Actuarial Science (MSc)

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:

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

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.

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.

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 2022). 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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £21,000.
• EU and international students pay £21,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

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:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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.

Southampton 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 Southampton Mathematics Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

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.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

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 Southampton 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 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

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 aim to 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