Actuarial Science

Actuarial science is the application of mathematical, statistical and financial methods to the analysis of risk and uncertainty, particularly in the context of insurance, pensions, investment and financial planning. Actuaries model the likelihood and financial impact of future events, whether that is the probability of an insurance claim, the funding requirements of a pension scheme, or the financial risks embedded in a company's balance sheet, and they translate this analysis into decisions that protect the financial security of individuals and institutions. It is a profession that commands high salaries and strong graduate demand, and entry is governed by a series of rigorous professional examinations.

At the University of East Anglia this three-year full-time programme gives you the mathematical and statistical foundations of actuarial work alongside the financial and business knowledge that actuaries need in practice. You will study probability, statistics, financial mathematics, economics, finance and accounting, developing both the quantitative toolkit and the commercial understanding that the profession requires. The curriculum is designed to align with the examination syllabuses of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, providing exemptions from some professional examinations for graduates who perform well, which significantly reduces the time and cost involved in qualifying after graduation.

Actuarial careers are concentrated in insurance, pensions, investment and banking, but actuarial skills are increasingly applied in healthcare analytics, climate risk modelling, public policy and the technology sector. The combination of mathematical rigour, financial knowledge and professional qualification makes actuarial science graduates among the most sought after in the financial services labour market. Many graduates qualify as actuaries through the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries after completing their degree, and experienced actuaries are well placed for senior and leadership roles across the financial sector.

This is one of the most demanding and rewarding applied mathematics degrees available.