Study actuarial science abroad

Actuarial Science program structure

You can study actuarial science as a BSc over a minimum of three years. Most programs will have an integrated sandwich year between the second and final years of study so that students can gain hands-on industry experience. Therefore, bachelor’s degrees lasting four years are common.

Studying actuarial science in combination with a related subject, like mathematics, statistics, computer science, finance, or economics, is also popular. These joint-honors courses are a useful way of tailoring your degree to reflect your interests and strengths.

If you’ve set your sights on studying in the US, you’ll probably opt to major in actuarial science. In line with the US liberal arts model, you’ll spend the first two years of your degree studying general education classes, before focusing on actuarial-specific modules for the remaining two years.

After you’ve finished your bachelor’s program, you can pursue a postgraduate qualification. A master’s degree usually requires one year of full-time study, or two years of part-time learning.

If you’re still hungry to discover more, you could enroll in a research-based doctorate program. A PhD is the highest formal qualification achievable and can take anywhere between four and seven years to complete.

Actuarial science programs are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical workshops, problem-solving classes, and tutorials. Assessment methods include exams, essays, presentations, and research projects.

It’s important to look closely at the modules offered as part of each program because they will differ between universities. Nevertheless, most universities will cover these core areas:

• Introduction to probability and statistics
• Financial accounting
• Finance and financial analysis
• Business economics
• Actuarial modeling
• Probability and statistics
• Mathematical methods
• Management accounting