Actuarial Science with a Year in Industry

Actuarial Science with a Year in Industry at the University of Kent is a comprehensive undergraduate degree programme designed to equip students with the essential mathematical, statistical, and financial skills necessary for a successful career in the actuarial profession. This course provides a strong foundation in core areas such as probability, statistics, economics, finance, and risk management, combined with practical industry experience through a dedicated Year in Industry placement. The programme aims to prepare students not only to pass the rigorous actuarial examinations required by professional bodies but also to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that are highly valued in the finance and insurance sectors. Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to engage with real-world applications of actuarial modelling and data analysis, preparing them for diverse roles such as insurance, pension, and investment analysis. The Year in Industry offers invaluable work experience, providing students with insights into the operational aspects of financial and actuarial organisations, and enhancing their employability upon graduation. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest industry developments and professional standards, and students benefit from strong links with industry partners. Graduates of this programme are well-positioned to pursue further professional qualifications with leading actuarial institutions and to embark on a rewarding career in finance, risk analysis, and related fields. With a blend of academic rigour and practical exposure, the Actuarial Science with a Year in Industry degree at the University of Kent is an excellent choice for students aiming to become skilled and accredited actuaries ready to meet the challenges of an evolving financial landscape.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Total Kent credits: 480

Total Kent credits: 480

• English

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

• MA309 - Business Economics
• MA315 - Financial Mathematics
• MA319 - Probability and Statistics for Actuarial Science
• MA321 - Calculus and Mathematical Modelling
• MA322 - Proofs and Numbers
• MA326 - Matrices and Computing
• WSHOP097 - Mathematics Support Classes
• WSHOPMA1 - Core Stage 1 Tutorial Support

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• MA639 - Time Series Modelling and Simulation
• MA516 - Contingencies 1
• MA552 - Analysis
• MA553 - Linear Algebra
• MA501 - Statistics for Insurance
• MA527 - Corporate Finance for Actuaries
• MA528 - Financial Reports and their Analysis
• MA529 - Probability and Statistics for Actuarial Science 2

Year in industry

Students on this course spend a year working in industry between Stages 2 and 3. We can offer help and advice in finding a placement. This greatly enhances your CV and gives you the opportunity to put your academic skills into practice. It also gives you an idea of your career options. Recent placements have included IBM, management consultancies, government departments, actuarial firms and banks.

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

• MA533 - Contingencies 2
• MA535 - Portfolio Theory and Asset Pricing Models
• MA537 - Mathematics of Financial Derivatives
• MA539 - Financial Modelling
• MA509 - Actuarial Practice
• MA636 - Stochastic Processes
• MA525 - Survival Models II
• MA531 - Industrial Placement

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification, Typical offer/minimum requirement

A level

• AAA at including Mathematics grade A including the core syllabus of Pure Mathematics (Use of Maths is not accepted). Only one General Studies and Critical Thinking can be accepted against the requirements

Access to HE Diploma

• The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)

• The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

International Baccalaureate

• IB Diploma 34 points overall or 17 at HL including 6 in HL Mathematics

International students

English language entry requirements

• 6.5 IELTS (with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing and 5.5 in Speaking and Listening)

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 entry support package has not been finalised. However, our 2014 financial support package included a £6,500 cash bursary. Find out more on our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

The BSc in Actuarial Science with a Year in Industry at the University of Kent is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for a career in the actuarial profession. The course covers the fundamental principles of mathematics, statistics, and financial theory necessary for risk assessment and management in various industries such as insurance, pensions, and finance. Throughout the program, students engage with core modules including probability, financial mathematics, actuarial mathematics, and risk theory, providing a solid foundation for understanding complex financial products and services.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the Year in Industry, which offers students the opportunity to gain practical work experience, apply their academic learning in real-world scenarios, and develop professional skills that are highly valued by employers. During this year, students typically undertake paid internships or placements with notable companies within the financial and insurance sectors, gaining insights into industry practices and enhancing their employability post-graduation. The university's strong links with industry partners facilitate these placements, ensuring students are exposed to current industry standards and challenges.

The programme also emphasizes the importance of professional development, preparing students for professional exams conducted by actuarial bodies such as the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA). This is supported through dedicated modules that align with the actuarial exam syllabus, enabling students to progress toward their professional qualifications alongside their degree studies. The curriculum integrates quantitative analysis, risk modelling, and data analysis techniques, often utilizing software tools such as R and Excel, to develop practical skills in data handling and interpretation.

In addition to technical expertise, the programme fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for actuaries to explain complex concepts clearly to stakeholders. The University of Kent's vibrant academic community and dedicated staff provide personalized support and guidance throughout the course. The campus facilities include dedicated actuarial and statistical laboratories equipped with modern software and resources, ensuring students have access to tools essential for their studies.

Graduates of the Actuarial Science with a Year in Industry programme are well-prepared to enter employment in actuarial consulting, insurance companies, pension funds, or further postgraduate research. The combination of academic rigor and industry experience positions alumni strongly within the competitive financial sectors. The university’s career services actively support students in finding placements, developing CVs, and preparing for interviews, thereby enhancing career prospects.

Overall, this program at the University of Kent offers a balanced blend of theoretical foundation, practical experience, and professional development opportunities tailored to those aspiring to become skilled actuaries in a dynamic and evolving industry environment.