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
This course is available through the following application route(s)
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.
About This Course
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.
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
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
Trimester | Credits | |||
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Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
MATH20130 | Fundamentals of Actuarial and Financial Mathematics I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT20190 | Professional ethics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40060 | Actuarial Mathematics 1 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40250 | Survival Models | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40680 | Stochastic Models | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40920 | Financial & Actuarial Maths I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT41000 | Core Actuarial Principles 1 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT41050 | Statistical Modelling for Act | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT41060 | Probability and Statistics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
MATH20210 | Fundamentals of Actuarial and Financial Mathematics II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT20180 | Introduction to Bayesian Analysis | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT30270 | Statistical Machine Learning | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40070 | Actuarial Statistics II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40100 | Actuarial Mathematics 2 | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40600 | Actuarial Reporting I | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40610 | Actuarial Reporting II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40930 | Financial & Actuarial Maths II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40980 | Core Actuarial Principles 3 | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40990 | Core Actuarial Principles 2 | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40630 | Actuarial Dissertation I | Summer | 20 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40650 | Actuarial Dissertation II | Summer | 15 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40870 | Actuarial Dissertation III | Summer | 30 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students select 90 credits including 1 of the dissertation modules. NB. Modules to be selected in consultation with Programme Director. |
STAT40940 | Actuarial Dissertation IV | Summer | 25 |
The MSc Actuarial Science offers potential exemptions from the Core subjects of the examinations of the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries (UK). If you have prior actuarial exemptions you may choose to study all or part of the syllabus for examination Core Practice 1 (CA1) of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (UK).* The programme is therefore suitable for students with no prior exemptions and for students who wish to add to any exemptions they already have.
*No exemptions are offered from the examinations of the Institute and Faulty of Actuaries in respect of CA1.
Jiawen Li
I ultimately chose to pursue the MSc in Actuarial Science because the program filled in the gaps in my prior work experience and provided me with a valuable skill set for my future career. The course structure is well designed, ensuring that I am challenged every day, and pushing me to work harder to achieve my goals. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have come my way through my studies, and I would highly recommend UCD to anyone considering pursuing higher education.
EU fee per year - € 14860
nonEU fee per year - € 25590
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please visit International Scholarships.
- 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
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
The MSc Actuarial Science (MSc Act. Sci.) is designed for students from quantitative disciplines who ultimately 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 (UK).
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Actuarial Science:
ROWCLASS | Apply to |
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showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | F034 Actuarial Science Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught |