Actuarial Science with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

3rd in the UK for Student Satisfaction

Complete University Guide 2025

Students

Course Overview

If you enjoy mathematics and want to apply your knowledge to solve real-world business problems, then the actuarial science programme at Swansea University is an excellent route to meet your goals.

An actuary is a highly trained and influential business professional who uses advanced mathematical modelling and business understanding to analyse future risks.

Students who pursue this course will gain a solid foundation the first year in mathematics, business, and study skills. They will be prepared for greater success in the mathematics and management modules that follow. The programme is accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), so programme modules in mathematics, accounting, finance and economics are aligned with the IFoA professional examinations. Graduates can obtain up to six exemptions from IFoA professional examinations, which is a tremendous head start toward obtaining actuarial employment and succeeding as an actuary.

Your learning will be shaped by inspirational and internationally-renowned business professionals with many years of industry experience including Dr Jafar Ojra, Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Chartered Global Management Accountant.

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Why Actuarial Science with a Foundation Year at Swansea?

  • 3rd in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • 7th in the UK (Guardian University 2025)

  • 13th in the UK for Teaching Quality (Guardian University 2025)

  • Top 201-250 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)

Actuarial Science at Swansea University is a highly regarded degree that combines the mathematics and management content needed for an intriguing and rewarding career in risk management.

The Swansea University Actuarial Science programme is accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), so the successful graduate can gain exemptions for up to six IFoA professional exams.

Your Actuarial Science with a Foundation Year Experience

  • Our staff are experts in their areas of mathematics with the majority being recognized by the Higher Education Academy with a Fellowship or Senior Fellowship.
  • You will master the ideas and logic of mathematics and their applications and acquire a highly desirable set of transferable skills that will set you apart in the employment marketplace.
  • You will receive high-quality personalised support through small-group tutorials.
  • Elected student representatives make sure that every student voice is heard.
  • The Swansea University Mathematics student society sponsors frequent social and academic events to bring students and staff together.
  • Our Mathematics Department is right next to the beautiful Swansea Bay beachfront, with numerous social and sport opportunities.
  • Our peer mentoring scheme helps new students settle into university and make new friends.
  • The new £32.5M Computational Foundry building at our Bay Campus gives students access to bespoke study and teaching spaces designed by and for mathematicians.
  • Our Mathematics Reading Room provides a quiet study space for mathematics students, as well as housing a departmental library of resources for study and research.

Actuarial Science with a Foundation Year Employment Opportunities

The career of an actuary is regularly voted among the top three job choices based on intellectual stimulation, impact, and financial reward. Resources are available at https://actuaries.org.uk/qualify/become-an-actuary concerning opportunities for actuaries and the path toward becoming an actuary.

A Swansea graduate with exemption from several IFoA professional examinations has a distinct competitive advantage to begin an actuarial career in insurance, risk management, or investment and finance. You might start with a role in financial modelling and statistical interpretation then progress steadily toward becoming a technical leader and business manager.

What our students say about Mathematics

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Modules

You will study the following compulsory programme of modules in order to build a strong core of mathematics with ample actuarial and business content.

International/EU Students: Your Foundation Year will be taught by The College and your modules will be different to those below. You can find more information on the Undergraduate Pathways here.

Actuarial Science with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)