Students who get 'D' grades in higher level Maths are less likely to complete third-level education, according to a study by the Higher Education Authority.
The study claims that such students who go on to study scientific and technological courses fail to progress from first year into second year.
The HEA Study on Progression in Higher Education identifies potential challenges facing undergraduates in third level.
Figures show over 60% students studying scientific and technological courses fail to progress from first year into second year if they got 'D' grades in Leaving Cert Honours Maths or 'A' grades in Ordinary-level.
The HEA says the skills required to undertake courses in science and technology are seriously mismatched with the competences of the students enrolling.
The most successful progression rate of students moving from first year to second year are in profession-oriented courses such as teaching, law and medicine.
