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The future is uncertain, but statistics can reveal ways to measure risk. Study this accredited course to learn how.
Imagine being able to predict the future. Not by using a crystal ball, but with numbers. To become an actuary, you’ll need a combination of mathematical expertise, specialist knowledge and drive to make a difference.
Taught by experts with many years of industry experience, our programme is accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA). Our research covers everything from geometry and analysis to algebra and number theory.
As well as mathematics, you’ll unravel areas like probability, actuarial and financial mathematics, and business economics. All of this will mean you’ll be exempt from up to six of the seven Core Principles exams, so you’ll be on your way to becoming a qualified actuary with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.
This degree is currently accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA). Successful students gain exemptions from up to six of the seven Core Principles examinations under the new IFoA Curriculum 2019.
Find out more about the professional qualifications required for an actuarial career.
You can complete your Actuarial Science degree in three or four years. If you choose to do a professional placement or year abroad, this will take place in Year 3, and Year 3 modules will instead be studied in Year 4.
Semester 1
Compulsory
Semester 2
Year-long modules
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
*Students seeking exemption from the maximum number of IFoA examinations must take all modules marked with *
Apply for this degree with any of the following options. Take care to use the correct UCAS code - it may not be possible to change your selection later.
Students who do not have the required high school qualifications for admission to this degree and students who do not meet their UCAS conditional offer may be considered for the 4-year degree (foundation year plus the 3-year degree).
International students with Year 12 or a completed international high school certificate qualify for the one-year foundation programme commonly known as the ISEFP.
The foundation programme offers a range of transferable skills and an opportunity to improve on your knowledge content for relevant Maths and Science subjects.
You will enrol on a Mathematics BSc with Foundation which will offer progression to a range of degrees in the School of Mathematical Sciences including BSc Actuarial Science. At the end of the foundation programme, students will be required to meet the progression requirements for admission to BSc Actuarial Science
Apply for our Actuarial Science BSc with Professional Placement to spend a year carrying out paid work in the financial sector as part of your degree. As well as helping you to stand out from the crowd and secure graduate employment, a placement is an excellent opportunity to develop your business skills and put your learning into context.
Go global and study abroad as part of your degree – apply for our Actuarial Science BSc with a Year Abroad. Queen Mary has links with universities across the globe, including North America, Asia and Australia (partnerships vary for each degree programme).
You can do either a year in a professional placement or a year abroad - you cannot combine these options.
“This course provides the foundation for my path towards becoming a fully qualified actuary and offers a deep level of general mathematical understanding. The specialist modules are taught by professional actuaries, who invite guests to give us a first-hand insight into the field.”
You’ll learn through lectures and tutorials, and in exercise classes where students work together on problems, discuss ideas and ask questions. Many statistical modules have a practical element, presented in one of our computer labs.
Formal teaching time typically takes up 16 hours each week. You’ll also be expected to complete additional hours of independent study.
Most of your modules will be assessed by an examination worth at least 90 per cent of the year’s study, with the remainder covered by coursework and tests.
Management modules are assessed using a combination of coursework (presentations, assignments, essay report writing, in-class tests, research and project work) and/or examinations in May or June.
The School of Mathematical Sciences has invested £18m to create an inspiring, collaborative space for our community of students and staff. The building includes high-quality teaching rooms, private and group study areas and a new social hub.
You’ll also have access to a purpose-built media suite designed to support student entrepreneurship.
Our standard contextual offer: ABB, including A in Maths at A-Level.
Our enhanced contextual offer: BBB, including Maths at A-Level.
More information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page.
Please note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered.
We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit International Admissions for full details.
Find out more about our English language entry requirements, including the types of test we accept and the scores needed for entry to the programme.
You may also be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.
See our general undergraduate entry requirements.
UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.
Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.
Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.
Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.
We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.
Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:
We’ve always got your future in mind. As part of our Actuarial Professional Development module, which you’ll take in your first and second year, professional actuaries come to campus to talk about their career path. Past speakers have worked at organisations including the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, EY, Aviva and the Financial Conduct Authority. Students studying within The School of Mathematical Sciences have secured placements at EY, Goldman Sachs and Renault.
After graduating, you might work as an actuarial analyst, auditor, actuarial consultant or data science consultant. This career path is the perfect way to turn numbers into new insights and shape understanding of risk.
The School of Mathematical Sciences provides networking opportunities and runs events to help you identify potential career options. You can also gain certification in applications such as Microsoft Excel and SAS (Statistical Analysis Software). We have a dedicated careers consultant and an internships coordinator.
The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:
Actuarial Science - BSc (Hons)
Mathematics with Foundation - BSc (Hons)
Actuarial Science with Professional Placement - BSc (Hons)
Actuarial Science with Year Abroad - BSc (Hons)
The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats)
With over 60 academic staff passionate about mathematics, the School of Mathematical Sciences is an exciting place to be for those who share our love of mathematical discovery. We foster a thriving research culture and a supportive learning environment that puts the needs of our students first.
Our aim is to make your studies enjoyable, challenging and rewarding, and to provide you with every opportunity to build the knowledge and experience you need for future success.
Our active Mathematics Society organises social events, residential trips, talks and career events. We are also engaged in the wider community and regularly run interactive activities to encourage more students to take mathematics at A-level and degree level.
The School holds a department-level Athena SWAN Bronze award, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice for women working in mathematics and science education and research.