Actuarial Science BSc
Study of mathematics, statistics, finance, and risk management in real-world contexts.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Enjoy maths and statistics
Are interested in risk and finance
Want a high-paying career
Are analytical
Like problem-solving
Popular Career Fields
Finance & Banking
Insurance & Risk Management
Investment & Asset Management
Consulting
Your Personality Might Be:
Mathematically brilliant
Insurance & Risk Management
Analytical precision
Problem-solver
What is it?
What Is an Actuarial Science Degree?
Actuarial Science applies mathematics, statistics, and economics to measure and manage risk. Actuaries use data to predict future events, helping businesses and governments make better financial decisions.
Why Study Actuarial Science?
Actuarial Science combines logic, problem-solving, and financial insight. You’ll learn how to use data to forecast outcomes in areas like insurance, pensions, and investment. It’s a respected and rewarding path for students who enjoy mathematics and want a career that makes a real-world impact.
Course Summary
Study of mathematics, statistics, finance, and risk management in real-world contexts.
What you'll study
Actuarial Science degrees can cover:
Probability and statistics
Financial mathematics
Economics and accounting
Risk theory and insurance modelling
Data analysis and computing
Business and financial management
Later in your degree, you can usually specialise - for example, in investment, data analytics, or predictive modelling.
Degree Types
BSc (Bachelor of Science): Focuses on mathematical, analytical, and technical skills.
MActSc or Integrated Master’s: A four-year degree offering advanced preparation for professional exams and research.
Skills You'll Gain
An Actuarial Science degree builds a strong mix of technical and professional skills, which might include:
Risk Modelling – using probability and statistics to analyse financial and insurance risks.
Financial Statistical Analysis – interpreting large datasets to support risk and financial decisions.and economic analysis
Financial Mathematics – applying mathematical methods to premiums, annuities, and investment models.
Actuarial Software Skills – using tools like Excel, R, Python, or specialist actuarial programs.
Regulatory & Reporting Knowledge – understanding insurance law, solvency standards, and financial regulation.
Explore Uni Open Days
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Actuarial Science graduates are highly employable in sectors such as:
Insurance and pensions
Investment and banking
Risk management and consulting
Government and public policy
Other pathways include data science, finance, and analytics.
Work Experiences & Placements
Many universities offer:
Industry placements or sandwich years, often with insurers, banks, or consultancy firms.
Summer internships with actuarial or finance employers.
These experiences are valuable for developing professional skills and gaining exemptions from actuarial exams.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent including Maths at A-level. Further Maths is highly beneficial and preferred by many universities. Economics, Business, or Physics are also beneficial.
Personal Statement Tips
Show your enthusiasm for mathematics and problem-solving.
Mention relevant subjects (like Maths, Further Maths, or Economics).
Include examples of analytical or logical challenges you’ve enjoyed (like Maths Olympiads, finance competitions, or data projects).
Reflect on your interest in how numbers and risk shape decisions.
What to do Next
Explore different university courses and compare actuarial pathways.
Attend open days or online events to meet lecturers and current students.
Try short online courses in statistics, data analysis, or finance.
Learn about the professional actuarial exams (IFoA) and how degree exemptions work.
Wider Reading
The Norm Chronicles by Michael Blastland and David Spiegelhalter – A fun look at how we measure and understand risk.
The Drunkard’s Walk by Leonard Mlodinow – A clear introduction to probability and randomness in life.
Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner – Explores how data and incentives drive human behaviour.
The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver – How statisticians and analysts make (and sometimes miss) predictions.