About this course
Prepare for a career as an expert actuary with our actuary master's degree at the University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载.
You'll have an early advantage in your career with a professional actuary degree that is recognised by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.
By the end of your studies, you’ll be able to assess and manage risk using advanced actuarial science methods. You can apply what you’ve learned to work as an analyst, or to many other careers that need quantitative skills.
You’ll learn how to become an actuary – a specialist who identifies, analyses and manages risks with long-term financial consequences. This expertise is vital in many businesses across the financial services industry.
This degree covers a broad collection of topics including:
- actuarial maths
- statistics and probability
- economics
- accounting and finance
- survival models and analysis
The course is flexible and will cater to students both with and without actuarial education. When you start, we’ll advise you on module choices to meet your specific needs.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
- a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) - you'll usually study for around 30 weeks and will not need to write a dissertation
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Dr Amine Lkabous leads this course. Amine is a lecturer in actuarial science at the School of Mathematical Sciences, and is interested in risk theory as well as stochastic optimisation problems applied in actuarial and financial mathematics.
Accreditations
Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
Learn more about this subject area
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载.
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a quantitative subject such as:
- mathematics
- statistics
- economics
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time MSc actuarial science course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. You'll take exams at the end of both semesters.
You’ll begin preparing for your final project during semester?1, and?continue this work in semester 2.
For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently?on your final project. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must choose your modules from the following modules :
Accounting and Finance for Actuarial Science
This module is designed to provide an introduction to financial accounting, corporate finance and financial management of organisations. The module is intended for students from any academic discipline who have an interest in accounting and finance as an ...
Actuarial Mathematics I
This subject arises through a fusion of compound interest theory with probability theory, and provides the mathematical framework necessary for analysing such contracts, which are essentially long term financial transactions in which the various cash flow...
Actuarial Mathematics II
Synopsis: The module extends the mathematical framework developed in MATH3063 in order to enable modelling of long term financial transactions where the various cash flows are contingent on the death or survival of several lives, or where there are sever...
Actuarial Science Case Study 1
Actuarial Science Case Study 1 gives MSc Actuarial Science students the opportunity to conduct and gain experience of an in-depth open-ended actuarial investigation. The main purpose is to develop students’ skills in: identifying, organising, and directin...
Actuarial Science Case Study 2
Actuarial Science Case Study 2 gives MSc Actuarial Science students the opportunity to conduct and gain experience of an in-depth open-ended actuarial investigation. The main purpose is to develop students’ skills in: identifying, organising, and directin...
Economics
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to economics, covering both microeconomic and macroeconomic aspects. It analyses how fundamental economic concepts affect individuals, companies, and financial institutions and systems. It illustrates how ...
Financial Mathematics
This module provides a solid mathematical introduction to the subject of Compound Interest Theory and its application to the analysis of a wide variety of complex financial problems, including those associated with mortgage and commercial loans, the valua...
MSc Actuarial Science Project
Actuarial Science Project gives MSc Actuarial Science students the opportunity to conduct and gain experience of an in-depth open-ended actuarial investigation proposed by the student. The main purpose is to develop students’ skills in: identifying, organ...
Mathematical Finance
Following an initial discussion of the assessment and measurement of investment risk, mean-variance portfolio theory is introduced and used to determine the risk and return for a portfolio of risky assets, the composition of the optimal such portfolio, an...
Probability and Mathematical Statistics
The module is designed for postgraduate students whose first degree is in Mathematics or another discipline where development of mathematical skills is a significant component (Science, Engineering, Economics, Quantitative Social Sciences). While the mate...
Statistical Methods in Insurance
Stochastic Processes
The module will introduce the basic ideas in modelling, solving and simulating stochastic processes.
Survival Models
This module introduces some of the fundamental ideas and issues of lifetime and time-to-event data analysis, as used in actuarial practice, biomedical research and demography Co-Requisite: MATH6122
Learning and assessment
Learning
We teach through a mixture of:
- lectures
- tutorials
- problem classes
- computer workshops
- case studies
We’ll introduce you to the theory, methods and techniques of actuarial science, and develop your skills in:
- actuarial, statistical and financial modelling
- deductive reasoning and analysis
- finding, processing and using relevant information
- communicating your work to a range of audiences
Assessment
Depending on the modules you take, we’ll assess your progress through a mixture of:
- exams
- coursework assignments
- class tests
- case study reports or a dissertation
Dissertation
Over the summer period (July – September) you’ll have 2 options:
- Take 2 actuarial science case study modules, both lasting 6 weeks, and complete a case study report for each. There will usually be a choice of 2 investigation topics per case study.
- Take an actuarial science project module lasting 13 weeks, and complete a 50-60 page dissertation. Whether you can choose this option will depend on the suitability of your investigation proposal.
Academic Support
Your personal tutor will meet you by request to give advice, offer guidance about the course, and provide personal support if you need it. You can also talk to your module tutors about any subject-specific questions.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Self-management
- Communication
- Problem solving
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Education,
Engineering,
Finance,
Banking,
Accountancy,
Government,
Insurance,
IT,
Business consultancy,
Marketing,
Market research,
Health,
Research.
- Actuary
- Actuarial analyst
- Chartered accountant
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Investment analyst
- Research scientist (maths)
- Secondary school teacher
- Software engineer
- Statistician
- Academic researcher
- Financial manager
- Financial trader
- Game designer
- Machine learning engineer
- Management consultant
- Meteorologist
- Operational researcher
- Quantity surveyor
- Actuarial analyst
- Actuary
- Investment analyst
- Business analyst
- Data analyst
- Financial risk advisor
- Tax consultant
- Deputy operation team leader
- Data engineer
- Auditor
Job prospects for MSc Actuarial Science graduates
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay ?25,400.
- EU and international students pay ?25,400.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay ?2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 Mathematics Postgraduate International Scholarship
A scholarship of ?3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Mathematics.
Find out more about the 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 Mathematics Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Pay the ?50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a ?50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to submit two academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You may also be asked to provide:
- a degree transcript
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
