find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
Heriot-Watt University: Actuarial Science
| Institution | Heriot-Watt University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics |
| Web | https://www.hw.ac.uk/postgraduate-study |
| studywithus@hw.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 0131 451 3729 |
| Study type | Taught |
Summary
Our MSc Actuarial Science provides you with a fast track into the profession by providing up to six exemptions from the exams you must pass to become a fully qualified actuary.
As an actuary, you are an expert in risk management. Most actuaries work in areas like life insurance, pensions, investments, banking and more. With your data science skills, you are in high demand across the world.
Salaries are typically high and the work-life balance excellent. A newly qualified actuary in the UK usually earns between £50,000 and £60,000 each year, with salaries increasing significantly post-certification.
Our MSc takes you through the first six actuarial exams with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) in the UK, accelerating your journey to becoming an actuarial professional. These examinations enhance your expertise in statistical and financial modelling.
Our Actuarial Transformation: Introducing an innovative curriculum for 2024. We are thrilled to announce an exciting curriculum update set to launch in the academic year 2024-25 for our MSc Actuarial Science programme at Heriot-Watt University. This comprehensive overhaul offers you a well-rounded approach to actuarial education, going well beyond academic theory to equip you with the practical skills and business awareness sought after by employers, allowing you to hit the ground running on day one of your actuarial career.
Tailored for success as an Actuary This programme has been uniquely designed to offer a blend of technical mastery, business acumen, and communication skills essential for a successful actuarial career.
Developed in collaboration with industry leaders, it ensures the acquisition of sought-after skills, setting you apart in interviews and excelling in real-world tasks.
Gain a competitive edge with an intensified focus on software tools like Excel and R, and experience enriched learning through 'value-added' components, emphasizing teamwork and communication.
Accreditation
Our MSc in Actuarial Science has been fully Accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFOA).
Institute and Faculty of Actuaries The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) in the UK sets exams that must be passed to qualify as a Fellow of the IFoA and become fully qualified as an actuary.
Our MSc in Actuarial Science is fully accredited with the IFoA which means that the subjects you study on our program lead to exemptions from the corresponding subjects with the IFoA. These are (with IFoA subject codes in brackets): • Actuarial Statistics (CS1) • Risk Modelling and Survival Analysis (CS2) • Actuarial Mathematics (CM1) • Financial Engineering and Loss Reserving (CM2) • Business Finance (CB1) • Business Economics (CB2)
These six exemptions put you well on your way to full qualification and demonstrate your actuarial ability to potential employers.
Centre of Actuarial Excellence Heriot-Watt University is recognised as a Centre of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries (SOA), North America. We were the first Centre of Actuarial Excellence in Europe and remain one of only two schools in Europe today with this designation.
Employability
Our Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics graduates have gone on to have incredibly successful careers. Our alumni include 26 CEO's, 5 past presidents of professional actuarial associations, C-suite executives and partners of consultancies, and several founders. Career prospects and salaries are excellent for graduates of our specialist actuarial science programmes – 93% of recent graduates have secured employment or gone onto further study within six months of graduating. Of those employed, 96% are in professional-level jobs. Recent students have gone on to work for industry-leading organisations including: Standard Life Aberdeen, Lloyds Banking Group, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, Prudential, Royal London and many more.
MSc
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree or non-UK equivalent with substantial mathematics, statistics, actuarial mathematics or financial mathematics. The MSc Actuarial Science is challenging and it is necessary to be able to work hard and to have a strong drive to succeed. If you already have passes or exemptions from most or all of the early actuarial Institute and Faculty of Actuaries subjects then our MSc in Actuarial Management may be suitable for you. We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details. English language requirements If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 6.0. If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies. |
| Location | Edinburgh Campus Riccarton Edinburgh EH14 4AS |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree or non-UK equivalent with substantial mathematics, statistics, actuarial mathematics or financial mathematics. The MSc Actuarial Science is challenging and it is necessary to be able to work hard and to have a strong drive to succeed. If you already have passes or exemptions from most or all of the early actuarial Institute and Faculty of Actuaries subjects then our MSc in Actuarial Management may be suitable for you. We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details. English language requirements If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 6.0. If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies. |
| Location | Edinburgh Campus Riccarton Edinburgh EH14 4AS |
Shape humanity
The world is at a crossroads, with the planet and its species facing a range of existential challenges. At Heriot-Watt, we believe a better future is possible - one that relies on human ingenuity. We need your help – to unlock your ideas and nurture your potential, to help tackle these problems and achieve the unimaginable.
Postgraduate events
Chat with our academics, hear about your funding options and ask current students about their experiences at our postgraduate events.
- Our next postgraduate open day on the Scottish Borders campus …
Not what you are looking for?
Browse other courses in Business studies, Finance, Actuarial science, Financial services or Insurance, or search our comprehensive database of postgrad programs.Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com
Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.
Click here