About this course
Prepare for a career as an expert actuary with our actuary master's degree at the University of Southampton.
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.
Course lead
Your course leader specialises in critical illness and life insurance research, and is a member of the modelling team at the ESRC Centre for Population Change.
Visit Dr Erengul Dodd's staff profile to learn more about her work.
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
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.
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
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must choose your modules from the following modules:
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 ...
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...
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 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 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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
The module will introduce the basic ideas in modelling, solving and simulating stochastic processes.
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
All our actuarial topics match up with professional subjects of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. As a result, you’ll graduate from the programme with a professional level of education.
This will allow you to move straight into employment as an actuarial analyst, as well as many other careers requiring expert quantitative skills.
Your expertise will be sought after by organisations in:
- general, life and health insurance
- pension provision
- investment
- financial services
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £21,000.
- EU and international students pay £21,000.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get 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.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. 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 Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. 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 send 2 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
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
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
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