Actuarial science applies mathematical and statistical skills to problems arising in applied subjects such as commerce, government, insurance and finance in general. This is an area suitable to those who enjoyed mathematics at A-level and enjoy solving practical problems. Graduates are likely to find employment in the banking, insurance and finance sectors. Our course BSc Actuarial Science covers a lot of the mathematical topics offered to our first year mathematics students. These include aspects of pure and applied mathematics, statistics and some general mathematics. Topics in statistics will be covered in more detail. Mathematics will be less prevalent later in the course, particularly in your third year. There, actuarial topics will form the bulk of the curriculum. Our course forms an attractive blend of core skills essential for the actuarial profession such as solid mathematical skills, understanding of real world finance issues, as well as computing skills embedded in many modules in the form of a programming language or a package. Our course BSc Actuarial Science has now been reviewed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFA), meaning that students who graduate with a sufficiently strong performance on specified modules will be granted a number of exemptions from IFA examinations. We expect the number of IFA exemptions to increase while students are studying with us, ensuring further success for our students upon graduation. Graduates of the course can expect to become actuaries in a range of industries, while mathematics graduates in general are currently in great demand across a wide range of careers.

As a new course, we expect graduates of BSc Actuarial Science to become actuaries in a range of industries. Employers specifically value the key skills that students develop on our courses, such as problem solving, critical thinking, logical reasoning, IT and of course numeracy. Through tackling mathematical problems, you learn to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Presentation and group-working skills are integrated in the specialist modules that are available. We also offer modules where you can use computing packages such as Matlab, Maple and R, and learn how to manipulate statistical data. In your final year, you can choose to undertake a project where you develop your research and time management skills. Mathematics graduates are currently in great demand across a wide range of careers. Clear thinkers are required in every profession, so the successful mathematician has an extensive choice of potential vocations. Graduates of our Department work as accountants or actuaries in the financial sector. The Council for Mathematical Sciences provides a comprehensive guide to careers. You may also decide to enhance your career prospects, and further your education, by studying for MSc or PhD, and these are offered by our Department.