Actuarial Science

The MSc Actuarial Science is designed for students from quantitative disciplines who wish to train as an actuary upon completion of the programme. The MSc can help fast track your career as an actuary by supporting you through the initial examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), UK and is fully accredited by the IFoA, UK.
The programme provides a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, economics and finance for future actuarial studies. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation in a topical area of actuarial science under the supervision of a member of the UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics. The programme is suitable for students with no prior exemptions and for students who wish to add to any exemptions they already have.

For further information about the programme, please email [email protected]

Download the UCD Science Graduate Taught Courses brochure (PDF)

• Designed specifically for those seeking to enter the actuarial profession.
• Fully accredited by the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries (UK)
• Students who perform well in the programme may obtain block exemptions from the Core Examinations of the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries (UK).
• Paid research placements for some students with actuarial companies (subject to successful selection process)

MSc Actuarial Science won the Science Postgraduate Course of the Year at the gradireland Higher Education Awards in 2016.

• 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 in 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

As a graduate 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. 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.

If you are not a UCD student and have not applied previously, you must register before using the system for the first time. You'll find step-by-step instructions on how to apply in our instructions for applicants [pdf] and video tutorial.

If you have already registered you can return to the secure system using the login details you registered with. If you are a current or previous UCD student, please use your UCD student number (the system will pre-populate your personal details and you will not be requested to send transcripts).

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