BSc Actuarial Science

The BSc in Actuarial Science at LSE is a programme of study that provides an intriguing blend of statistics, mathematics, finance, and the social sciences. It's designed for students with a strong mathematics aptitude and an interest to learn from a social science perspective that embraces multifaceted interdisciplinary approaches and insights (eg, societal context and ethical dimensions).

Students will learn through an approach characterised by its academic rigour, mathematical focus, and applications to solve important problems and tackle complex challenges especially for insurance, finance, climate change, government, commerce industry, and academic research. It aims to provide students with the intellectual foundation to prepare them for further study, or for professional and managerial careers, particularly in the actuarial profession or in other areas requiring the application of quantitative skills (eg, risk analysis and management; business and investment analysis) to support informed decision-making. Finally, this is a broad-based degree programme within which students may choose to study a specialist area according to their developing interests and career plans.

Many students find and complete work experience in actuarial and financial firms with support from our department and LSE Careers. Typically, our graduates move on to high-earning careers in insurance (life and general), banking, finance, pension, consultancy, and statistics.

This programme is also available with a placement year – BSc Actuarial Science (with a Placement Year) – which can greatly enhance your career prospects and provide invaluable workplace experience. This sets you apart from other graduates in a competitive employment market.

• Accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations
• Students may obtain exemption from some professional examinations of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)’s CGMA® Professional Qualification through relevant pathway.

Learn more about this programme’s accreditation and exemptions

Watch The Joy of Stats,  a documentary that gives an insight into the exciting world of statistics.

For an introduction to mathematics as it's applied in economics and finance:

• M Anthony and N Biggs Mathematics for Economics and Finance (Cambridge University Press, 1996)

Much of university level mathematics and statistics is concerned with formal proofs and rigorous mathematical argument and this is necessary for some of the advanced mathematics required in finance, economics and other fields of application. For an introduction, we recommend:

• R Allenby Numbers and Proofs (Butterworth- Heinemann, 1997)
• P Eccles An Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning (Cambridge University Press, 1997)
• T Gowers Mathematics: a very short introduction (Oxford University Press, 2002)
• D Hand Statistics: a very short introduction (Oxford University Press, 2008)
• M Liebeck A Concise Introduction to Pure Mathematics (Chapman & Hall/CRC Mathematics, 2005)

Applicants are encouraged to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). The test is not mandatory, however a good performance on the test may make an application more competitive.

The Department of Statistics at LSE is one of the oldest and most distinguished in the UK.

The department has an international reputation for the development of statistical methodology and a long history of pioneering contributions to research and teaching. Many of the world’s most famous and innovative statisticians have been associated with LSE.

Our research spans four main areas – data science, probability in finance and insurance, social statistics and time series, and statistical learning. The department has close links with the Data Science Institute at LSE – an interdisciplinary institute that fosters the study of data science, with a particular emphasis on the social, economic and political contexts.

All aspects of our research were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), submitted jointly with the Department of Mathematics.

The department’s research strengths are reflected in our teaching curriculum. We have a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and doctoral research opportunities – hosted in a vibrant department with a supportive and friendly community of staff and students.

Our alumni enjoy successful careers in diverse areas, such as banking, accounting, finance, statistics, government and business consulting while others pursue postgraduate study or research. Our alumni frequently return to LSE to share their career experiences with current students.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of Statistics

We consider each application carefully, taking into account all the details you’ve included on your UCAS form, such as:

• academic achievement, including predicted and achieved grades (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• subjects and subject combinations (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• your personal statement
• your teacher’s reference
• educational circumstances

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although this is not needed at the application stage. See our English language requirements page.

We’re looking for students who demonstrate:

• outstanding mathematical abilities
• an interest in actuarial science
• involvement in related extra-curricular activities, such as mathematics competitions or Olympiads
• independent thinking
• intellectual curiosity and the ability to ask incisive questions
• creativity and flexibility in problem-solving
• self-motivation and a willingness to work hard
• great communication skills.

Formative coursework

All taught courses include formative coursework, which is not assessed. This helps prepare you for summative assessment. We use a wide range of formative assessment methods, such as essays, case studies, reports, quizzes and mock exams.

Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the learning experience. Class teachers mark formative coursework and feedback is normally given within two weeks – provided the work is submitted on time.

Summative assessment

This assessment counts towards your final course mark and degree award.

Summative assessment for most courses is by a three-hour examination in June. A small number of courses are assessed by project work. Your degree award will be based on assessment over all three years, with an emphasis on the second and third years.

You’ll receive feedback on any summative coursework as part of the assessment for individual courses (except for final submitted dissertations). Feedback will normally be provided before the examination period.

Assessment on individual courses can change from year to year. See details of the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course in the relevant course guide.

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods.

Graduates from the programme will be able to work on a range of financial services organisations from companies which operate in the life and general insurance sector through to accounting firms, specialist actuarial consultancies, investment banks , data analytics, statistics, civil service and graduate studies.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.