Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics and Education)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Galway

Program Overview

The BA (Mathematics and Education) at the University of Galway is a unique four-year honours degree that combines advanced mathematical study with professional teacher training. It suits students who love mathematics and want to inspire others, preparing them to graduate as fully qualified post-primary teachers of mathematics and applied mathematics.

Curriculum Structure

First Year

You’ll build a strong foundation in mathematics and education. Modules such as Introduction to Applied Mathematics and Principles of Second-level Mathematics refresh core concepts while exploring how to teach them effectively. Alongside this, you’ll begin studying educational theory and practice, preparing for your first classroom experiences.

Second Year

Your mathematical knowledge deepens with modules like Statistics in Data Science and Mechanics, while education studies introduce innovative teaching strategies. Importantly, you’ll complete your first school placement through Practical Teaching Programme 2, gaining hands-on experience in a real classroom setting.

Third Year

You’ll expand into advanced areas such as Discrete Mathematics, Modelling, and Groups, while also learning to use the latest software for mathematical scientists and educators. Education modules like Psychology, Sociology and Catering for Diversity prepare you to support diverse learners. A second school placement through Practical Teaching Programme 3 further develops your teaching confidence.

Fourth Year

You’ll choose elective mathematics modules to specialize in areas that interest you most, while completing your final school placement in a partner school. Alongside extensive teaching practice, you’ll undertake a research project focused on mathematics teaching and learning, showcasing your ability to combine academic study with professional practice.

Focus Areas

Applied Mathematics, Statistics in Data Science, Mechanics, Discrete Mathematics, Modelling, Groups, Mathematics for Sustainability, Educational Psychology, Sociology, Diversity in Education.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will master mathematics across pure and applied fields, develop professional teaching skills, and gain extensive classroom experience. They will be qualified to teach mathematics and applied mathematics at post-primary level in Ireland and internationally.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland, ensuring graduates are fully recognized as qualified teachers. This accreditation is widely respected across the EU and English-speaking countries.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Galway is ranked in the Top 2% of universities globally (QS World University Rankings) and first in Ireland for Sustainable Development (THE Impact Rankings). Its graduates enjoy strong employability, with mathematics and education alumni progressing into teaching, technology, finance, and data science careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the University of Galway’s BA (Mathematics and Education) gain practical skills through a carefully designed mix of mathematics training and real classroom experience. The program is built around school placements, teaching practice, and applied modules that ensure you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to teach and inspire. You’ll also benefit from access to specialist facilities, digital tools, and research-led teaching that make your learning hands-on and career-focused.

Experiential Learning

At Galway, experiential learning is central to the Mathematics and Education degree. You’ll move beyond lectures into applied practice, gaining professional teaching experience and using modern tools that prepare you for life as a qualified teacher:

School Placements: Structured teaching practice begins in second year and continues through third and fourth year, with students placed in partner schools across Ireland. These placements are part of the Practical Teaching Programmes (PTP2, PTP3, PTP4), giving you real classroom experience.
Teaching Practice & Mentorship: Each placement is supervised by experienced teachers and university staff, ensuring you receive feedback and mentorship while developing your teaching style.
Mathematics Laboratories & Software: Students use specialist software for mathematical scientists and educators, applying tools for modelling, statistics, and classroom teaching.
Group Projects: Collaborative coursework in modelling and discrete mathematics develops teamwork and communication skills while solving applied problems.
Education Modules with Applied Focus: Courses such as Psychology, Sociology and Catering for Diversity integrate practical case studies, preparing you to support diverse learners.
Research Project: In the final year, you’ll complete a capstone research project focused on mathematics teaching and learning, showcasing your ability to combine academic study with professional practice.
Library & Digital Resources: The University of Galway Library provides access to specialist mathematics and education journals, teaching resources, and digital databases to support your placements and projects.
School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences: As part of this school, you’ll benefit from a research-active environment, seminars, and exposure to innovative teaching methods.

This combination of school placements, teaching practice, specialist software, and research projects ensures you graduate not only with mathematical expertise but with the professional skills to succeed immediately in the classroom.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Galway’s BA (Mathematics and Education) are uniquely positioned to enter the teaching profession with both deep subject knowledge and extensive classroom experience. Typical career paths include secondary school mathematics teacher, curriculum developer, educational researcher, or roles in applied mathematics and data science. The program’s blend of mathematics and professional education ensures you graduate with strong employability and recognized teaching credentials.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Your degree at Galway is more than academic study — it’s a professional pathway supported by accreditation, industry links, and career services:

University Career Services: The University of Galway Career Development Centre provides tailored support, including teaching-specific career guidance, employer networking events, and access to job postings through the Career Connect portal.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: The University of Galway consistently ranks in the Top 2% of universities worldwide (QS World Rankings), with education graduates enjoying strong employability. Qualified post-primary teachers in Ireland earn competitive salaries, with mathematics teachers among the most in-demand.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program integrates school placements in partner schools across Ireland, ensuring students gain professional teaching experience and build networks with employers in the education sector.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: Accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland, the degree qualifies graduates to teach Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at post-primary level, a credential recognized across the EU and internationally.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni progress into careers in secondary education, curriculum development, educational research, and applied mathematics, with many securing teaching posts immediately after graduation thanks to the program’s structured placements and accreditation.

Further Academic Progression

After completing the BA (Mathematics and Education), many graduates choose to continue their studies to broaden career opportunities:

Professional Master of Education (PME) at the University of Galway, required for full teaching qualification in Ireland.
Postgraduate Diplomas in Education Leadership or Curriculum Studies, preparing graduates for roles in school management and policy.
MSc in Mathematics, Data Science, or Education, offering advanced specialization in either discipline.
PhD pathways in Education, Mathematics, or Applied Mathematics, for those interested in academic or research careers.