Actuarial Science

The programme provides a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, economics and finance for future actuarial studies.

- Designed specifically for those seeking to enter the actuarial profession

- Students who perform well in the programme may obtain subject-by-subject exemptions from the Core Technical examinations of the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries (UK).

Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

The Graduate Diploma Actuarial Science is designed for students from quantitative disciplines who ultimately wish to train as an actuary upon completion of the programme. The Graduate Diploma can help fast-track your career as an actuary by supporting you through the initial examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (UK).

Vision and Values Statement
This programme is aimed at students from numerate disciplines who ultimately wish to train as an actuary upon completion of the programme. Students will be supported through the initial examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (UK), thereby placing the graduates on a fast track to a career as a qualified actuary. Our students will be in demand by employers in the pensions and insurance industries, but also in financial services more generally. They will be well positioned to transition to careers in data analytics, financial engineering, stock and options trading and fund management if they so desire, such is the extent of the transferable skills conferred by their programme of study.

Our students will be able to use the tools they have learned to explain, describe and predict complex financial trends and manage risk accordingly. We aim to provide a teaching and learning environment that develops confidence and independence through a wide variety of interactive formats, both inside and outside the classroom, in industrial and academic settings. In addition to traditional terminal written examinations, the programme includes individual continuous assessment and group assignments involving oral and written presentation, improving the communication skills of students for their future careers. Several subjects will feature software-based analysis and develop computer-programming skills in languages such as R and Excel that will position students well in the new age of analytically driven decision making in insurance and finance.

In addition to the core actuarial subjects that predominantly make up the Grad Dip Actuarial Science programme of study, students will additionally have access to relevant subjects from the wider discipline of statistics and actuarial science where appropriate, broadening their education to meet the growing demands of big data that are set to shape the actuarial landscape in the years ahead. They will also be provided with CV preparation and interview skills workshops in cooperation with UCD Careers in preparation for transition to the professional workplace environment.

Programme Outcomes
Approach problems in an analytical, precise and rigorous way

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the key skills required by a trainee actuary, including data collection methods, statistical method development, analysis of statistical output

Demonstrate strong proficiency in appropriate computational methods

Give oral presentations of technical material at a level appropriate for the audience

Model real-world problems using the appropriate framework and on that basis, make forecasts and analyse risk

Prepare written reports on technical subjects in statistics, actuarial science, and finance in clear and precise language

Use the language of logic to reason correctly and make deductions

Students must complete a minimum of 60 ECTS credits of work over two semesters. Students select between 5 and 7 subjects from the list. Most subjects are made up of two or more modules and students must take all modules comprising their selected subjects. Depending on their subject choices students may have to take more than five subjects to ensure the minimum 60 ECTS credits requirement is met. Each Subject of the Graduate Diploma Actuarial Science corresponds to the equivalently named Core Technical or Core Applications Subject of the examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (UK).

Fundamentals of Actuarial and Financial Mathematics IMATH20130
Fundamentals of Actuarial and Financial Mathematics IIMATH20210
Bayesian AnalysisSTAT20180
Professional ethicsSTAT20190
Actuarial Mathematics 1STAT40060
Actuarial Statistics IISTAT40070
Actuarial Mathematics 2STAT40100
Survival ModelsSTAT40250
Actuarial Reporting ISTAT40600
Actuarial Reporting IISTAT40610
Stochastic ModelsSTAT40680
Financial & Actuarial Maths ISTAT40920
Financial & Actuarial Maths IISTAT40930
Core Actuarial Principles 3STAT40980
Core Actuarial Principles 2STAT40990
Core Actuarial Principles 1STAT41000
Statistical Modelling for ActSTAT41050
Probability and StatisticsSTAT41060

This programme is intended for applicants with degree in a quantitative area such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering or economics and/or finance. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. Degrees in Commerce or Accounting do not generally carry sufficient mathematics and statistics content to make students eligible for the Grad Diploma in Actuarial Science.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

The following entry routes are available:

Grad Dip Actuarial Science FT (F036)
Duration 1 Years Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

60

1 year full-time.

GradDip Actuarial Science (F036) Full Time
EU - fee per year: € 10,780
nonEU - fee per year: € 15,075

***Fees are subject to change

Next Intake: 2020/2021 September

Careers & Employability
As a graduate of the Graduate Diploma Actuarial Science you can look forward to a career ranging from the traditional areas of insurance and pension consultancy to the rapidly expanding areas of investment and risk management. Successful graduates can expect early responsibility in their chosen career and the opportunity to work in a variety of challenging roles. Throughout your actuarial career you can rely on the support and guidance of the Actuarial Profession and upon qualification you can expect a rewarding career that will continue to offer opportunities for further development. The Actuarial Profession is a global profession with actuaries in demand in Europe, America, Asia and Australia.