BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science (with a Year in Industry)
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- N323
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB
- Course Length
- 4 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’ll be equipped to play a crucial role in 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’ll 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.
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 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 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.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll spend the third year of your four years of study on a placement consisting of nine to fourteen months of full-time employment. It will be up to you to source and secure your placement, but we’ll be here to support you and help you connect with employers.
During this year, you’ll be supported by a placement supervisor and a mentor from the university. You and your placement supervisor will feed back during the placement to ensure that it is progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.
Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers. If you are unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year, you will have the option to transfer onto the equivalent degree programme without a Placement Year.
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
The first year will develop your existing knowledge in calculus and other topics which you may have covered at A level, such as mechanics and probability. The modules you will study will encourage you to develop ways of tackling unfamiliar problems, while also providing an opportunity for group working.
Other modules will introduce important new concepts and ideas, which you will use in the following years of your degree. In addition, you’ll be introduced to mathematical software, that you are going to use throughout your degree.
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
New material will usually be delivered through lectures. The lectures are complemented by online notes, workshops and tutorials. In tutorials, you’ll discuss mathematical problems with your academic adviser and around six other students. They’re a great way to get to know your fellow students and your academic adviser, who will be there to guide you throughout your degree.
In your first year, you’ll have around 15 hours of timetabled classes per week: approximately 10 hours of lectures, four hours of workshops or computer lab classes, and one tutorial.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary by module, but usually involve a mix of coursework and examinations. In Year 1, modules typically combine 40% coursework and 60% examination. Coursework usually involves problem sheets of mathematical questions, but may also include project work, programming assignments, and/or other tasks.
Structure
As you progress into your second year, you will continue to learn essential mathematical principles through compulsory modules, while also taking a selection of optional modules to suit your personal interests.
The optional modules on offer change each year, but include options to study further topics in applied mathematics, pure mathematics, statistics, physics, finance, or environmental science.
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
New material will usually be delivered through lectures. The lectures are complemented by online notes and workshops, where you’ll focus on working through examples, either individually or in small groups.
In your second year, you’ll have around 10 hours of lectures and three hours workshops each week.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary by module, but usually involve a mix of coursework and examinations. In Year 2, modules typically combine 20% coursework and 80% examination. Coursework usually involves problem sheets of mathematical questions, but may also include project work, programming assignments, and/or other tasks.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year working in a professional environment on your placement.
Compulsory Modules
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
There are no lecture courses to study on your placement year, though you will still remain in contact with UEA, and receive support from the Placement Year Coordinator.
Assessment
The placement year does not count for marks towards your degree, but you are required to submit a number of short reports on your progress throughout the year.
Structure
There are no compulsory modules in the final year. Instead, we offer a wide choice of optional modules covering topics in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics. As in your second year, you will also be able to study mathematics-related subjects in from another School within UEA.
You will also have the option to undertake an undergraduate mathematics project, which will give you a chance to immerse yourself in a mathematical topic that enthuses you.
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 specialist modules offered in your final year of study will be lectured by leading mathematicians in their fields. As well as teaching, our academics are actively involved in research collaborations with colleagues throughout the world, examples from which will be used to illustrate lectures and workshops.
The formal contact hours will be slightly less than in the second year, reflecting your increased independence, and there will be increased emphasis on using the office hours of your lecturers for individual feedback and guidance. Depending on module choices, you will probably have between about eight and 12 hours of lectures and workshops each week.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary by module, but usually involve a mix of coursework and examinations. In Year 4, modules typically combine 20% coursework and 80% examination. Coursework usually involves problem sheets of mathematical questions, but may also include project work, programming assignments, and/or other tasks. The optional project module is assessed by the submission of a 20-page written report and the delivery of a short oral presentation.
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. A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are 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. Acceptable 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.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBB including Mathematics,
Where applicable Science A-Levels awarded by an English Exam Board require a pass in the practical element
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DDM in IT, Business, Engineering or Science based plus A at A-Level Mathematics
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.
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA. Only accepted in combination with Scottish Advanced Higher grade B in Mathematics.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBC including B in Mathematics.
- 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):
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
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:
- 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 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
You are eligible for reduced fees during your placement year. Further details are available on the UEA Tuition Fees web pages.
There may be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your placement year, which will vary depending on location.
There are no additional course fees or related costs for our mathematics degrees. Students may wish to consult text books, but these can be accessed through our Library, so you do not need to purchase your own copies. A laptop or tablet computer may be useful, but there are ample computing facilities available on campus for you to use.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
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 or three 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
- Data scientist
- Risk manager
- Investment analyst
- Finance manager
Discover more on our Careers webpages.