Actuarial Science, BSc (Hons)

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Course Overview

If you enjoy mathematics and want to apply your skills to real‑world business challenges, Swansea University’s BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science offers an excellent route into a highly respected profession.

Actuaries are analytical business professionals who use advanced mathematical modelling and financial understanding to assess and manage future risks.

In your first year, you will build a strong foundation in mathematics, business, and study skills, preparing you for success in the specialist mathematics and management modules that follow. The programme is accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), and graduates can achieve up to six professional exam exemptions, giving you a significant head start in your actuarial career.

Your learning will be supported by experienced and internationally recognised business and mathematics specialists who bring extensive industry insight into the classroom.

BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science is delivered as a partnership between the Department of Mathematics and the School of Management at Swansea University.

Why Actuarial Science at Swansea?

  • 13th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026) 
  • Top 201-250 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)

Actuarial Science at Swansea University is a highly regarded degree that brings together the mathematical and management expertise needed for a career in risk analysis and financial decision‑making.

You will be taught by knowledgeable academics and industry‑experienced professionals who are recognised experts in their fields, many of whom hold Fellowship or Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. Their insight shapes a learning environment that blends rigorous mathematical training with practical business applications.

Throughout your studies, you will benefit from personalised support through small‑group tutorials, as well as an active and welcoming student community. Elected student representatives ensure your voice is heard, and the Swansea University Mathematics Society brings students and staff together through regular academic and social events, helping you feel part of a collaborative and friendly department from day one.

Situated on the beautiful Bay Campus, the programme gives you access to modern teaching facilities and a vibrant coastal setting, making Swansea an inspiring place to live and study.

Your Actuarial Science Experience

Throughout your degree, you will develop a deep understanding of the ideas and logic that underpin mathematics and its real‑world applications. This will equip you with a highly desirable set of graduate attributes that will set you apart in the employment market.

You will benefit from high‑quality, personalised support through small‑group tutorials, ensuring you are well supported in your academic development. Elected student representatives help ensure every student voice is heard, contributing to a strong sense of community within the department. The Swansea University Mathematics Student Society (SUMSOC) also brings students and staff together through regular social and academic events, helping you build connections and feel part of a vibrant student culture.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Year Abroad, spent in locations such as the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, or Singapore, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience. 

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc.

Actuarial Science Employment Opportunities

The skills you develop throughout this degree are directly applicable to a wide range of careers. You will strengthen your problem‑solving ability, logical reasoning, technical knowledge, project management, and teamwork, all of which are highly valued by employers.

Our Mathematics Department has an active Industrial Advisory Board that provides valuable employability opportunities for students, including careers talks and mock interviews designed to build confidence and industry awareness.

Actuaries often progress into leadership roles within insurance, pensions, investment, and financial services. This programme is specifically designed to provide a strong foundation for an actuarial career, supported by the opportunity to achieve up to six IFoA professional exam exemptions. Graduates typically enter actuarial trainee schemes, where they receive continued support and structured development as they progress towards full qualification.

Beyond actuarial work, your mathematical training opens the door to related career paths in risk management, data science, government, banking, and finance. Mathematics graduates are in high demand and typically earn salaries around 50% higher than the average graduate, reflecting the value of their analytical and technical expertise.

Our graduates have recently secured roles with organisations such as Barnett Waddingham, Ocado Retail, British Airways, Deutsche Bank, Health Authorities, and Local Government, demonstrating the breadth of career destinations available.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Actuarial Science, BSc (Hons)

Actuarial Science with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Actuarial Science with a Year in Industry, BSc (Hons)