BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science Heriot Watt University

Program Description

Our BSc Actuarial Science degree programme is ideal if you love maths and are looking for a course that offers a rewarding career – both intellectually and financially. As 30% of teaching staff are qualified actuaries, on this programme you’ll gain up to date industry knowledge and skills applicable to the working world. There are also opportunities to undertake paid industry placements and spend an exchange year in Canada, Australia or on Heriot Watt’s own Malaysia campus. Actuarial work is seen as one of the most satisfying careers in the UK, owing to its intellectually stimulating nature, lucrative pay, schedule flexibility, and excellent job prospects. Actuaries enjoy applying their advanced quantitative skills to solve complex business problems involving risk analysis, in traditional areas of insurance and pensions and as well as exciting new opportunities such as health, technology, banking, finance and climate change. Our programmes are designed with flexibility in mind, so if you fancy a change of direction you can transfer to a range of other mathematical or statistical programmes during the first two years.The BSc Actuarial Science is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, computer labs and project work, allowing you to build strong relationships with academics and peers. You will be assessed through a variety of coursework in addition to end of semester exams receiving support and feedback along the way. You will benefit from industry-standard software like Python, R, and Excel in computer labs. The programme focuses on real-world applications so you will tackle practical problems and case studies. As a student, you'll have access to data-driven innovation hubs like the GRID, home of the HW Maths Gym. The GRID offers exceptional opportunities to engage with fellow students, academics and cutting-edge technologies. We also understand that you need to be ready for the business world and able to interview well. We develop these softer skills too, and develop your ethics, so you will become an excellent capable professional.

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