Chapters
- 01. Is Maths Really That Important? - Universities, Colleges and Further Education
- 02. Why is Maths so Important to Colleges, Universities and Further Education Providers?
- 03. Which College / University Courses Require Leaving Cert Maths?
- 04. Let's take a look at some of the most popular courses/career choices that are part of the STEM group.
- 05. Why Pursue a Career in STEM? - Maths for a High Paying Career
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."
Malcolm X
In this article, we are going to take a look at the importance of maths when it comes to embarking on your future education and career.
Is Maths Really That Important? - Universities, Colleges and Further Education
Without a doubt Maths is probably the most important subject and your Leaving Cert, why is this?
It is not impossible to get into a 3rd Level College or University without maths, there are many courses that take people who failed maths, but you are severely limiting your options. Unless you selected courses on the CAO application that did not require maths, if you fail the exam, you will not get into 3rd Level which means your options are even more restricted. Luckily you can get into some Further Education College or courses without maths.
However, if that's not for you and you fail maths in your Leaving Cert without having selected a CAO course that doesn't require maths, you almost definitely would be denied access to college.
There is good news though, if maths is the only subject you did not acquire your desired amount of points or failed maths, you can repeat it the following year and use all of your other points from the first Leaving Cert to gain access to your chosen course.
Why is Maths so Important to Colleges, Universities and Further Education Providers?
In a lot of cases, maths is required in college because it provides students with skills that can be useful not just for learning and understanding other courses but that can also prepare students for everyday life situations
Some important skills obtained from your Leaving Cert math courses:
- The ability to identify and analyze patterns
- Logic and critical thinking skills
- Ability to see relationships
- Problem-solving skills
In other words, it is generally understood that learning Maths provides an effective way of building mental discipline and encourages logical reasoning. Obtaining a good knowledge of maths plays a crucial role in understanding other school subjects
Which College / University Courses Require Leaving Cert Maths?
Naturally, the STEM subjects will require you to get a really good grade in your Leaving Cert Maths. For those of you reading this and are thinking 'what on earth is a STEM subject' the easiest way to understand it is as follows.
A STEM subject is a subject that can be categorised under the following headings:
- S - Science
- T - Technology
- E - Engineering
- M - Mathematics
Let's take a look at some of the most popular courses/career choices that are part of the STEM group.
In other words, let's see which subjects need you to get a really good grade in Leaving Cert Maths.
The most in-demand careers/courses right now that require good maths grades:
- Engineering and Physical Sciences - These include careers like most types of Engineers including Civil Engineers, anything relating to the Bio-Sciences including Anesthetists and Orthodontists, Veterinary Science, etc...
- Computing - This sounds pretty straightforward but just think along the lines of Software Developing, Biotechnology, Computer Games Development, or even Computer Systems Analysts.
- Education - Many teaching areas require you to have a good grade in maths exams, including Primary School Teachers, Bussiness/Accounting/Economics Teachers, Science Teachers, Technical Graphics/Woodwork/Metalwork Teachers, and of course Maths teachers to name a few.
- Finance - If you dream of a job as an accountant, auditor, financial advisor, or even a business manager, you will need to do well in your Leaving Cert maths exam to ensure you get into the right college/university course.
Why Pursue a Career in STEM? - Maths for a High Paying Career
According to the European Commission, demand for STEM professionals and associate professionals is expected to grow by around 8% between now and 2025, which is much higher than the average 3% growth predicted for all other occupations. Employment in STEM-related sectors is also expected to rise by around 6.5% between now and 2025.
Apart from the fact that studying to work in a STEM-based career, leads to a profession that is currently and predicted to continue being in high demand.
Careers in the above-mentioned areas tend to be very enticing financially!
For your intrigue I have included below, a list of some of the highest paying careers which you can pursue once you sit a good Leaving Cert (including good maths grades):
- Internal Audit - Average income = €55,000 per year
- A description of tasks undertaken in this area include:
- Internal audits evaluate a company's internal controls, including its corporate governance and accounting processes.
- Provide an independent and objective evaluation of a company's operations.
- A description of tasks undertaken in this area include:
- Software Engineers - Average income = €56,000 per year
- A description of jobs undertaken in this area include
- Programming software,
- Developing games,
- Running network control systems
- A description of jobs undertaken in this area include
- Marketing Director - Average income = €77,000 per year
- A description of jobs undertaken in this area include:
- Overseeing the branding of a company
- Developing and implementing marketing plans
- Managing marketing budgets
- A description of jobs undertaken in this area include:
- Actuary - Average income = €77,000 per year
- A description of jobs undertaken in this area include:
- Working out an appropriate price for insurance companies
- Advising on how to manage funds
- Advising on how much to save to have a comfortable pension
- Helping companies understand how to manage their risks by creating mathematical and financial models
- A description of jobs undertaken in this area include:
- Doctor - Average income = €108,000 per year
- A description of tasks undertaken in this area include:
- Diagnosing and treating patients
- Prescribing medicine and treatments
- Performing and interpreting diagnostic tests
- A description of tasks undertaken in this area include:
For more guidance when it comes to Leaving Cert Maths, visit the following articles:
For past maths exam papers and marking schemes, across all three Leaving Cert Levels, you can visit The Leaving Cert.
I know this article has mentioned a lot why Leaving Cert Maths is so important for future career prospects, yet it is important to remember that not everyone achieves their goals on the first go-round. This doesn't mean you failed it just means you have to try again. There is no shame in re-sitting an exam or re-sitting your entire Leaving Cert if necessary.
The important thing is to keep trying and not let it knock your confidence. If the Leaving Cert has you feeling a little stressed or frustrated, just remember it's ok because everyone in the same situation as you is feeling similar. However, if you're starting to feel overwhelmed there is someone to talk to you out there and to help you get through this difficult time. Services like Spun Out are there to help you.
The platform that connects tutors and students
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