BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- N324
- Entry Requirements
- AAB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Actuarial science is used to build analytical solutions to solve the financial problems that businesses have. Like all disciplines, actuarial science is constantly adapting to meet the needs of the ever-changing world. New techniques are being developed and replacing the old. At UEA we recognise this and ensure that the BSc in Actuarial Science continues to evolve so to ensure it is the amongst the best actuarial science programmes in the world.
Our actuarial science degrees provide an excellent grounding in actuarial science, data science, and risk management, giving you the chance to accelerate your journey to becoming a financial professional or an actuary or in alternative fields related to managing risk. We have the brightest students studying actuarial science and data science at the UEA. You will be equipped to play a crucial role in a large range of companies from around the world. If you are ambitious, these skills will be the first step to a successful, secure, and well-remunerated career.
We listen closely to our industrial partners to ensure that our courses include the skills that they are looking for in graduates. We are positioned within the School of Computing Science that ensures that our BSc in Actuarial Science will teach you the key aspects of actuarial science and additionally uniquely develops the highly desirable skills in computing and data science. Students also can develop expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and coding in Python.
The course focuses on developing the multi-disciplinarily skills that combine to create actuarial science. You will become skilled in statistics, actuarial mathematics, financial mathematics, financial economics, and corporate finance. There is also the opportunity to choose options in computer science so to develop your expertise in this area too. These skills are needed in many highly rewarding professions, including becoming a fully qualified actuary.
Our BSc Actuarial Science is ranked in the top 15 for Accounting and Finance by 'The Guardian University Guide 2023'.
If you have a love of mathematics and want to use your ability to help businesses solve complex financial problems, then actuarial science is the subject for you. Graduates from our degrees are highly sought after and the BSc can lead you into careers such as becoming an actuary, an investment analyst, an underwriter, a risk manager, or a data scientist.
All our actuarial science courses are fully accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA). Performing well in your studies can lead to the granting up to six exemptions from the IFoA professional examinations. The subject specific exemptions are CM1, CM2, CS1, CS2, CB1, and CB2. This is very important for those who wish to qualify as an actuary. Many of our graduates use the knowledge and skills they learn to support their career through study with other professional bodies such as the Chartered Insurance Institute or the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute.
We combine the learning of actuarial skills, techniques, and models along with the building of your professional skills. On top of the subject specific training, the BSc gives you the unique opportunity to conduct an industrially focused project, attend guest lectures from industry professionals, and develop the key skills to ultimately secure a graduate position. A particular highlight are the two modules focused on employability that involve significant input from Aviva, the global insurer.
The BSc has been designed to allow to you to develop your skills and demonstrate your ability in the multi-disciplinary fields of actuarial science with the aim of you securing the career of your choice.
Accreditations
This course is accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA).
Studying an accredited degree course means that you may be eligible for exemptions from some of the IFoA’s professional exams. This will depend on the modules you take and the grades you achieve. For a current list of exemptions please visit the IFoA’s website.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll commence this three-year degree by further developing your knowledge of mathematics, computing, economics and business. Each year you’ll have the option to choose a traditional actuarial module, or if you’re thinking about specialising in data science, you’ll be able to focus on developing additional computing skills. Plus we’ll help you hone the communication and presentation skills essential to anyone entering the financial sector.
Compulsory modules in the first year provide you with a clear understanding of mathematics, computing and problem-solving. You’ll build on and develop your pre-existing knowledge and start developing your awareness and understanding of actuarial mathematics, as well as acquiring some practical modelling skills. Options in year 1 allow you to choose between a skills-based module, taught in partnership with practicing actuaries, and an additional computing module, designed to develop your data science skills.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
The Actuarial Science degree at UEA is taught through a combination of lectures, classes, seminars and lab work. Our lab work, classes and seminars are particularly crucial to your degree programme, as they are where we’ll reinforce and expand on the material covered in the lectures.
We also offer specialist actuarial modules, which are usually taught by qualified actuaries in a classroom environment, providing you with plenty of interactivity and real-world examples.
Independent study
Your formal teaching on the course will be complemented with individual study. You’ll be set formative work to complete between lectures and within classes, seminars and lab work, helping to cement your understanding of new material.
Learning to study independently is a key skill for all aspiring actuaries. It will be developed gradually throughout the programme as your confidence grows.
Assessment
We have a mixture of assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (approximately 75-80%)
- Written assignments, Demonstrations and Presentations (approximately 20-25%)
Structure
In the second year, you’ll be introduced to specific actuarial themes and taught about business in the context of the actuarial profession. Optional modules offer you the choice between Financial Accounting for Actuaries, which is included in the accreditation agreement, and a computing science module. So, once again, you can tailor your programme to a more traditional actuarial science degree, or to one with a broader set of computing skills.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
The Actuarial Science degree at UEA is taught through a combination of lectures, classes, seminars and lab work. Our lab work, classes and seminars are particularly crucial to your degree programme, as they are where we’ll reinforce and expand on the material covered in the lectures.
We also offer specialist actuarial modules, which are usually taught by qualified actuaries in a classroom environment, providing you with plenty of interactivity and real-world examples.
Independent study
Your formal teaching on the course will be complemented with individual study. You’ll be set formative work to complete between lectures and within classes, seminars and lab work, helping to cement your understanding of new material.
Learning to study independently is a key skill for all aspiring actuaries. It will be developed gradually throughout the programme as your confidence grows.
Assessment
We have a mixture of assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (approximately 75-80%)
- Written assignments, Demonstrations and Presentations (approximately 20-25%)
Structure
In your final year, you’ll be able to focus on developing your advanced knowledge of statistics, mathematics and professional actuarial practice. You’ll also be given the option to complete a dissertation, as well as a module taught in partnership with practicing actuaries. Alternatively, if computer science is your preferred area of focus, you can choose to further develop these skills.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
The Actuarial Science degree at UEA is taught through a combination of lectures, classes, seminars and lab work. Our lab work, classes and seminars are particularly crucial to your degree programme, as they are where we’ll reinforce and expand on the material covered in the lectures.
We also offer specialist actuarial modules, which are usually taught by qualified actuaries in a classroom environment, providing you with plenty of interactivity and real-world examples.
Independent study
Your formal teaching on the course will be complemented with individual study. You’ll be set formative work to complete between lectures and within classes, seminars and lab work, helping to cement your understanding of new material.
Learning to study independently is a key skill for all aspiring actuaries. It will be developed gradually throughout the programme as your confidence grows.
Assessment
We have a mixture of assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (approximately 75-80%)
- Written assignments, Demonstrations and Presentations (approximately 20-25%)
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- AAB including Mathematics Grade A. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking and General Studies not accepted. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Accepted subjects: Science.
- BTEC
- Extended Diploma: DDD plus A at A-level Mathematics. See below for accepted subjects and combinations. Excludes Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration.
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA. Only accepted in combination with Scottish Advanced Higher grade B in Mathematics.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBC including B in Mathematics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 4 subjects at H2 including Mathematics, plus 2 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Maths, and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3.
- International Baccalaureate
- 33 points including HL6 in Mathematics
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study: International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences
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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDD based plus A at A-level Mathematics.
Diploma: DD plus A at A-level Mathematics.
Extended Certificate: D plus AB at A-Level including A at A-level Mathematics.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Computing Science with a Foundation Year
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree: International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences.
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs 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. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Students are strongly encouraged to purchase recommended texts for the actuarial modules as well as a copy of the Formulae and Tables for Examinations of the Faculty of Actuaries and the Institute of Actuaries. These can be purchased via the School at a discounted price at the start of each academic year.
View our information about Additional Course Fees.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
On successful completion of our Actuarial Science degree, your academic performance could earn you exemptions to the professional actuarial examinations set by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. This means that on graduation, subject to reaching a certain level of academic performance, you will be entitled to exemptions from CM1&2, CS1&2 and CB1&2. If you achieve a good degree class, you can expect to be fully qualified within two to four years.
Beyond becoming a professional actuary, you could choose to pursue a stimulating and influential career in a wide range of sectors, including business, insurance, pensions, banking, accounting and other financial services.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Actuary
- Banking professional
- Finance manager
- Data scientist
- Risk manager
- Investment analyst
Discover more on our Careers webpages.