Is Applied Maths Right for Me?

A Note from the Teacher

Choosing Applied Maths is a decision, not a default.

Applied Maths can be a brilliant subject for students who enjoy problem-solving, patterns and understanding the why behind the Maths. It is also a commitment, and how you take the subject can shape your experience.

You might experience Applied Maths during Transition Year, choose it as one of your timetabled Leaving Certificate subjects, study it externally as an additional subject, or even take it up later in Senior Cycle.

So what is each of those routes actually like?

I asked current and former Applied Maths students to share their experiences: why they chose the subject, what they enjoyed, what they found difficult, how they managed the workload and what they wish they had known before they started.

The aim is not to convince you to choose Applied Maths. It is to help you decide whether it is right for you.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW?

What kind of student might enjoy Applied Maths?

Applied Maths tends to appeal to students who enjoy problem-solving and using Maths to understand how things work. You do not need to know that you want to study Engineering, Physics or another Maths-related course. Some students simply enjoy Maths and want to explore a different kind of problem-solving.

“To those with inquisitive minds who enjoy a challenge in problem-solving, you will be suited to this subject.”

Emma-Jane | Leaving Certificate 2026

“It is a great choice for anyone with an interest in subjects such as Maths, Physics and Accounting.”

Lily | Leaving Certificate 2026

WHAT DOES APPLIED MATHS ACTUALLY FEEL LIKE TO STUDY?

Applied Maths is not simply more of the Maths you already study. The course brings together different types of problem-solving, from mechanics and motion to algorithms, calculus and mathematical modelling. For many students, part of the appeal is seeing Maths being used in new ways.

“The topics are quite diverse, from mechanics to algorithms to calculus…. I will never forget the buzz Applied Maths gives you when you see Maths working out, things making sense and everything falling into place. What a cool subject.”

Emma-Jane | Leaving Certificate 2026

“Studying Applied Maths was a nice break from essay-heavy subjects that I did not enjoy as much.”

Zofia | Leaving Certificate 2025

IS APPLIED MATHS DIFFICULT?

Applied Maths can be challenging, particularly when you first meet unfamiliar ways of thinking or when you are studying it as an additional subject. That does not mean you need to find everything easy from the beginning. Several students found parts of the subject difficult and became more confident with time and practice.

“At first, I found it difficult in Transition Year, but now that I am in fifth year, I can already see how much more confident I feel with it compared to last year.”

Alannah | Leaving Certificate 2027

“I came up from a poor mock result to a H1 by practising more exam questions, so if you put in the effort it really can be worth it.”

Olivia | Leaving Certificate 2026

HOW MUCH WORK IS INVOLVED?

The workload can feel very different depending on how Applied Maths fits into your week. A timetabled subject and an additional eighth subject are not the same experience, and students also differ in how much time they need to practise. The experiences below show both sides.

“The added workload was not as heavy as I expected it to be.”

Zofia | Leaving Certificate 2025

“I found it quite challenging week to week with it being an additional subject, but with the course being shorter than most my revision was actually manageable because there wasn’t as many chapters to cover.”

Olivia | Leaving Certificate 2026

“The workload can be a lot at times, however if you have an interest in the subject then it can be rewarding and fun.”

Lily | Leaving Certificate 2026

CAN I TAKE APPLIED MATHS AS AN ADDITIONAL SUBJECT?

Yes, some students study Applied Maths outside their normal school timetable as an additional Leaving Certificate subject. However, this changes the experience. It means finding extra time for classes and practice alongside your other subjects, so it is worth thinking honestly about whether that fits your workload.

“I studied Applied Maths as an 8th subject at lunchtimes and after school. I found it quite challenging week to week with it being an additional subject.”

Olivia | Leaving Certificate 2026

“I took Applied Maths on as an extra subject as I wanted to do Physics in college at the time. It was a nice fallback subject in case Physics did not go my way on the day.”

Ela | Leaving Certificate 2026

“I began studying Applied Maths in the November of my fifth year in school. Taking it on as a subject was the best decision I ever made. Applied Maths quickly became my favourite subject.”

Josh | Leaving Certificate 2026

DOES APPLIED MATHS WORK WELL WITH PHYSICS AND MATHS?

There is a natural connection between Applied Maths, Mathematics and Physics, and several students mentioned this when describing their experience. For some, studying the subjects together helped reinforce ideas they were meeting elsewhere.

“I did both Physics and Applied Maths for my Leaving Cert. The two subjects’ curriculums feature a lot of overlap and therefore I found Physics a lot easier because I did Applied Maths.”

Josh | Leaving Certificate 2026

“I would definitely recommend Applied Maths to anyone interested in Maths, or even someone just looking to strengthen their Maths or Physics skills.”

Ela | Leaving Certificate 2026

WHAT IS THE APPLIED MATHS PROJECT LIKE?

The Leaving Certificate Applied Maths course includes a mathematical modelling project. For some students, this is one of the most enjoyable parts of the subject because it gives them an opportunity to investigate a problem and apply their knowledge in a different way.

“I found the project most enjoyable as it is so self-directed and you can really make it your own.”

Ela | Leaving Certificate 2026

“The project is a big help and interesting too, getting to apply your knowledge to the real world!”

Olivia | Leaving Certificate 2026

WHAT CAN APPLIED MATHS LEAD TO?

You do not need to know what you want to study after school before choosing Applied Maths. However, for some students, studying the subject helped them discover or confirm an interest in areas such as Engineering, Physics and Mathematics.

“Applied Maths encouraged me to research Engineering at third level, and it is the reason I chose my current course.”

Zofia | Leaving Certificate 2025

“I wanted to study either Engineering or Physics in college so I knew it would be a great help to study this subject. Studying Applied Maths gave me a chance to focus on and build my strengths, and to get a head start on what I will be studying in college.”

Josh | Leaving Certificate 2026

CAN I TRY APPLIED MATHS BEFORE I CHOOSE IT?

Zofia experienced Applied Maths through Transition Year before deciding to choose it for the Leaving Certificate. Alannah took a different route: while she was in Transition Year, she joined an external Fifth Year Applied Maths class. Both had an opportunity to experience the subject before making their Senior Cycle decisions.

“I started Applied Maths in 4th year as a way to see if it was something I would be interested in. I really enjoyed the classes and decided to choose Applied Maths as a Leaving Certificate subject.”

Zofia | Leaving Certificate 2025

“I took Applied Maths during Transition Year and I am really glad I did. It bridged the gap between Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle Maths, and kept me engaged in my studies.”

Alannah | Leaving Certificate 2027

Interested in trying Applied Maths during Transition Year?

There are a few different ways to experience the subject before deciding whether to study it for the Leaving Certificate.

Explore Applied Maths in Transition Year →

READ THE STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES IN FULL

Zofia | Leaving Certificate 2025

I started Applied Maths in 4th year with Ms. Tallon as a way to see if it was something I would be interested in. I really enjoyed the classes and decided to choose Applied Maths as a Leaving Certificate subject. The added workload was not as heavy as I expected it to be. Studying Applied Maths was a nice break from essay-heavy subjects that I did not enjoy as much. Ms. Tallon made the classes enjoyable and helped my love of Maths grow. As a student who enjoys Maths, taking Applied Maths for the Leaving Certificate benefitted me greatly and helped me get the course I wanted in third-level education. I would recommend Applied Maths to every student who enjoys working with numbers. Applied Maths encouraged me to research Engineering at third level, and it is the reason I chose my current course. Ms. Tallon is a great teacher who encourages students in a positive way, provides many resources, and is always helpful.

Ela | Leaving Certificate 2026

I took applied maths on as an extra subject as i wanted to do physics in college at the time. it was a nice fall back subject incase physics didn’t go my way on the day. However as time passed my interests in further education shifted however, the benefits of applied maths didnt. it taught me skills that are impossible to be taught in a regular higher level maths class regarding exam technique and timing. i also found the project most enjoyable as it is so self directed and you can really make it your own. I would definitely recommend applied maths to anyone interested in maths, or even someone just looking to strengthen their maths or physics skills.

Josh | Leaving Certificate 2026

I began studying Applied Maths in the November of my fifth year in school, taking it on as a subject was the best decision I ever made. Applied Maths quickly became my favourite subject. I wanted to study either Engineering or Physics in college so I knew it would be a great help to study this subject. I did both Physics and Applied Maths for my leaving cert. The two subjects’ curriculums feature a lot of overlap and therefore I found Physics a lot easier because I did Applied Maths. Studying this subject gave me a chance to focus on and build my strengths, and to get a head start on what I’ll be studying in college. If I hadn’t studied this subject, I never would have truly discovered my passion for mathematics and physics.

Lily | Leaving Certificate 2026

I chose applied maths as I have always enjoyed maths throughout primary school. It is a great choice for anyone with an interest in subjects such as maths, physics and accounting, or anybody who is looking to do an extra subject. The course is quite similar to physics so these subjects pair well together. The workload can be a lot at times, however if you have an interest in the subject then it can be rewarding and fun. I really enjoy this class and Ms. Tallon is an excellent teacher. She always creates entertaining and engaging classes.

Olivia | Leaving Certificate 2026

I studied applied maths as an 8th subject at lunchtimes and after school. I found it quite challenging week to week with it being an additional subject, but with the course being shorter than most my revision was actually manageable because there wasn’t as many chapters to cover. I came up from a poor mock result to a H1 by practising more exam questions, so if you put in the effort it really can be worth it. The project is a big help and interesting too getting to apply your knowledge to the real world! I would recommend it to anyone who loves maths but if you are looking for just an extra subject it can be tricky at times and takes discipline to treat it the same as your other subjects. Getting to study applied maths is a great opportunity for anyone who likes maths to maximise their points like it did for me.

Emma-Jane | Leaving Certificate 2026

Applied maths is a very interesting subject, despite its challenging nature.

It will test not just a student’s knowledge of material, but their ability to identify when and where to apply it. It forces you to think outside the box, look at problems from all angles and most importantly it teaches you to trust your logic. It is a subject you must be able to confidently ask any question in. Understanding as you go is key. It can be difficult at times, but passion for understanding and for maths will always prevail. Applied Maths also advocates for visual learners. Diagrams are very common and very helpful in explaining a question. In many topics, step-by-step procedures to help you into gear when answering tough questions. The topics are quite diverse for mechanics to algorithms to calculus. To those with inquisitive minds who enjoy a challenge in problem-solving, you will be suited to this subject.

I will never forget the buzz applied maths gives you when you see maths working out, things making sense and everything falling into place. What a cool subject.

Alannah | Leaving Certificate 2027

I took Applied Maths during Transition Year and I’m really glad I did. It made me realize how much I actually enjoy maths, and it’s had a huge impact on me. It bridged the gap between Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle maths, and kept me engaged in my studies. At first, I found it difficult in Transition Year, but now that I’m in fifth year, I can already see how much more confident I feel with it compared to last year.

HAVE YOU STUDIED APPLIED MATHS?

Help future students make an informed choice.

If you are currently studying Applied Maths or have studied it in the past, I would love to hear about your experience.

What did you enjoy? What did you find difficult? What surprised you? What do you wish you had known before starting? Who do you think Applied Maths would, or would not, suit?

There is no “right” experience to share. Positive, negative or somewhere in between, your perspective could help another student decide whether Applied Maths is right for them.

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Thank you for your response. ✨

And please reach out to me on sarah@expandingminds.ie if you have any questions.