Bachelor of Actuarial Studies (Accounting)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

This is a challenging and highly rewarding degree for those wanting to enter the financial services, insurance or superannuation industry in a quantitative role. It develops the technical and specialist skills needed to pursue the role of an actuarial analyst and is an Internationally recognised degree that is well-regarded by industry. This degree is for you if you re a high-achieving student looking for a foundation to enter the actuarial profession and you have a passion for mathematics, and like to analyse data to solve business and financial probl

The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies at the University of New South Wales is a highly quantitative degree designed for students who enjoy mathematics, statistics, economics, and data-driven problem-solving. Studying at the Kensington Campus, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, students learn how to assess financial risk, analyse uncertainty, and develop solutions for industries such as insurance, banking, superannuation, investment, and consulting.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students establish a strong foundation in business, mathematics, and economics while developing analytical thinking skills. Core subjects such as Business Decision Making, Microeconomics, and Financial Management introduce key business concepts, while Actuarial Models and Statistics begins building the quantitative skills required for actuarial practice.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on actuarial modelling, probability, and financial risk analysis. Through subjects such as Actuarial Theory and Practice A, Probability and Mathematical Statistics, and Financial Economics for Actuaries, students learn how to model uncertainty, evaluate financial outcomes, and analyse risk in complex business environments.

Year 3:
In the final year, students develop advanced actuarial expertise and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Subjects such as Actuarial Theory and Practice B, Life Contingencies, and General Insurance Techniques explore insurance, pensions, investment, and enterprise risk management while strengthening professional problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

Focus Areas:

Actuarial modelling, financial mathematics, probability and statistics, insurance analytics, investment analysis, risk management, financial economics, data analytics, life contingencies, superannuation and retirement systems.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced quantitative and analytical skills; apply actuarial techniques to assess and manage financial risk; analyse insurance and investment products; interpret complex data for decision-making; communicate technical findings effectively; utilise statistical and financial models to solve real-world business problems.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The program is accredited by the Actuaries Institute and provides a pathway toward professional qualification as an actuary. Students who achieve the required academic standards may gain exemptions from parts of the Actuaries Institute Foundation and Actuary Program requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

UNSW Business School is recognised globally for excellence in business education and graduate employability. The university consistently ranks among Australia's leading institutions and is regularly placed among the world's top universities in the QS World University Rankings, with strong employer recognition for quantitative and finance-related graduates.

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Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies at the University of New South Wales combines rigorous mathematical and statistical training with practical industry-focused learning. Students develop real-world actuarial skills by analysing financial and insurance risks, working with large datasets, applying predictive modelling techniques, and using professional analytical tools commonly employed across the actuarial, finance, and insurance sectors. Throughout the program, students engage with industry-relevant case studies and quantitative problem-solving activities that mirror the work of professional actuaries.

This strong practical focus is supported by specialised facilities, industry engagement opportunities, and advanced analytical resources:

Actuarial Control Cycle Projects: Students apply actuarial concepts to real-world business and financial problems through integrated projects that replicate professional actuarial practice and decision-making.
Industry-Based Case Studies: Courses incorporate insurance, superannuation, investment, banking, and risk management scenarios, allowing students to evaluate genuine business challenges using actuarial techniques.
Statistical & Data Analytics Software: Students gain experience with industry-relevant quantitative tools and programming environments used for statistical modelling, data analysis, forecasting, and risk assessment.
Programming & Computational Skills: The curriculum includes practical work involving data analytics, statistical computing, and quantitative modelling to support evidence-based decision-making.
Collaborative Group Projects: Many actuarial and quantitative subjects require students to work in teams to analyse datasets, develop financial models, and present recommendations to simulated stakeholders.
Industry Engagement Activities: UNSW Business School regularly hosts employer presentations, networking events, actuarial industry panels, and professional seminars featuring representatives from insurance, consulting, banking, and financial services organisations.
Professional Development Opportunities: Students can engage with actuarial career events, competitions, employer-sponsored activities, and networking opportunities through connections with the actuarial profession.
Business School Learning Facilities: Students have access to technology-enabled learning spaces, computer laboratories, collaborative study areas, and quantitative learning environments within the UNSW Business School.
UNSW Library Services: Provides extensive access to actuarial science, finance, mathematics, economics, and business databases, research journals, statistical resources, and digital learning materials.
Research Environment: Students benefit from exposure to internationally recognised research in actuarial studies, risk management, quantitative finance, and analytics conducted within UNSW Business School research centres and institutes.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies at the University of New South Wales develop highly specialised skills in risk assessment, financial modelling, statistics, data analytics, and actuarial decision-making. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in insurance, superannuation, banking, consulting, investment management, and emerging data-driven industries where quantitative expertise is highly valued.

Typical roles include: Actuarial Analyst, Risk Analyst, Data Analyst, Investment Analyst.

Career Development Support: UNSW Employability and Career Discovery: Provides career coaching, resume and interview workshops, employer networking events, mentoring programs, internship support, and direct access to graduate recruitment opportunities with leading actuarial, consulting, banking, and insurance employers.
Employment Outcomes & Salary Insight: Actuarial studies graduates are among the highest-paid business graduates in Australia. Graduates typically achieve a median starting salary of approximately AUD 80,000–90,000 per year, with strong long-term earning potential as they progress toward professional actuarial qualifications.
Industry Partnerships: UNSW Business School Industry Connections: Students engage with leading employers across insurance, banking, consulting, superannuation, and financial services through internships, industry projects, employer presentations, networking events, and case competitions.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value: Professional Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Actuaries Institute and provides exemptions from a number of Foundation and Actuary Program subjects, helping students accelerate their pathway toward becoming a qualified actuary.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in predictive modelling, risk management, financial mathematics, statistical analysis, and business problem-solving, enabling them to support critical decision-making in complex financial and commercial environments.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into the Master of Actuarial Studies, Master of Commerce, Master of Finance, Master of Data Science and Decisions, Master of Business Analytics, or research-focused honours and doctoral programs. They may also continue progressing through the professional qualification pathway offered by the Actuaries Institute to achieve Associate and Fellowship status, enhancing career opportunities and professional recognition globally.