StudyLink logoHome
Students on a university campus

Actuarial Science degrees in the UK

Highlighted course

Actuarial Science BSc (Hons)

University of Kent United Kingdom

Find out more

Actuarial Science BSc (Hons)

Swansea University United Kingdom

Find out more

Actuarial Science BSc

University of York United Kingdom

Find out more

Actuarial Science (with a Placement Year) BSc (Hons)

London School of Economics and Political Science United Kingdom

Find out more See all matching courses

Mathematics with Actuarial Science with Professional Placement BSc (Hons)

Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL) United Kingdom

Find out more See all matching courses

Actuarial Science and Risk Management BSc

Queen's University Belfast United Kingdom

Find out more

Mathematics and Actuarial Science BSc (Hons)

University of Leicester United Kingdom

Find out more

BSc Actuarial Science BSc

University of Essex United Kingdom

Find out more See all matching courses

Actuarial Science BSc (Hons)

City, University of London United Kingdom

Find out more See all matching courses
All Bachelors Degrees in Actuarial Science

Looking for graduate level options? See Masters degrees in Actuarial Science in the UK

Study a Actuarial Science degree in the UK in 2025

Actuarial science is responsible for the application of mathematical skills to the social sciences to solve problems for insurance, commerce and government, among others. You will be expected to apply mathematical formulas, as well as assessing risks for insurance plans.

An undergraduate degree in actuarial science will provide you with a foundation level of knowledge in the areas of finance and probabilities, before exploring the more complex ideas and concepts. You will study modules on economics, statistics and stochastic processes, as well as many other topics.

Your degree will be delivered mainly through lectures and seminars. You may be required to participate in a placement module, but this is not guaranteed.

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your degree. This specialisation can influence your career choices once you have graduated. Common specialisations include:

  • Actuarial Mathematics
  • Probability, Distribution Theory and Inference
  • Survival Models
  • Social Psychology
  • Abstract Mathematics
  • Accounting, Financial Institutions and Financial Management

If your degree requires you to write a dissertation, this will give you the opportunity to further research a favoured area of actuarial science.

The accreditation of your degree will depend on where you choose to study. Different countries can have their own accreditation systems. Generally, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Science (BSc).

It is possible that your degree will be accredited by a professional body of actuarial science, depending on where you study. For example, in the UK, some degree courses are accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

Typically, an undergraduate degree in actuarial science will take three to four years. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates can last up to two years when studied full-time.

Once you have successfully completed your degree, you can choose to either seek employment in your chosen area, or further your studies. Continuation of your studies could be in the form of a postgraduate degree, such as a masters or PhD, or a graduate diploma or certificate.

The most common destination of graduates is to work as an actuary. The work of an actuary is very specialized, and can only be done by certified actuaries, meaning you will have to gain extra accreditation before entering the workplace.

An undergraduate degree in actuarial science will provide you with a foundation level of knowledge in the areas of finance and probabilities, before exploring the more complex ideas and concepts. You will study modules on economics, statistics and stochastic processes, as well as many other topics.

Your degree will be delivered mainly through lectures and seminars. You may be required to participate in a placement module, but this is not guaranteed.

Study in the UK

The UK is a popular destination for international students who want to study abroad. With a wide range of universities offering a variety of courses, there are so many opportunities that students might not be able to find elsewhere. Each university will pride itself on offering high quality education from leading teaching professionals. A qualification gained in the UK will be well regarded across the globe, making an education in the UK a great investment in your future. As well as this, there are many highly ranked universities in the UK, around 17 of which are consistently appearing in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings.

See our detailed guide to studying in the UK for international students.

Sign up to StudyLink.com

Sign up to StudyLink.com, the home of quality study abroad advice.

Sign up now
Students with books and test tubes

International study advice

Read our selection of advice articles for those looking to start on their study abroad adventure. Covering topics from study visas, applications, funding and choosing the right course and institution:

World map on a blackboard
Deciding to study abroad: The first steps

Read StudyLink's suggestions on your first steps when deciding where to study abroad, with helpful tips to make your decision easier.

A camera, a visa and a world map
International Study Visas

Find out more about international student visas for studying abroad, as well as how, where and when to apply for yours.

Person holding a compass
How to choose the ideal study destination for you

In this article we look at how to approach choosing where in the world you would like to study.

Students reading a book
English Language Testing for International Students

Find out more about English language tests, your options and what is required as an overseas student.

More Advice and Guidance for Studying Abroad