Program Overview
Skip navigation You are viewing our beta course page. Course summary Fees and funding Contact information Course summary If you aspire to become an actuary, our MSc in Actuarial Science and Management takes you through the required exams almost to the point of qualification with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) in the UK. Your journey spans two enriching years. In the first year, you'll immerse yourself in mathematical subjects, building a strong foundation. In the second year, you'll apply these mathematical principles to real-world situations.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Heriot-Watt University.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Business & Management.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 24 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Actuarial Science and Management programme at Heriot-Watt University develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional networks that leading employers in business & management value. Common career destinations include:
- General Manager / CEO: Oversee strategic planning and organisational performance.
- Operations Manager: Streamline processes and manage business operations efficiently.
- Management Consultant: Advise organisations on strategy, operations, and transformation.
- HR Director: Lead talent management, culture, and organisational development.
- Business Analyst: Analyse business problems and recommend data-driven solutions.
- Entrepreneur: Launch and scale innovative business ventures.
Graduates have secured roles at multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and high-growth startups. Many also progress to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
Program Curriculum
Course content
If you aspire to become an actuary, our MSc in Actuarial Science and Management takes you through the required exams almost to the point of qualification with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) in the UK.
Your journey spans two enriching years. In the first year, you'll immerse yourself in mathematical subjects, building a strong foundation. In the second year, you'll apply these mathematical principles to real-world situations. Moreover, during this stage, you'll have the opportunity to expand your horizons by choosing from a range of modules, including those related to machine learning.
As an aspiring actuary, your expertise will find application in various sectors, including:
- life insurance
- general insurance
- pensions
- Investment
- Banking
Your career prospects extend beyond these, encompassing roles in:
- Fund Management Companies
- Hedge Funds
- Consultancies
- Software Vendors
- Regulatory Authorities.
What makes this career truly enjoyable is the consistent use of your mathematical prowess to solve complex problems and make insightful predictions about the future. Your journey towards becoming a qualified actuary is not only intellectually stimulating but also professionally rewarding, offering you a world of opportunity upon graduating.
Tailored for success as an Actuary
Admission Requirements
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 and Management is challenging and it is necessary to be able to work hard and to have a strong drive to succeed
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 6.0.
If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements .
Months of entry
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 14890
Fees and funding
Choose a specific option to see funding information.
Sponsorship information Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence for 2025-26 Students with a strong academic record, or a strong record in passing Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) exams to date, will be awarded a 20% discount on their fees. The award is at the programme manager's discretion - and they will make their assessment based on your application. The award is made automatically on each application received. If you are successful, then you will see details of the award on your offer letter. Alumni Discount - 20% fee discount A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses for all Heriot-Watt alumni who have previously been registered for one year or more on a Heriot-Watt degree programme.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Choose a specific option to see funding information.
Sponsorship information Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence for 2025-26 Students with a strong academic record, or a strong record in passing Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) exams to date, will be awarded a 20% discount on their fees. The award is at the programme manager's discretion - and they will make their assessment based on your application. The award is made automatically on each application received. If you are successful, then you will see details of the award on your offer letter. Alumni Discount - 20% fee discount A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses for all Heriot-Watt alumni who have previously been registered for one year or more on a Heriot-Watt degree programme.
About Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University
City of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Heriot-Watt University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 24 months