Actuarial Mathematics BSc

Year of entry

2024 course information

Open Days 2023 - Saturday 14 October

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UCAS code
NG31
Start date
September 2023
Delivery type
On campus
Duration
3 years full time
Work placement
Optional
Study abroad
Optional
Typical A-level offer
AAA/A*AB (specific subject requirements)
Typical Access to Leeds offer
ABB
Full entry requirements
Accredited
Yes

Course overview

Mathematics with Finance

Actuaries are strategic thinkers who use their mathematical skills to analyse the financial consequences of risk. By applying mathematical, statistical, financial and economic theory to real business problems, they measure probability and calculate the financial impact of undesirable events.

The next generation of actuaries are in demand across both the private and public sectors. In addition to the traditional insurance and pensions industry, actuarial roles are now found in other areas where uncertainty needs to be closely managed – such as banking, investment management, consultancy, manufacturing and transport. The career options available across these sectors are both varied and financially rewarding.

Studying Actuarial Mathematics at Leeds will enable you to develop a range of core mathematical and actuarial science skills. You’ll enhance your analytical and problem-solving abilities and learn advanced skills in statistical analysis, numerical techniques and computer applications. These, along with your logical thinking and problem-solving capabilities, will mean you will not only be intellectually stimulated, you will also be desirable to potential employers and well-equipped to begin your career.

Here at Leeds, we understand the importance mathematics has in everyday life, which is why we have one of the largest mathematics research departments in the UK and our courses are shaped by the latest thinking. This will equip you with the relevant knowledge, skills and experience you need to begin your career in this highly valued specialism.

Why study at Leeds:

  • Our courses are shaped by our leading research in areas such as probability and financial mathematics, modern applied statistics, and analysis. The programme also covers much of the first level exams for the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, enabling you to take steps towards qualifying as an actuary.
  • Put theory into practice with access to modern facilities and computing equipment, complemented by social areas, communal problem-solving spaces and quiet study rooms.
  • Develop your experience and boost your career prospects with our paid industrial placement opportunities or study abroad programmes.
  • Benefit from our close links with organisations like Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics.
  • Benefit from our partnership with the Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence.
  • Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our student society MathSoc where you can meet more of your peers, enjoy social events and join the MathSoc football or netball team.

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Accreditation

Royal Statistical Society

Certain options can receive Royal Statistical Society accreditation and others can receive exemptions from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

Course details

This course will give you in-depth knowledge of the mathematical and statistical tools used by actuarial professionals. These include financial account and reporting, stochastic processes, microeconomics, statistics of insurance, and survival and risk theory.

You’ll gain an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of actuarial science and develop a high level of analytical and problem-solving skills in statistical analysis, numerical techniques and computer applications.

Year 1

In the first year, you’ll study key topics in mathematics, finance, economics and accounting, including probability, statistics, and the mathematics of financial and insurance markets. You’ll gain a solid foundation in actuarial mathematics.

Our Actuarial Mathematics BSc and Financial Mathematics BSc degrees share a common first year, allowing you to move from one programme to the other until the end of your first year. Find out more about our flexible degrees.

Year 2

In the second year, you’ll study core modules in financial mathematics, statistical methods, and business finance. At this stage, you’ll be also able to choose some optional modules.

Year 3

In the final year of the course, you’ll have further core modules in actuarial mathematics, financial modelling and statistics. You’ll also be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules in mathematics, statistics, finance, and economics, allowing you to explore the topics in actuarial mathematics that really interest you.

You’ll also undertake a research project, which gives you the opportunity to follow your interests and investigate a topic at the cutting edge of mathematics. You’ll work collaboratively with your supervisors throughout the project, who’ll be experts in your particular research area.

One-year optional work placement or study abroad

To advance your skill set and boost your experience, you can apply to take up an industrial placement or study abroad at one of the many universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Actuarial Mathematics BSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Module Name Credits
Introductory Financial Accounting 10
Introductory Management Accounting 10
Economics for Management 20
Calculus and Mathematical Analysis 10
Numbers and Vectors 10
Linear Algebra with Applications 15
Modelling with Differential Equations 10
Interest Rates and Cashflow Modelling 15
Probability and Statistics I 10
Probability and Statistics II 10

Year 2 compulsory modules

Module Name Credits
Intermediate Microeconomics 10
Financial Accounting and Reporting 20
Intermediate Macroeconomics 10
Financial Mathematics: Risk 10
Financial Mathematics: Markets 10
Statistical Methods 10
Introduction to Markov Processes 10
Survival Analysis 10

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Module Name Credits
Real Analysis 15
Further Linear Algebra 10
Discrete Mathematics 10
Discrete Mathematics with Computation 15
Vector Calculus 15
Linear Differential Equations and Transforms 15
Nonlinear Differential Equations 10
Numerical Analysis 10
Numerical Analysis with Computation 15
Introduction to Optimisation 10
Environmental Statistics 10
Maths at Work 10
Computational Mathematics 10

Year 3 compulsory modules

Module Name Credits
Project in Mathematics 20
Actuarial Mathematics 1 15
Actuarial Mathematics 2 15
Stochastic Calculus for Finance 15
Time Series 10
Generalised Linear Models 10

Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Module Name Credits
Banks and Banking Systems 10
Intermediate Management Accounting 20
Advanced Microeconomics 10
Transnational Corporations in the World Economy 10
Economic Development 20
Economics of Famines 20
Environmental Economics 10
Public Enterprise and Regulation 10
Advanced Macroeconomics 10
Principles of Auditing 10
Auditing and Assurance Services 20
Contemporary Issues in Accounting 10
Principles of Taxation 20
The Economics of Unions 10
Corporate Governance 10
Economics of Business and Corporate Strategy 20
Real Analysis 15
Further Linear Algebra 10
Discrete Mathematics 10
Discrete Mathematics with Computation 15
Vector Calculus 15
Linear Differential Equations and Transforms 15
Nonlinear Differential Equations 10
Numerical Analysis 10
Numerical Analysis with Computation 15
Introduction to Optimisation 10
Statistical Modelling 10
Environmental Statistics 10
Maths at Work 10
Computational Mathematics 10
Analytic Solutions of Partial Differential Equations 15
Modern Numerical Methods 15
Linear Regression and Robustness 15
Statistical Theory 15
Multivariate Analysis 10
Bayesian Statistics 10

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught through lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical classes. You’ll enjoy extensive tutorial support and have freedom in your workload and options.

We offer a variety of welcoming spaces to study and socialise with your fellow students. There’s a café, social and group study areas, a library and a seminar room, as well as a Research Visitors Centre and a Mathematics Active Learning Lab.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’re assessed through a range of methods, including formal exams and in-course assessment.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA/A*AB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics

AAA/A*AB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics, AAB/A*BB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics plus Further Mathematics, or AAB/A*BB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics, plus A in AS Further Mathematics.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

GCSE: You must also have GCSE English at grade C (4) or above (or equivalent). We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Other course specific tests:

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), International Project Qualification (IPQ) and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (ASCC): We recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, and where an applicant offers the EPQ, IPQ or ASCC we may make an offer of AAB/A*BB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics, plus A in EPQ/IPQ/Welsh Bacc ASCC.

Alternative qualification

Access to HE Diploma

Normally only accepted in combination with grade A in A Level Mathematics or equivalent.

BTEC

BTEC qualifications in relevant disciplines are considered in combination with other qualifications, including grade A in A-level mathematics, or equivalent

Cambridge Pre-U

D3 D3 M2 or D2 M1 M1 where the first grade quoted is in Mathematics OR D3 M1 M2 or D2 M2 M2 including Further Maths where the first grade quoted is Mathematics.

International Baccalaureate

35 points overall with 17 at Higher Level including 6 in Higher Level Mathematics (Mathematics: Analytics and Approaches is preferred).

Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics.

Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

Suitable combinations of Scottish Higher and Advanced Highers are acceptable, though mathematics must be presented at Advanced Higher level. Typically AAAABB Including grade A in Advanced Higher Mathematics.

Other Qualifications

We also welcome applications from students on the Northern Consortium UK International Foundation Year programme, the University of Leeds International Foundation Year, and other foundation years with a high mathematical content.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: ABB including A in Mathematics and pass Access to Leeds OR A in Mathematics, B in Further Mathematics and C in a 3rd subject and pass Access to Leeds.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with a Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any one component, or IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any one component, depending on other qualifications present. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.


Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £24,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

This course is taught by

School of Mathematics
Leeds University Business School

Contact us

School of Mathematics Undergraduate Admissions

Email: maths.admiss@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

Mathematical skills are highly valued in virtually all walks of life, which means that the employment opportunities for mathematics graduates are far-reaching, with the potential to take you all over the world.

University of Leeds students are among the top five most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2022, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after.

Qualifying with a degree in Actuarial Mathematics from Leeds will set you up with the core foundations needed to pursue an exciting career. Traditionally, actuaries have been employed in the insurance and pensions industry, but there is increasing demand for their analytical skills in other areas of the private and public sector including:

  • Banking and finance
  • Asset management and investment
  • Consultancy
  • Manufacturing
  • Transport
  • Energy

The numerical, analytical and problem solving skills you will develop, as well as your specialist subject knowledge and your ability to think logically, are highly valued by employers. This course also allows you to develop the transferable skills that employers seek.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our most recent graduates have obtained:

  • Actuarial Analyst, Aon Hewitt
  • Actuarial Consultant, Barnett Waddingham
  • Corporate Tax Associate, Deloitte LLP
  • Business Analyst, Energy Alloys
  • Consultant, EY (Leeds)
  • Actuary, First Actuarial
  • Actuarial Analyst, Lockton Re
  • Actuarial Trainee, Mercer
  • Pricing Analyst, NFU Mutual
  • Junior Analyst, Osool Asset Management
  • Master Data Analyst, PPG Coatings
  • Actuarial Analyst, ReAssure
  • Trainee Management Account, Shackletons Ltd
  • Actuarial Analyst, The Co Operative Group
  • Investment Analyst, Towers Watson

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You will be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

The graduate recruitment market is highly competitive so it’s important that you stand out. An industrial placement could be the opportunity you need to impress potential employers and improve your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of a work placement year:

  • 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
  • All placements are salaried
  • Build industry contacts within your chosen field
  • Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
  • Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
  • Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
  • Improve your employability

If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:

  • Actuarial Consultant for Pensions, Aon Plc
  • Industrial Placement Student, Deloitte LLP
  • Corporate Assistant, Moore & Smalley
  • Risk Analyst Intern, Lloyds Banking Group
  • M&A Executive, Mazars LLP

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

Student profile: Leon Abonye

It has been really fascinating to see how simple maths or algebra and statistics I learnt in high school and even now at University can be applicable in real life.
Find out more about Leon Abonye's time at Leeds