Actuarial Science

Course Structure

The MSc Actuarial Science is a full-time postgraduate programme aimed primarily at students with quantitative undergraduate degrees from the disciplines of maths, statistics, finance or any other programme with a high degree of mathematical content.



The programme encompasses modules across the areas of actuarial mathematics, statistics, economics and finance, to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career as an actuary. This programme will provide students with the opportunity to gain exemptions from six of the earlier Institute and Faculty of Actuaries’ IFoA professional exams (CM1-2, CB1-2 and CS1-2) in addition to undertaking postgraduate study.



Course Structure

Students pursuing a career in Actuarial Science should enjoy working with numbers, be effective communicators and work well with people as they will have to analyse and interpret financial and other information to meet the needs of different users, including clients, executive directors and investors.

Core Modules

Corporate Finance (15 credits)

Financial Modelling in Python (15 credits)

Financial Mathematics (15 credits)

Statistical Analysis for Actuarial Applications (15 credits)

Economic Thinking for Actuaries (15 credits)

Actuarial Mathematics and Contingencies (15 credits)

Statistics for Insurance (15 credits)

Survival Modelling (15 credits)

Applied Research Project (60 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree (minimum 55%) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a mathematically rigorous discipline such as Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a highly quantitative undergraduate degree such as Economics or Finance.



This MSc assumes prior undergraduate-level mathematical training. Applicants must demonstrate strong performance (normally at 2:1 standard or above) in mathematically rigorous modules such as calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, probability, and mathematical statistics.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.



Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level



Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 14th August 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: international applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure a place on this course.

1 year full-time

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Employment after the Course

Actuaries are constantly in demand and their skills are continually included in highly skilled occupation listings and for skills in demand listings. The Bureau of Labour Statistics project that employment of actuaries is expected to increase by 20% between 2018 and 2028.



Actuaries primarily work in insurance and financial services, which are heavily regulated and require a number of statutory disclosures. Graduates from the Actuarial Science programme obtain employment across the world, but particularly in Dublin and London. Dublin has seen an influx of financial services companies either entering the market for the first time or increasing their footprint in Ireland, as a result of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. Another primary driver for the demand for actuaries has been changes in legislation. A recent example is the implementation of Solvency II for the insurance industry, which caused a spike in the demand for actuaries and enabled actuaries to develop new transferable skills. Furthermore, the International Accounting Standards Board has published the new accounting standard for insurance contracts, IFRS 17. This standard was implemented in 2023 and there is a healthy demand for actuaries to help insurance companies embed the standard.



Finally, with the growth in data science and Insurtech, new, more technology based opportunities are available for actuaries. Rather than automation being a threat for actuaries, these new tools will enable actuaries to help their clients make better decisions, which contribute to the positive outlook for actuaries in the long term.