MSc Actuarial Science
Heriot-Watt University
Student rating
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

Edinburgh campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-26

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Duration

1 Year

Course info

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Edinburgh campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

1 Year

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Edinburgh campus

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

2 Years

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Accounting & Finance
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Course info

Our MSc Actuarial Science provides you with a fast track into the profession by providing up to six exemptions from the exams you must pass to become a fully qualified actuary. As an actuary, you are an expert in risk management. Most actuaries work in areas like life insurance, pensions, investments, banking and more. With your data science skills, you are in high demand across the world. Salaries are typically high and the work-life balance excellent. A newly qualified actuary in the UK ...Read more

Our MSc Actuarial Science provides you with a fast track into the profession by providing up to six exemptions from the exams you must pass to become a fully qualified actuary. As an actuary, you are an expert in risk management. Most actuaries work in areas like life insurance, pensions, investments, banking and more. With your data science skills, you are in high demand across the world. Salaries are typically high and the work-life balance excellent. A newly qualified actuary in the UK usually earns between £50,000 and £60,000 each year, with salaries increasing significantly post-certification. Our MSc takes you through the first six actuarial exams with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) in the UK, accelerating your journey to becoming an actuarial professional. These examinations enhance your expertise in statistical and financial modelling. Our Actuarial Transformation: Introducing an innovative curriculum for 2024. We are thrilled to announce an exciting curriculum update set to launch in the academic year 2024-25 for our MSc Actuarial Science program at Heriot-Watt University. This comprehensive overhaul offers you a well-rounded approach to actuarial education, going well beyond academic theory to equip you with the practical skills and business awareness sought after by employers, allowing you to hit the ground running on day one of your actuarial career.

Key stats

  IDP Connect
WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2025 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
33/279
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
27th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
25th
What students say
M
Mahi
21 Oct 25

There are a range of different places in which you can study efficiently. Lecturers are approachable and helpful so asking for help is..Read more

YY
Yee Yao
20 Oct 25

The weather is nice...Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree or non-UK equivalent with substantial mathematics, statistics, actuarial mathematics or financial mathematics. The MSc Actuarial Science is challenging and it is necessary to be able to work hard and to have a strong drive to succeed. If you already have passes or exemptions from most or all of the early actuarial Institute and Faculty of Actuaries subjects then our MSc in Actuarial Management may be suitable for you.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£12,744 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£24,952 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£24,952 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Actuarial Science reviews

Actuarial Science
Actuarial Science
M
Mahi
21 Oct 25
Actuarial Science
There are a range of different places in which you can study efficiently. Lecturers are approachable and helpful so asking for help is...
Read more
YY
Yee Yao
20 Oct 25
Actuarial Science
The weather is nice....
Read more
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How Actuarial Science students rated:

Student rating
( 4.4) 76 reviews
5 star
54%
4 stars
40%
3 stars
3%
2 stars
3%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 1,560 reviews
5 star
40%
4 stars
48%
3 stars
10%
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2%
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Uni info

Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University , Edinburgh

Heriot-Watt University has a 200-year history, and over that time has cultivated an outstanding reputation for its quality of teaching...

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
25th
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh Edinburgh EH14 4AS United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Curriehill  0.4 miles away
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