PhD Actuarial Science

    PhD Actuarial Science

    Duration4 year(s)
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    PhD Actuarial Science

    About

    Overview

    The PhD in Actuarial Science offers the opportunity to begin or consolidate your research career under the guidance of internationally renowned researchers and professionals in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (SMSAS).

    This research programme, which can be taken three to four years full-time or five to six years part-time, offers the opportunity to work in highly topical areas such financial modelling and estimation, quantification of diversification benefits, quantifying financial risks, and derivatives pricing. Applications for PhD research in these and other areas will be welcomed.

    There's an active seminar programme involving a wide range of speakers and members of the PhD community regularly attend/present their work at leading conferences and institutes.

    Before applying for this course, it is strongly recommended that you contact the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science in the first instance to discuss your study plans with the programme director.

    About the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (SMSAS)

    The School has a strong reputation for world-class research and a well-established system of support and training, with a high level of contact between staff and research students. Postgraduate students develop analytical, communication and research skills.

    In 2010 the Centre for Actuarial Science, Risk and Investment (CASRI) was set up within SMSAS to reflect the widening scope of the teaching and research of the staff. Areas of research interest include economic capital and risk management for financial services firms, mortality and longevity modelling, longevity indices and markets. Other research topics include genetics and insurance, insurance economics, pensions and corporate reporting.

    The Centre includes 13 professionally qualified actuaries with many years’ practical experience in insurance and pensions, and who maintain excellent links with the actuarial profession.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    A first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent).

    All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

    International students

    Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.

    English language entry requirements

    This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR.

    Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.

    Examples:

    IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component

    PTE Academic 63 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test

    A degree from a UK university

    A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country

    Need help with English?

    Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 62
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 90

    Career

    Your future

    Helping our students to develop strong employability skills is a key objective within the School and the University. We provide a wide range of services and support to equip you with transferable vocational skills that enable you to secure appropriate professional positions within industry. Within the School we run specialist seminars and provide advice on creating a strong CV, making job applications and successfully attending interviews and assessment centres.

    Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in the actuarial, finance, insurance and risk sectors.

    Career support
    Whether you want to get ahead in your current career, change lanes, or kickstart a new one – we are here to help you realise your ambition.

    Fee Information

    PhD Actuarial Science

    University of Kent

    University of Kent

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Canterbury