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Course options

  • Qualification

    MSc - Master of Science

  • Location

    Edinburgh campus

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    14-SEP-26

  • Duration

    1 Year

Course summary

Our MSc Actuarial Science provides you with a fast track into the profession by providing up to six exemptions from the exams you must pass to become a fully qualified actuary.

As an actuary, you are an expert in risk management. Most actuaries work in areas like life insurance, pensions, investments, banking and more. With your data science skills, you are in high demand across the world.

Salaries are typically high and the work-life balance excellent. A newly qualified actuary in the UK usually earns between £50,000 and £60,000 each year, with salaries increasing significantly post-certification.

Our MSc takes you through the first six actuarial exams with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) in the UK, accelerating your journey to becoming an actuarial professional. These examinations enhance your expertise in statistical and financial modelling.

Tailored for success as an Actuary

This programme has been uniquely designed to offer a blend of technical mastery, business acumen, and communication skills essential for a successful actuarial career.

Developed in collaboration with industry leaders, it ensures the acquisition of sought-after skills, setting you apart in interviews and excelling in real-world tasks.

Gain a competitive edge with an intensified focus on software tools like Excel and R, and experience enriched learning through value-added components, emphasizing teamwork and communication.

Self-Taught Courses On Enrolment

On enrolment, you will gain access to the following self-taught courses that you can use (if you wish):

    • Introduction To R Programming
    • Introduction To Python Programming (For R Users)
    • Report Writing

In addition, enrolment at Heriot-Watt University gives you free access to LinkedIn Learning which contains thousands of online courses covering a wide range of subject areas.

This course is also offered Part time.

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 24,176per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University

  • University League Table

    25th

  • Campus address

    Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City Of, EH14 4AS, Scotland

One of Scotland's most international universities. With five global campuses, you will join over 24,000 students and 166,000 alumni in 190 countries.
Global companies actively seek out Heriot-Watt graduates due to the industry-informed programmes that equip you with the right skills to succeed.
Opportunities to transfer seamlessly between campuses in Dubai, Malaysia and Scotland through the university’s ‘Go Global’ scheme.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    27th out of 102 5

  • Entry standards

    / Max 233
    180 77%

    7th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    75.0 75%

    29th

    6
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.07 77%

    70th

    16

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