Mathematics and Actuarial Science
Actuarial science applies mathematical and statistical methods to problems involving risk and uncertainty, most prominently in insurance, pensions, and financial services. Actuaries are among the most precisely trained professionals in the world of finance, using probability theory, financial mathematics, and sophisticated modelling to help organisations price risk, manage liabilities, and make decisions with enormous financial consequences. Studying mathematics alongside actuarial science gives you the rigorous theoretical foundation that the profession demands, alongside direct preparation for the actuarial examinations that lead to professional qualification.
This three-year full-time degree at the University of Leicester combines core mathematics with the specific tools of actuarial practice, covering probability and statistics, financial mathematics, mortality modelling, and the principles of insurance and pensions. You will develop strong quantitative skills and the ability to translate complex mathematical results into practical guidance for business decisions. The programme includes a sandwich year, giving you the opportunity to gain professional experience in an actuarial or financial setting before your final year, which is highly valued by employers and typically leads to stronger graduate employment outcomes.
Work placement activity is embedded throughout the degree.
Actuarial science graduates are in consistent demand across the financial sector. The most direct career path is qualification as a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, working in life insurance, general insurance, pensions, investment, or risk management. The mathematical skills the degree develops also transfer well into data science, quantitative finance, and risk analytics more broadly, opening doors beyond the traditional actuarial route.
Postgraduate study in actuarial science, statistics, or financial mathematics is a natural continuation for those who wish to deepen their expertise. The combination of a strong mathematical foundation and the sandwich year experience makes this programme a competitive preparation for a high-stakes, high-reward profession.