Actuarial Science

The MSc Actuarial Science is designed for students from quantitative disciplines who wish to train as an actuary upon completion of the programme. The MSc can help fast track your career as an actuary by supporting you through the initial examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), UK and is fully accredited by the IFoA, UK. The programme provides a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, economics and finance for future actuarial studies. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation in a topical area of actuarial science under the supervision of a member of the UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics. The programme is suitable for students with no prior exemptions and for students who wish to add to any exemptions they already have.



- Designed specifically for those seeking to enter the actuarial profession.

- Fully accredited by the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries (UK)

- Students who perform well in the programme may obtain block exemptions from the Core Examinations of the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries (UK).

- Paid research placements for some students with actuarial companies (subject to successful selection process)

- MSc Actuarial Science won the Science Postgraduate Course of the Year at the gradIreland Higher Education Awards in 2016.



What will I Learn?

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the key skills required by a trainee actuary, including data collection methods, statistical method development, analysis of statistical output.

2. Model real-world problems using the appropriate framework and on that basis, make forecasts and analyse risk

3. Demonstrate strong proficiency in appropriate computational methods

4. Use the language of logic to reason correctly and make deductions

5. Approach problems in an analytical, precise and rigorous way

6. Give oral presentations of technical material at a level appropriate for the audience

7. Prepare written reports on technical subjects in statistics, actuarial science, and finance in clear and precise language



Student Internships

There will be opportunities for some students to complete their thesis as a paid research placement* with an actuarial company. The internships listed are examples of past placements and are a guide only: Allianz, AIG, Canada Life, Central Bank of Ireland, Irish Life, Mercer, New Ireland Assurance, Liberty Mutual and Greenval Insurance.



*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed

Modules:

Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director.



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:

MATH20130 Fundamentals of Actuarial and Financial Mathematics I Autumn 5

STAT20190 Professional ethics Autumn 5

STAT40060 Actuarial Mathematics 1 Autumn 5

STAT40250 Survival Models Autumn 5

STAT40680 Stochastic Models Autumn 5

STAT40920 Financial & Actuarial Maths I Autumn 5

STAT41000 Core Actuarial Principles 1 Autumn 5

STAT41050 Statistical Modelling for Act Autumn 5

STAT41060 Probability and Statistics Autumn 5

MATH20210 Fundamentals of Actuarial and Financial Mathematics II Spring 5

STAT20180 Introduction to Bayesian Analysis Spring 5

STAT30270 Statistical Machine Learning Spring 5

STAT40070 Actuarial Statistics II Spring 5

STAT40100 Actuarial Mathematics 2 Spring 5

STAT40600 Actuarial Reporting I Spring 5

STAT40610 Actuarial Reporting II Spring 5

STAT40930 Financial & Actuarial Maths II Spring 5

STAT40980 Core Actuarial Principles 3 Spring 5

STAT40990 Core Actuarial Principles 2 Spring 5

STAT40630 Actuarial Dissertation I Summer 20

STAT40650 Actuarial Dissertation II Summer 15

STAT40870 Actuarial Dissertation III Summer 30

STAT40940 Actuarial Dissertation IV Summer 25

- This programme is intended for applicants with degree in a quantitative area such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering or economics and/or finance. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. Degrees in Commerce or Accounting do not generally carry sufficient mathematics and statistics content to make students eligible for the MSc in Actuarial Science.



- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

School of Mathematics and Statistics Application Process FAQ



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

90

1 year full-time. Delivery: On Campus.

MSc Actuarial Science (F034) Full Time

EU - fee per year: €12,955

Non EU - fee per year: €22,505


***Fees are subject to change.

Next Intake: September 2025.

Careers & Employability

As a graduate you can look forward to a career ranging from the traditional areas of insurance and pension consultancy to the rapidly expanding areas of investment and risk management. Throughout your actuarial career you can rely on the support and guidance of the actuarial profession, and upon qualification you can expect a rewarding career that will continue to offer opportunities for further development.