before specialising.
• Industry-focused skills: Develop high-level quantitative, statistical, and analytical skills valued in global finance. 

Graduates of the BSc in Financial Mathematics and Economics are highly sought after across actuarial and financial sectors. Employers value the combination of mathematical expertise and economic insight for roles such as: 

• Actuary (with further professional exams)
• Financial analyst or risk analyst
• Investment banking associate
• Data analyst or quantitative researcher 

Many graduates progress into international financial firms such as  

Hannover Re, LCP (Lake Clarke Peacock), Bank of Ireland, EY, Irish Life, Allianz Insurance. Others pursue postgraduate research or professional training in actuarial science, financial economics, or data science. 

With demand for quantitative expertise continuing to grow, this programme provides the foundation for a rewarding career in global finance and beyond. 

Your Semester Abroad  

In your third year you will have an option to spend semester abroad at such universities as University of California, Hong Kong Baptist University 

Why This Year Will Change Your Life 

By the end of your year abroad, you’ll have: 

• Gained a deeper understanding of different cultures - and seen the world from a new perspective.
• Gained life skills - from navigating a new city to making international friends.
• Discovered more about yourself - and how your own culture fits into the bigger picture. 
• This year is all about adventure, independence, and setting yourself up for an exciting global career. Are you ready? 

As part of your third year, you have the opportunity to spend 8 months on placement (from January to August) in such companies as  

Susquehanna,  Central Bank,  Hannover Re,  LCP (Lake Clarke Peacock),  

Zurich, WTW  (Willis Tower Watson), Acorn Life. Roles include Equity Research Intern,  Actuarial Intern, Life Actuarial Intern,  ASI Underwriting Intern, Actuarial Propositions Intern, Life Insurance Consulting Placement  

Placements are currently offered on merit basis. The placements are paid and located mainly in Dublin and Galway. Some placements offer a possibility of hybrid work. This is a good opportunity to secure a gradute job. 

Professional Body 

The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) is the UK-based professional body that sets internationally recognised standards for actuarial practice. It oversees the education, examination, and professional development of actuaries working in financial services, pensions, insurance, and investment worldwide. 

Exemptions Available 

Graduates of the BSc in Financial Mathematics and Economics may be eligible for exemptions from three core IFoA professional examinations: 

• Actuarial Mathematics (CM1)
• Actuarial Statistics (CS1)
• Business Economics (CB2) 

These exemptions are awarded on the basis of successful completion of the relevant modules within the programme. 

Opportunities for Graduates 

By securing exemptions, graduates can progress more quickly towards a professional actuarial qualification, reducing the number of additional exams required after graduation. This provides a head start in entering the actuarial profession and related financial sectors. Actuarial skills are also highly transferable to careers in risk management, data analytics, investment banking, and financial consultancy. 

International Recognition 

The IFoA is one of the most highly respected actuarial bodies globally, and its qualifications are widely recognised in Ireland, the UK, and across international markets. As actuarial practice is a regulated profession in many jurisdictions, exemptions from IFoA exams provide graduates with an advantage when seeking professional recognition abroad. 

Further Requirements 

To achieve full actuarial accreditation and membership of the IFoA, graduates must sit and pass the remaining professional examinations not covered by exemptions. In addition, they are required to complete a period of practical work experience and demonstrate professional competencies in line with IFoA requirements. 

The BSc in Financial Mathematics and Economics combines mathematics, statistics, economics, and finance to build strong problem-solving and analytical skills. You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, tutorials, computer labs, and group projects, supported by industry links and real-world applications. 

How Will I Learn? 

1. Lectures & Tutorials - Core concepts explained in lectures, with smaller tutorial groups to practise problem-solving.
2. Practical Classes - Computer labs using R, Python, and econometrics software bring theory to life.
3. Independent Study - Time for reading, practice, and developing your skills beyond the classroom.
4. Work Placement (offered on merit basis) - A structured placement in Year 3 lets you gain hands-on experience with top employers. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

1. Continuous Assessment - Coursework, assignments, quizzes, and lab work.
2. Exams - Written exams at the end of each semester test your knowledge and skills.
3. Projects & Reports - Data analysis and applied modelling tasks in later years.
4. Final-Year Project or Work Placement - A research project or work placement brings everything together in Years 3 and 4. 

Course queries: 
nina.snigireva@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s):  

Dr. Nina Snigireva, 
Programme Director 
Financial Mathematics and Economics programme 
School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences 
College of Science & Engineering 
E: nina.snigireva@universityofgalway.ie 

Entry Requirements 

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a third language or a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Computer Science or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.  

A H5 or O1 in Mathematics is required. 

Additional Requirements 

This programme is an inter-college programme of the College of Science and Engineering and the College of Business, Public Policy and Law 

The entry requirements of either College may be applied, whichever is the more advantageous to the applicant. 

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 2026/27

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€4,768	€2,500	€27,500	€140	€2,640	€7,408	€27,640

• 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 1.8% 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.

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 1st October each year for each 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.