BSc Mathematics and Actuarial Science

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Leicester

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Actuarial Science at the University of Leicester is a three-year undergraduate degree that blends rigorous mathematical theory with practical actuarial training, giving you the quantitative skills employers value in finance, insurance, data analytics, and risk management. It’s perfect for students who enjoy problem-solving, logical reasoning, and want a clear route into actuarial or analytical careers with industry-relevant expertise.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year you’ll build a strong foundation in core mathematics including calculus, linear algebra, probability & statistics, and introductory actuarial concepts that lay the groundwork for understanding financial risk. You’ll also explore modules that introduce business and economics contexts, helping you see how mathematical skills apply in real-world actuarial and financial situations.

Year 2
During the second year you’ll deepen your understanding with topics such as statistical modelling, further probability, actuarial mathematics principles, and data analysis techniques. Optional modules let you begin shaping your degree toward your interests — for example in advanced statistics, financial mathematics, or computational methods — while strengthening the core quantitative toolkit you’ll use throughout the course.

Year 3
In your final year you’ll focus on advanced actuarial and mathematical topics, including risk theory and life contingencies, survival models, financial mathematics, and project work that integrates your learning. A substantial dissertation or capstone project gives you the chance to apply your analytical skills independently on a topic that reflects your career goals.

Focus areas:
Pure and applied mathematics, statistical analysis, actuarial modelling, financial mathematics, data science fundamentals.

Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate with solid analytical reasoning, rigorous problem-solving ability, proficiency in mathematical and statistical techniques, and the capacity to model risk and uncertainty — all essential for actuarial paths and quantitative careers.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This degree aligns with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) curriculum framework, preparing you for professional actuarial examinations and offering a strong grounding toward future exemptions.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Leicester’s Mathematics and Actuarial Science programmes are well-regarded for academic quality and employability, helping graduates move into roles in finance, actuarial science, risk analysis, and analytics with strong industry support and career outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Choosing the BSc Mathematics and Actuarial Science at the University of Leicester means building a strong mathematical foundation while developing the specialist, career-focused skills needed for actuarial and risk-based professions. From the start of the course, learning is designed to be practical and applied — combining mathematical theory with real actuarial contexts such as insurance, pensions, investment and financial risk. You’ll gain hands-on experience through problem-based learning, computer sessions and applied coursework, helping you understand not just how mathematics works, but how it is used in professional actuarial practice. As you progress, this practical focus grows, preparing you confidently for industry expectations and further professional training.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into the degree, and what you’ll actively work with throughout your studies:

Practical Skills & Digital Tools:

Computer-based classes and problem sessions where you apply mathematical and statistical techniques to actuarial and financial scenarios.
Training in statistical analysis, probability, financial mathematics and risk modelling, building the core technical skills expected in actuarial roles.
Development of computational and ICT skills, supporting data handling, numerical analysis and professional reporting.

Applied Learning & Group Work:

Regular problem-solving classes where you work through real-style actuarial questions and case-based exercises.
Opportunities for collaborative learning in tutorials and workshops, helping you practise explaining complex quantitative ideas clearly and effectively.

Projects & Independent Study:

Applied coursework and project-based assessments that encourage you to use mathematics in real actuarial contexts, strengthening your analytical judgement.
In later years, opportunities for more independent study that prepare you for professional exams or postgraduate study in actuarial science.

Professional Orientation & Career Preparation:

A curriculum aligned with actuarial career pathways, helping you build knowledge relevant to insurance, pensions, finance and risk management.
Opportunities to work toward exemptions from Institute and Faculty of Actuaries professional exams, giving you a head start toward professional qualification.
Access to careers and employability support, including guidance on internships, placements, CV writing and interview preparation for actuarial and analytical roles.

Supportive Academic Environment:

Teaching delivered by academics with expertise in mathematics, statistics and actuarial-related disciplines, ensuring your learning is both rigorous and relevant.
A supportive department environment with small-group teaching, allowing you to ask questions, test ideas and build confidence as a quantitative thinker.

This degree is ideal if you enjoy mathematics and want to apply it to real financial and risk-based problems. The BSc Mathematics and Actuarial Science at Leicester gives you the academic strength, practical experience and professional awareness needed to move confidently into actuarial careers, related quantitative roles, or further specialist study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates develop a strong foundation in mathematics, probability, statistics, and actuarial techniques, preparing them for analytically driven careers in financial services and beyond: typical roles include Actuarial Analyst, Risk Analyst, Data Analyst, and Financial Analyst.

Career Support & Employment Opportunities:

Leicester Careers & Employability Service: Provides one-to-one career guidance, CV and interview support, actuarial-focused careers workshops, and access to employer presentations and networking events.
Employment Outcomes & Salaries: Mathematics and actuarial graduates from Leicester progress into professional roles across insurance, pensions, and finance, with competitive graduate salaries typically in the £28,000–£35,000 range, depending on employer and sector.
University–Industry Partnerships: The course benefits from strong links with major actuarial and financial employers such as Aviva, Willis Towers Watson, PwC, Deloitte, and EY, supporting internships, employer talks, and real-world insight into the profession.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value: The degree is accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), allowing students to gain exemptions from selected professional actuarial exams, a major advantage for long-term career progression.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni commonly move into insurance, pensions, consultancy, banking, and risk management, with many continuing to professional actuarial training immediately after graduation.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can progress to the MMath Mathematics and Actuarial Science at Leicester or pursue Master’s degrees in Actuarial Science, Financial Mathematics, Risk Management, or Data Analytics. The degree also provides a strong foundation for PhD study in mathematics or actuarial science, supporting careers in research, academia, or high-level quantitative roles.