Our MSc Actuarial Science provides you with a fast track into the profession by providing up to six exemptions from the exams you must pass to become a fully qualified actuary.
As an actuary, you are an expert in risk management. Most actuaries work in areas like life insurance, pensions, investments, banking and more. With your data science skills, you are in high demand across the world.
Salaries are typically high and the work-life balance excellent. A newly qualified actuary in the UK usually earns between £50,000 and £60,000 each year, with salaries increasing significantly post-certification.
Our MSc takes you through the first six actuarial exams with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) in the UK, accelerating your journey to becoming an actuarial professional. These examinations enhance your expertise in statistical and financial modelling.
Our Actuarial Transformation: Introducing an innovative curriculum for 2024.
We are thrilled to announce an exciting curriculum update set to launch in the academic year 2024-25 for our MSc Actuarial Science program at Heriot-Watt University.
This comprehensive overhaul offers you a well-rounded approach to actuarial education, going well beyond academic theory to equip you with the practical skills and business awareness sought after by employers, allowing you to hit the ground running on day one of your actuarial career.
Tailored for success as an Actuary
This programme has been uniquely designed to offer a blend of technical mastery, business acumen, and communication skills essential for a successful actuarial career.
Developed in collaboration with industry leaders, it ensures the acquisition of sought-after skills, setting you apart in interviews and excelling in real-world tasks.
Gain a competitive edge with an intensified focus on software tools like Excel and R, and experience enriched learning through 'value-added' components, emphasizing teamwork and communication.
Self-Taught Courses On Enrolment
On enrolment, you will gain access to the following self-taught courses that you can use (if you wish):
- Introduction To R Programming
- Introduction To Python Programming (For R Users)
- Report Writing
In addition, enrolment at Heriot-Watt University gives you free access to LinkedIn Learning which contains thousands of online courses covering a wide range of subject areas.
Why choose Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a wonderful city close to the sea in Scotland in the United Kingdom. Heriot-Watt Edinburgh campus is established just to the west of the city in a beautiful green space. Transport links into the city centre are regular and travel by bus takes thirty minutes – and so you can choose the mix of city and campus life that you like best.
Edinburgh is the financial heart of Scotland and many such companies are based there. It is also a centre of arts and culture, with the famous Edinburgh International Festival taking place in August each year.