BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- N324
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Would you like to build analytical systems to help businesses solve complex financial problems? Do you have a love of mathematics? If so, this course is for you.
Actuarial Science is constantly adapting to meet the needs of the ever-changing world of business and finance. As new techniques are developed, older ones are replaced. Here at UEA, we recognise this, which is why our BSc in Actuarial Science is continually evolving to ensure we remain among the best actuarial science programmes in the world.
You'll gain a strong foundation in actuarial science, data science, and risk management, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to accelerate your journey towards a career as a financial professional, actuary, or work within the risk management sector. You'll be well equipped to play a crucial role in a wide range of global companies. If you're ambitious and bright, these skills will be your first step toward a highly successful, secure, and well-remunerated career. We work closely with our industry partners to ensure our courses reflect the skills they're looking for in graduates.
We’re positioned within the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics. You’ll learn the key aspects of actuarial science and develop highly desirable skills in computing and data science. You can also develop expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and coding in Python. You’ll become skilled in statistics, actuarial mathematics, financial mathematics, financial economics, and corporate finance, with further options to choose modules in computer science if you wish. These skills are needed in many highly rewarding professions, including becoming a fully qualified actuary.
Graduates from our degrees are highly sought after and this actuarial science degree can lead you into careers such as becoming an actuary, an investment analyst, an underwriter, a risk manager, or a data scientist.
Accreditations
This BSc Actuarial Science course is accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA).
Studying an accredited degree course means that you may be eligible for exemptions from some of the IFoA’s professional exams. This will depend on the modules you take and the grades you achieve.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll begin this three-year degree by further developing your knowledge of mathematics, computing, economics and business. Each year you’ll have the option to choose a traditional actuarial module, or if you’re thinking about specialising in data science, you can choose to focus on developing additional computing skills. Throughout the course, you’ll also develop essential communication and presentation skills, preparing you for a successful career in the financial sector.
Compulsory modules in your first year provide you with a clear understanding of mathematics, computing, and problem-solving. You’ll build on your existing knowledge while developing your understanding of actuarial mathematics and gaining hands-on experience with practical modelling techniques. In your first year, you’ll also have the opportunity to tailor your learning by choosing between a skills-based module—delivered in collaboration with practising actuaries—or an additional computing module, designed to enhance your data science capabilities.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
The Actuarial Science degree at UEA is taught through a combination of lectures, classes, seminars and lab work. The lab sessions, classes, and seminars play a particularly important role in your programme, as they provide the opportunity to reinforce and build upon the material introduced in lectures.
We also offer specialist actuarial modules, which are usually taught by qualified actuaries in a classroom environment, providing you with plenty of interactivity and real-world examples.
Independent study
Your formal teaching on the course will be complemented with individual study. You’ll be set formative work to complete between lectures and within classes, seminars and lab work, helping to cement your understanding of new material.
Learning to study independently is a key skill for all aspiring actuaries and this skill will be developed gradually throughout the programme as your confidence grows.
Assessment
In year one, you’ll have a mixture of assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (approximately 75-80%)
- Written assignments, demonstrations and presentations (approximately 20-25%)
Structure
In the second year, you’ll be introduced to specific actuarial themes and study business in the context of the actuarial profession. Optional modules offer you the choice between a financial accounting course for actuaries, which is included in the accreditation agreement, and a computing science module. This means you can continue to tailor your programme towards a traditional actuarial science route or broaden your skill set with additional computing expertise.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your second year, you’ll continue to be taught through a combination of lectures, classes, seminars, and lab work. As before, seminars and lab work will be a valuable opportunity for you to reinforce and expand on your understanding of new material.
The focus on independent work will also continue, and you’ll gradually develop your skills and confidence as an independent learner as the course progresses.
Assessment
In year two, the focus on assessment will continue as before. You’ll be assessed by a combination of written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). The particular assessments you’ll undertake will depend on your choice of modules.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll be able to focus on developing your advanced knowledge of statistics, mathematics, and professional actuarial practice. You’ll also be given the option to complete a dissertation, as well as study in partnership with practicing actuaries. Alternatively, if computer science is your preferred area of focus, you can choose to further develop these skills.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In year three, teaching styles will continue in a blend of lectures, classes, seminars, and lab work. You’ll also be supported to develop your skills as an independent learner, which will be a crucial skill for your future career.
Assessment
In your final year, assessment will continue as before. You’ll be assessed by a mix of written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). Assessment is dependent on your choice of modules.
Employability
After the Course
After successful completion of our Actuarial Science degree, your academic performance could earn you exemptions to the professional actuarial examinations set by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. This means that on graduation, subject to reaching a certain level of academic performance, you’ll be entitled to exemptions from CM1&2, CS1&2 and CB1&2. If you achieve a good degree class, you can expect to be fully qualified within two to four years
Beyond becoming a professional actuary, you could choose to pursue a stimulating and influential career in a wide range of sectors, including business, insurance, pensions, banking, accounting and other financial services.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Actuary
- Banking professional
- Finance manager
- Data scientist
- Risk manager
- Investment analyst
Discover more on our Mathematics Careers web page.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Mathematics Grade A
Contextual offer: BBB including Mathematics
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD plus grade A at A level Mathematics
Contextual offer: DDM plus grade A at A level Mathematics
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC
Access to HE Diploma
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Maths, and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3
Contextual offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Mathematics at Distinction
T levels
Obtain an overall Distinction. Accepted subjects: Science pathway
Foundation Year Options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Mathematics with a Foundation year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 including HL6 in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches)
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2 including Mathematics, 2 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAAAA. Only accepted in combination with Scottish Advanced Highers grade B in Mathematics
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC including grade B in Mathematics.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Grade A in A level Mathematics
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL6 in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches)
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re strongly encouraged to purchase recommended texts for the actuarial modules as well as a copy of the Formulae and Tables for Examinations of the Faculty of Actuaries and the Institute of Actuaries. These can be purchased via the school at a discounted price at the start of each academic year.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: