Mathematics and Actuarial Science

Explore mathematics in all its forms — from pure theory to financial applications.

Mathematics is the fundamental language of science, technology and finance. From modelling climate change to managing financial risk, mathematical skills are essential in today’s data-driven world.

At UEA, we’ll help you turn mathematical theory into real-world solutions through personalised teaching, small class sizes and world-leading research.

Whether you’re fascinated by pure mathematics, applied problem-solving or the financial risk analysis of actuarial science, you’ll develop the skills that employers value most.

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Why choose Mathematics and Actuarial Science at UEA?

Our teaching

With small class sizes and individual support, you'll really benefit from the personalised teaching we offer.

Our research

Most of our teaching staff are active researchers, so you'll be taught by lecturers who are leading experts in their fields.

Our flexible degrees

You can follow pathways to study data science, business, or education modules along-side your mathematics studies, or you can build your own custom degree with optional modules.

Choose the right degree for you

While both mathematics and actuarial science degrees require strong mathematical foundations, each has its unique focus:

Mathematics focuses on understanding and solving abstract problems, exploring everything from pure and applied mathematics to data science, physics and engineering.
Actuarial Science applies mathematics, statistics and finance to assess risk and uncertainty, especially in industries such as insurance and finance.

Actuarial science graduates are trained to think about data in a financial context, modelling future outcomes, while mathematics graduates can branch into a wider range of careers.

Students discussing ACTSCi in a seminar at UEA

Open doors to diverse career opportunities

A degree in mathematics or actuarial science will provide you with highly valued analytical and problem-solving skills. Organisations are keen to employ our graduates for their ability to analyse problems, formulate questions and find solutions. You’ll develop expertise in logical reasoning, data analysis and communication - key skills for a variety of career paths.

Career opportunities for mathematics graduates are numerous, with paths including:

Accountancy
Data science and AI
Financial analysis
Mathematical modelling
Teaching

Our actuarial science graduates go on to work in:

Actuarial roles
Banking and finance
Data science
Risk management
Investment analysis

Get a head-start in your career as a professional actuary

If you choose our actuarial science degree and want to become a professional actuary, you could gain exemptions from professional exams set by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA). Depending on your academic performance, these exemptions reduce the number of exams needed to become a fully qualified actuary after you graduate.

Potential exemptions include:

CM1 and CM2 (Actuarial Mathematics)
CS1 and CS2 (Actuarial Statistics)
CB1 and CB2 (Business Finance)

Learn directly from world-leading mathematicians

Most of our mathematics teaching staff are active researchers, meaning your learning is always informed by the latest developments. And our experts in actuarial science have extensive relevant industry experience.

Our research spans pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics, divided into four key areas:

Algebra, Number Theory, and Logic — Exploring mathematical structures, patterns and symmetry, building on topics like equations and transformations; investigating the foundations of mathematics, including proofs and number systems.
Fluids & Structures — Using mathematical equations to model the motion of solids, liquids, and gases, and how they interact; with applications from mathematical biology, to ocean waves and aircraft design.
Quantum Matter — Using mathematical modelling to study new states of matter with very unusual properties (such as superconductors with zero electrical resistance and superfluids that flow with zero viscosity) and exploring their applications in physics and engineering.
Statistics — Building a solid foundation in computational and theoretical aspects of statistics; with applications to various disciplines, such as medicine, economics, and finance.

Find the right course for you

Your study options

Year in Industry options

Most of our courses have a placement year option to allow you to gain experience in the workplace as part of your degree.

Explore courses with a year in industry

Year Abroad options

Our Actuarial Science and Master of Mathematics degrees have the option of spending a year abroad studying at one of our partner universities.

Explore courses with a year abroad

Foundation Year option

Our BSc Mathematics with a Foundation Year course provides access to any of our other degrees for those without the qualifications for direct entry.

Explore our Foundation Year course

A group of economics students in discussion

Shape your degree to suit your interests

The collaborative environment at UEA means you have the opportunity to take modules from other subjects within the University.

Our mathematics degrees offer a high level of flexibility, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests or career ambitions. You can choose optional modules in data science, business or education, and even an introduction to artificial intelligence (AI).

While actuarial science has a more structured curriculum due to professional accreditation requirements, you still have the opportunity to take data science modules to broaden your skill set.

MTH Students writing mathematical sums on a whiteboard.

Gain real-world experience with a placement year

Both our mathematics and actuarial science degrees have the option to take a year in industry. This gives you the chance to apply your skills in a professional setting and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

With dedicated careers support, CV workshops and interview coaching, you’ll develop the confidence and experience needed to secure graduate roles.

A placement year will help you:

Apply your skills in industries like finance, data science, technology and risk management
Gain experience to boost your CV and stand out to future employers

Business Students in Thomas Paine Study Center

Join a community

At UEA, you’ll be part of a supportive and close-knit community. Our small class sizes mean you’ll receive personalised teaching and direct access to your teaching staff.

Beyond the classroom, you can get involved in student-led societies such as:

The Maths Society - Running social events, problem-solving sessions and competitions.
The Actuarial Society - Offering networking events, industry talks and professional exam support.

Whether you’re working together on challenging problems, attending guest lectures from industry leaders or socialising with like-minded students, you’ll be surrounded by a community that shares your passion for mathematics.

Accreditation

Our BSc (Hons) Mathematics course, along with its Foundation Year and Placement Year options, are accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications to meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation when followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain competencies equivalent to those specified by the QAA for taught master’s degrees.

Our MMath Master of Mathematics course, along with its Year Abroad and Placement Year options, are all accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications to meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation.

Our BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science course, along with its Year in Industry and Year Abroad options, are accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) to meet the requirements for students to gain up to six exemptions from the IFoA professional examinations towards becoming a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. The six exemptions are from the following IFoA subjects: CM1, CM2, CS1, CS2, CB1, and CB2.

I found the teaching at UEA to be of a very high standard. My lecturers clearly put a lot of time and effort into sessions which brought out the best in me academically. They were always supportive and extremely approachable when I had any questions.

Rowan

MMath Mathematics

Your next steps

Ready to explore the courses we offer in Mathematics and Actuarial Science?

Or join us for a subject taster session to get a feel for what it's like to study Mathematics and Actuarial Science at UEA.

We also hold regular webinars on a broad range of topics about university, like personal statements, student finance, and life as a student.

All Mathematics and Actuarial Science courses Subject tasters and webinars