BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science

This degree combines the expertise of the School of Business & Society and the Department of Mathematics, giving you access to world-class academics at the cutting edge of research in their fields.

You'll sharpen your mathematical skills and statistical reasoning, using advanced calculus, algebra, probability and statistics. In parallel you'll study economics, finance and accounting, developing your understanding of the wider context of actuarial work.

On successfully completing this course, you will be a multi-faceted and highly employable graduate with the financial and business skills required to qualify as a professional actuary.

This course is available as a four-year degree including a year in industry:;Actuarial Science (with a year in industry) (BSc)

Learn more about the study of finance at York.

Accreditation

This course is professionally accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.;This is a mark of our course's quality and guarantees its relevance to the actuarial profession. Successfully completing this course will take you part of the way to qualification as a professional actuary.

• Accreditation details

This course will equip you with knowledge and understanding of the concepts, theories and models of actuarial science.

You'll study mathematical concepts such as probability theory and statistics, as well as business economics, accounting and corporate finance.

You'll learn to use data to model uncertain future events and improve your analytical skills through rigorous mathematical reasoning.

Study abroad

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:

• Explore global opportunities

We also offer this course with a year abroad.

Youll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Teaching format

Our modules are taught by leading academics from the Department of Mathematics and the School of Business & Society. We use a wide range of teaching methods to suit different learning styles, including:

• Lectures
• Small-group seminars
• Problem classes
• Activity-based workshops
• Directed independent study
• Group projects
• Individual projects

This course has a strong practical focus, allowing you to apply and develop your skills. Our courses are designed to encourage you to take responsibility for your own learning and development, but with all the support you need available from our academics.

Timetabled activities

In your first year, you can expect:

These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.

Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.

In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during term time. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.

Teaching location

You will be based in the School of Business & Society on Campus West. Your teaching will take place in various locations around Campus East and Campus West.

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.

Assessment and feedback

You will be assessed largely by closed examination, alongside a mixture of weekly problem sets, essays and projects.

In your second and final years you will have some scope to choose forms of assessment that you prefer through selection of optional modules. However, this course puts greater emphasis on examinations due to the requirements of accreditation by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

Percentage of the course typically assessed by coursework and exams

The figures above are based on data from 2016/17. Our course structures are changing in September 2023. Find out more about how this course may be affected.

If you're leaving high school in Jordan with the Tawjihi (General Secondary Education Certificate) you will need to take an additional course before being able to apply for an undergraduate course at York. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate or a recognised foundation course.

Course-specific requirements

Visit the course pages for details of the entry requirements specific to your chosen course. Some courses also have additional requirements such as work experience or submission of written work. 

If you're a non-native English speaking applicant you must provide evidence of your English language ability.

You need to show enough fluency in written and spoken English to the required level of the course you're applying to.

Meet staff and students, ask questions and explore life at York at an Open Day. Due to the ongoing coronavirus situation, the date and format of future Open Days are still to be confirmed while we continue to monitor the situation.

Find out everything you need to know as an offer holder at York, and what your next steps are to prepare for joining us.