BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science (with a Year in Industry)
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- N323
- Entry Requirements
- AAB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
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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 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 (with a Year in Industry) 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 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 your third year on industrial placement in a commercial environment. Recent placement partners in the School have included Aviva, Lloyds Bank, NFU Mutual, Xafinity and LV.
You will be expected to seek your own work placement. However, we will, of course, offer significant guidance and support to help you with to identify and secure your placement.
During this year, you’ll be supported by an industrial supervisor and a mentor from the University. You and your industrial 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 apply to be transferred onto the equivalent degree programme without a Year in Industry.
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
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%)
Year in Industry is assessed through a series of periodic reports during the placement and a final report, completed at the end of the placement. The placement year is a pass/fail assessment.
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%)
Year in Industry is assessed through a series of periodic reports during the placement and a final report, completed at the end of the placement. The placement year is a pass/fail assessment.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year gaining hands-on experience working alongside practicing actuaries on an industrial placement. We have well established commercial connections throughout the UK and beyond, and we’ll help you to identify and compete for appropriate industrial opportunities. Recent placement partners have included Aviva, Lloyds Bank, NFU Mutual, Xafinity and LV.
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
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%)
Year in Industry is assessed through a series of periodic reports during the placement and a final report, completed at the end of the placement. The placement year is a pass/fail assessment.
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%)
Year in Industry is assessed through a series of periodic reports during the placement and a final report, completed at the end of the placement. The placement year is a pass/fail assessment.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- AAB including Mathematics at grade A. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve 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 are: Science
- BTEC
- DDD in IT, Engineering, Science-based or Business, alongside grade A in A-Level Mathematics. Excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration.
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA (please note this can only be accepted in combination with Mathematics Advanced Higher Grade B or A-Level Grade A).
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBC including Mathematics Grade B.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 4 subjects at H2 including Mathematics, 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 Mathematics, 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: 6.0overall (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.
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 Track. 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
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, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
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 Mathematics with a Foundation Year.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
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
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering
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 the year in industry. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee website.
There may be extra costs related to items such as your travel and accommodation during your year in industry, which will vary depending on location.
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 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