Actuary - requirements

As an actuary, you’ll use your business and mathematics skills to provide clients with financial forecasts and investment opportunities. Learn more about a career as an actuary, find out what it involves and what you’ll need to study and do to get a role.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

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What qualifications do you need to be an actuary?

You’ll usually need a mathematical based degree to be eligible for a professional role. Subjects to consider include:

You might choose to study for a dual degree, like actuarial science with management or law.

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be an actuary?

Some employers will ask that you have a postgraduate qualification and may offer sponsorship for these courses.

Examples of taught MScs and research degrees at postgraduate level include:

  • Accounting and finance
  • Actuarial management
  • Actuarial science and data analysis
  • Applied actuarial science

What skills do you need to be an actuary?

As well as expert knowledge of actuarial science, you’ll need to show your suitability for the working environment.

Hard skills usually include:
  • Advanced mathematical and statistical knowledge
  • Ability to analyse data using specialist computer software
  • Excellent communication, especially when explaining complex financial topics to non-specialists
Soft skills include:
  • Attention to detail and concentration
  • Decision making and problem solving
  • Determination and persistence
  • Independent working
  • Logic and reasoning
  • Research and IT literacy

Do you need work experience to be an actuary?

Work experience isn’t always necessary for a graduate role, but it will make your job application more appealing to employers.

Many university courses include industry placements or internships, or you could contact a relevant company to ask for some experience or to spend time shadowing an employee.

Other options include volunteering using your mathematical skills to support a charity or community organisation.

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