Requirements
- Candidates must have obtained at least a 2.2 degree or equivalent in the mathematical sciences or another quantitative subject.

- Candidates who have obtained at least a 2.2 honours degree in Engineering or Physics will be considered and should be able to demonstrate to the Course Coordinator some prior experience of probability and statistics, linear algebra, multivariate calculus, ordinary differential equations, and programming.

- Candidates, for whom English is not their primary language, should possess an IELTS of 6.5 (or TOEFL equivalent) with no less than 6.0 in each individual category.

- All candidates must be ultimately approved by the Course Coordinator.

For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.

English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.

Non-EU Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

Start Date: 8th September 2025.

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Career Opportunities
Past graduates of this programme have been recruited to risk management (Acadia, China Reinsurance Corporation), regulatory (FinTru, KBRA), and wealth management/investment roles (Fidelity). They have also progressed to SFI-funded study at PhD level in the application of machine learning to finance. This programme will prepare you for a broad spectrum of roles in the financial sector and particularly in quantitative finance, risk analysis, and investment banking.

Skills and Careers Information
Graduates will be prepared for quantitative roles in the financial services sector and particularly in investment banking, including roles in financial engineering, quantitative finance, investment analysis, and fund management. The programme also serves as a route to further study in this area.