1997/98 points for full-time degrees:

UCD Actuarial and financial studies 595 (-); 30 to 32 first-year places

DCU Financial and actuarial maths 520; 20 to 25 first-year places

( (-) random selection applied; not all students at this points level were offered a place)

Professional body:

The Society of Actuaries in Ireland, 5, Wilton Place, Dublin 2 - phone (01) 661 2422. There are about 190 qualified actuaries in Ireland and a similar number of students. The society is not an examining body - examinations are set by the Institute of Actuaries in London and the Faculty of Actuaries in Edinburgh

Sample salaries:

Graduates of a full-time degree course, who find positions as trainee actuaries, may earn up to £17,000 per annum. They may also be given study leave as part of their package. Newly qualified actuaries (depending on merit and experience) may earn between £30,000 and £35,000 per annum.