BSc Actuarial Science at University of Essex

Actuarial science teaches you the art of turning risks into opportunities. Actuaries provide assessments of financial security systems, with a focus on their complexity, their mathematics, and their mechanisms. You benefit from an excellent starting salary, with graduates earning upwards of £30,000 on average.

Our BSc Actuarial Science encourages you to delve into your passions for mathematics and practical problem-solving. Our attractive blend of solid mathematics, an understanding of real-world financial issues, and computing skills provide you with the core skills essential for entering the actuarial profession. You learn the theory and methods used by professional actuaries; on how to apply mathematical and statistical skills to minimise financial risk when the stakes are high, in areas such as commerce, government, insurance and finance.

Study topics including:

• Mathematical finance
• Financial reporting
• Contingencies, risk management and survival analysis
• Pure and applied mathematics
• Statistics

Professional actuaries in the insurance industry, including influential businesses AXA and Buck Consultants, contribute to our employability module and also host students at their offices to show them typical challenges that actuaries face.

As part of our Department of Mathematical Sciences, you’re a member of an inclusive and approachable research community which allows you to explore topics in pure, high-level mathematics and applied mathematics.

Professional accreditation

Accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Our course currently gives you exemption from all eight of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) professional examinations (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4, CT5, CT6, CT7 and CT8) subject to your performance on certain modules.

The associated exemptions from the IFoA's professional examinations can significantly reduce the time and cost needed to pursue a career as an actuary.

You also gain credits towards qualifying for accreditation with the Chartered Insurance Institute, the world’s largest professional body for insurance, risk and financial services.

Why we're great.

• 88% of our mathematics graduates are in professional employment or postgraduate study within six months of graduating from Essex (DLHE 2017).
• Our world-class lecturers ensure an exceptional learning and teaching environment.
• You have access to our excellent dedicated computing facilities that provide real-world experience.