Undergraduate Degrees
BSc Actuarial Sciences ( N324 )
- UCAS Course Code:
- N324
- Attendance:
- Full Time
- Award:
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- School of Study:
- Computing Sciences
- Brochure:
- Actuarial Sciences Undergraduate Courses (PDF)
- Typical A-Level Offer:
- AAA-AAB (including A in Maths)
“The advice I have received through the teaching at UEA and the actuaries from Aviva has helped me discover which area of the actuarial profession is really suitable for my academic and personal skills.”
- Hussein Wahedally, BSc Actuarial Sciences

The BSc Actuarial Sciences degree is aimed at students who wish to become professional actuaries and who are passionate about mathematics, economics and problem solving. The degree programme covers current issues in Mathematics, Computing, Finance and Business, as well as providing a thorough theoretical background of these areas.
This multidisciplinary programme combines the expertise of the School of Computing Sciences, School of Mathematics and the Norwich Business School. Additional teaching comes through our strong links with industry, and includes tuition from practicing actuaries from Aviva at their headquarters.
The teaching programme is designed to develop your mathematical, financial and statistical knowledge, with students later encouraged to follow specialist interests in business or computing. The course also gives you the opportunity to gain exemptions from the first eight professional examinations set by the UK Actuarial Profession (CT1-CT8), so you are able to qualify as a professional actuary far more swiftly after successfully graduating.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirement for admission to the Actuarial Science degree, you may be offered a place on our BSc Business Statistics degree. These programmes have a common first year and, subject to adequate performance in year 1, you may be able to transfer to the second year of the Actuarial Science degree.
Course Structure
This three year course will begin by developing your knowledge in areas including mathematics, computing, economics and business. You will take modules to continue to develop your understanding of key concepts.
First Year
Compulsory modules in the first year provide you with a clear understanding of areas including mathematics, computing, business and problem solving skills. You will receive teaching from a variety of departments that will build upon and develop your pre-existing knowledge, with modules including ‘Mathematics For Actuaries’ that will begin to develop your awareness and understanding of actuary practice.
Second Year
In the second year of your degree there is an opportunity for you to begin developing your own specialist interests by taking an optional module in economics, business or computing, whilst you continue to development vital knowledge by taking compulsory modules. You will be introduced to specific actuarial themes and taught about business and economics in terms of the actuarial profession.
Final Year
Academic development continues into your final year, where you will be able to focus on developing your advance knowledge of statistics, mathematics and professional actuarial practice.
Actuarial Sciences and Business Statistics strive to help you to become an independent and self-motivated learner, developing your reasoning alongside your technical expertise. Much of our work is concerned with real-world problems and applications. This philosophy is reflected in our excellent links with industry both for our research and teaching, which includes the involvement of professional actuaries from Aviva. We also encourage you to develop your industry experience and connections, and provide industry-based speakers to give you an insight into a profession that interests you.
The School of Computing Sciences is one of the largest and most experienced computing schools in the UK, and you will be taught by expert academics who are also research scientists in a wide range of specialist subjects and areas, including statistics, machine learning and data-mining. Their work informs both the design and content of modules, incorporating their cutting-edge research into the teaching programme.
Employability
With starting salaries averaging at over £30,000 a year, actuaries are amongst the highest paid professionals in the country. Our Actuarial Science undergraduate degrees give you the opportunity to gain exemptions from the first eight of the professional examinations set by the UK Actuarial Profession.
Student Experience
The latest National Student Survey placed UEA in the top five English mainstream universities for student satisfaction for the sixth year running. UEA campus boasts excellent facilities for students, including social areas, the newly developed Sportspark, cafes, a bank, student support and advisory buildings and much more.
Teaching Excellence and Facilities
The degree programmes are taught through the use of excellent facilities, and are overseen by academics who are experts in their fields. Several modules are led by practising actuaries from Aviva, with teaching taking place at the Aviva HQ.
UniStats Information
Compulsory Study (120 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CALCULUS | MTH-1B2Y | 30 |
| ECONOMICS FOR BUSINESS | NBS-1B4Y | 20 |
| INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING | NBS-1A2Y | 20 |
| MATHEMATICS FOR ACTUARIES | CMPC1F07 | 20 |
| PROBABILITY | MTH-1C34 | 10 |
| PROGRAMMING FOR APPLICATIONS | CMPC1X04 | 20 |
Compulsory Study (120 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACTUARIAL METHODS | CMP-2AV2 | 20 |
| APPLIED STATISTICS B | CMPC2S12 | 20 |
| CONTINGENCIES | CMP-2AS2 | 10 |
| DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS | MTH-2C41 | 10 |
| FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING | NBS-2A1Y | 20 |
| FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS | CMPC2F07 | 20 |
| STATISTICAL METHODS | CMPC2S11 | 20 |
Compulsory Study (80 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 80 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACTUARIAL MODELS | CMP-3AV1 | 20 |
| ADVANCED STATISTICS | CMPC3C12 | 20 |
| BUSINESS FINANCE | NBS-2F2Y | 20 |
| FURTHER ACTUARIAL TOPICS | CMP-3AS5 | 10 |
| FURTHER CONTINGENCIES | CMP-3AS3 | 10 |
Option A Study (20 credits)
Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BUSINESS AND COMPANY LAW | NBS-2B2Y | 20 |
| BUSINESS SKILLS FOR MANAGERS | NBS-2B8Y | 20 |
| DATABASE SYSTEMS | CMPC2B08 | 20 |
| ECONOMICS FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS | NBS-2B4Y | 20 |
Disclaimer
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.
Entry Requirements
- A Level:
- AAA-AAB (including A in Maths)
- International Baccalaureate:
- 34-33 points overall inc. HL Mathematics at Grade 7
- Scottish Highers:
- AAAAA-AAABB (including Maths)
- Scottish Advanced Highers:
- AAA-AAB (including Maths)
- Irish Leaving Certificate:
- AAAAAA-AAAABB (including Maths)
- Access Course:
- See below
- European Baccalaureate:
- 85-80% overall (including Maths)
Students for whom English is a Foreign language
We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:
- IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
- TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
- PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).
If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
Interviews
Applicants submitting UCAS applications that include a good personal statement and academic reference will be asked to attend a selection interview at the University. Selection interviews are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities. If an applicant is located overseas we will arrange a telephone interview.
Gap Year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.
Special Entry Requirements
Grade A in A Level Mathematics or equivalent.
Intakes
The School's annual intake is in September of each year.
Alternative Qualifications
We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 credits in Mathematics.
GCSE Offer
Students are required to have Mathematics and English Language at minimum of Grade B.
Fees and Funding
Undergraduate University Fees
We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases. Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £12,300. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships. To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support
International Students
The Actuarial Sciences course has 10 £2,000 year one scholarships available for 2013 entry. The Scholarship deadline is 15th March 2013. Please contact the Admissions office at cmp.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk for more information.
The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international
How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.
Further Information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
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