- Home /
- What can I study? /
- Postgraduate study /
- School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences /
- Actuarial Mathematics & Statistics /
- Taught programmes /
- Actuarial Science
Actuarial Science MSc/Diploma
Duration
The diploma takes 9 months to complete and covers the CT1-8 professional syllabus.
Successful students can then choose to take a further 3 months study in the form of a written dissertation project leading to the award of MSc.
The programme is also available to be studied on a part-time basis, up to a maximum of 4 years.
Overview
The MSc/Diploma in Actuarial Science is designed for graduates with strong mathematical skills and who are looking to kick start their career as an actuary. The programme is one of only a few postgraduate programmes accredited by the UK Actuarial Profession and significantly reduces the time taken to qualify as an actuarial fellow.
Topics covered correspond to the CT1- CT8 series of the joint examinations of the Faculty and Institute of Actuaries and students who perform well on the course can obtain exemption from some or all of these professional exams. Over its many years of operation, the programme has become firmly established and has been able to achieve a world wide reputation for quality of provision; it is wonderfully international – this year's class includes students from over 20 countries.
Graduates will go on to practice in many sectors including finance, investment, risk management, insurance and pensions, working under the aegis of well established professional bodies. The roles will be varied, in line with the growing importance of actuaries as key arbiters of risk in business and financial processes.
Programme StructureThere are 12 courses available which correspond in total to CT1-CT8 of the actuarial professional syllabus. To meet university award requirements you must at least 8 of the 12 listed below. To achieve exemption from all of CT1-CT8 you must pass all 12 courses.
| Course |
Professional Subject |
Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Mathematics | CT1 |
1 |
| Finance and Financial Reporting | CT2 |
1 |
| Economics | CT7 |
1 |
| Statistical Methods / Further Statistical Methods | CT3 |
1 & 2 |
| Life Insurance Maths 1& 2 |
CT5 |
1 & 2 |
| Stochastic Modelling | CT4 |
1 |
| Risk Theory/Time Series Analysis |
CT6 |
2 |
| Financial Economics 1 & 2 |
CT8 |
1 & 2 |
For more detailed course descriptions, please visit our current student website.
Downloads and Links
- Programme brochure for Actuarial Science
- If you are unsure of which of our programmes is best suited to your experience so far, please browse our quick comparison leaflet
- Meet our experts who teach of the MSc programmes
- Visit our YouTube channel for a sample lecture and student reviews
Entry Requirements
The programme is primarily intended for graduates with a strong mathematical background. Our normal minimum entry requirement is the equivalent of a UK 2.1 degree in mathematics, statistics or a related discipline with a high mathematics or statistics content.
We are also looking for students who are keen to join the actuarial profession, have a willingness to work hard and a drive to succeed.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we’ll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. We offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme:
- 2 semesters English (for IELTS of 4.5-5.0);
- 12 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5);
- 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5*-6.0). (*minimum 5.5 reading and writing)
Contacts
- Postgraduate Recruitment Officer Amanda Hearn
- +44 (0) 131 451 8337
- +44 (0) 131 451 3327
- MACSpgenquiries@hw.ac.uk
- www.macs.hw.ac.uk
- Postgraduate Admissions Secretary June Maxwell
- +44 (0) 131 451 4152
- +44 (0) 131 451 3327
- MACSpgenquiries@hw.ac.uk
- www.macs.hw.ac.uk



