Actuarial Science MSc/PGDip

Actuaries are highly skilled quantitative professionals, primarily concerned with the identification, quantification, analysis, and management of various types of risk, particularly those with long-term financial consequences. Their expertise is essential to the proper management of life, general, and health insurance companies, pension funds, and investment firms. Their skills are very highly regarded and valued throughout the financial services industry, and the opportunities to practise worldwide are strong and growing.

This programme provides an intensive, professional-level, specialist education in actuarial science. Students performing well in the instructional component (PG Dip) can gain exemptions from professional examinations of the internationally recognised Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. Following the instructional component, you can progress to the MSc by successfully completing a three-month supervised project and dissertation/ report component.

Flexible study

If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:

• a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
• a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) - you'll usually study for around 30 weeks and will not need to write a dissertation

Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.

Course lead

Your course leader specialises in critical illness and life insurance research, and is a member of the modelling team at the ESRC Centre for Population Change.

Visit Dr Erengul Dodd's staff profile to learn more about her work.

Course structure

This is a full-time MSc actuarial science course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.

In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.

This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. You'll take exams at the end of both semesters.

You’ll begin preparing for your final project during semester 1, and continue this work in semester 2.

For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently on your final project. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.