Applied Actuarial Science

Entry requirements

A first or 2.1 honours degree in Actuarial Science, or a degree that passed or gained exemptions from all or most of the Core Principles Stage subjects of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries' examinations. We may also accept applicants who have a good first degree in another subject and who have passed most of the Core Principles Stage subjects.

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

Months of entry

September

Course content

You’ve already built your actuarial foundations. Now it’s time to apply them and move closer to qualification, faster.

The MSc Applied Actuarial Science (M2) is a practice-focused, IFoA-accredited programme designed for students with prior actuarial study. You’ll develop advanced technical and professional skills, including modelling and communication - the skills that help actuaries thrive as problem-solvers and strategic thinkers in financial services.

You can tailor the course to your purpose by choosing two specialist options from key practice areas, from life insurance and investments to general insurance and enterprise risk management (with potential CERA eligibility for those following this specialism).

Alongside specialist learning, you’ll strengthen practical capability with tools and approaches used in industry, including Excel, R and PROPHET.

Choosing the right start point matters

We offer a variety of pathways to becoming an actuary. And we want to help you choose the right path:

• If you’re new to actuarial science but have a strong maths background start with MSc Actuarial Science (we call this the “M1” stage) for a confident career switch.
• If you have already studied actuarial science as a BSc, a Postgraduate Diploma or already completed the M1 (MSc in Actuarial Science) course, this MSc in Applied Actuarial Science is likely for you (we call this the “M2” stage).
• If you want to study both options and have the chance to complete 11 of the 13 principles required to qualify as an actuary, then you might choose the Integrated Master’s (M1 then M2). This is popular with international students for a single visa journey, with the option to opt out after Year 1 and still graduate with MSc Actuarial Science.

Not sure which is right for you? Email AskAnActuary@kent.ac.uk and we can advise.

Information for international students

Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Please note that international fee-paying students cannot undertake a part-time programme due to visa restrictions.

English language entry requirements

The University requires all non-native speakers of English to reach a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree. Certain subjects require a higher level.

For detailed information see our English language requirements web pages.

Need help with English?

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.

Fees and funding

For further information about funding, including scholarships, please visit our funding web pages.