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Actuarial Science MSc/Diploma

Taught Programme

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 Structure
There 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

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

© Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK EH14 4AS, Tel: +44 (0) 131 449 5111
Scottish registered charity number: SC000278