Our BSc Actuarial Science degree programme is ideal if you love maths and are looking for a course that offers a rewarding career – both intellectually and financially. As 30% of teaching staff are qualified actuaries, on this programme you’ll gain up to date industry knowledge and skills applicable to the working world. There are also opportunities to undertake paid industry placements and spend an exchange year in Canada, Australia or on Heriot Watt’s own Malaysia campus.

Actuarial work is seen as one of the most satisfying careers in the UK, owing to its intellectually stimulating nature, lucrative pay, schedule flexibility, and excellent job prospects. Actuaries enjoy applying their advanced quantitative skills to solve complex business problems involving risk analysis, in traditional areas of insurance and pensions and as well as exciting new opportunities such as health, technology, banking, finance and climate change.

Your student experience

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Our expertise

Our expertiseYour learning environmentAccreditation

Our distinguished programme is taught by qualified actuaries with industry experience and high-flying researchers

Heriot-Watt University was the first in the UK to offer a degree in actuarial science. We have been leading the way in the UK ever since and built a wonderful teaching team of world-renowned academics and experienced industry professionals.

Each year we enable between 100 and 200 students to gain exemptions from actuarial subjects and kick-start their actuarial careers.

In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), we ranked first in Scotland for Mathematical Sciences research. This underscores our commitment to excellence in applied mathematics fields like optimization, computation, statistics, and analysis that drive innovation across industries.

Go Global

Go Global is our student mobility programme, allowing you to seamlessly transfer your studies to one of our global campuses, or to a partner university. Live and learn in a new country, experience different cultures and build a global perspective, while continuing your degree without interruption.

Inter-Campus Transfer: Malaysia

Discover new friends and places with an inter-campus transfer to Malaysia.

Course content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Mandatory September

Calculus A

Elements of Probability

Introduction to University Mathematics

Optional September

Logic and Proof

Mandatory January

Calculus B

Topics in Statistical Practice

Becoming a Professional

Optional January

Discrete Mathematics

Problem Solving

Disclaimer

The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.

Programme Video

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Student testimonials

Lauren's story

Actuarial Science BSc (Hons)The programme provided me with a strong foundational knowledge and gaining exemptions from the IFoA exams felt like such a weight off my shoulders and has helped me through my graduate role.

Fees and funding

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September 2027 intake tuition fees

Scotland

Paid by SAAS

England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland

International

Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.

International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).

Scholarships and bursaries

Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales

In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:

Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)View details

Entry requirements

If joining us in September 2027, please see the entry requirements below. Heriot-Watt offers different entry requirements, depending on your background.

Standard entry requirements

Highers AAAB (over two sittings). Must include Maths achieved at A.

A-Levels AAB. Must include Maths achieved at A.

International Baccalaureate 28 points. Must include Maths achieved at Higher Level 6.

BTEC Extended Diploma DDD. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths.

HNC B in graded unit. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.

HND BB in graded units. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.

Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.

Minimum entry requirements *

Highers ABBC (over two sittings). Must include Maths achieved at A.

A-Levels ABC. Must include Maths achieved at A.

* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish and Rest of UK status students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:

live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20)

or POLAR4 Quintile 1 regions (RUK)or are care experienced.

We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements.

Additional information

For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications, mature candidates and overseas students.

If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk

For applicants studying HNC, HND or BTEC qualifications, when submitting your application please ensure you list in full all the units you are currently studying, as specific units (e.g. in Maths) may be required.

English language requirements

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.

Please see our detailed English language requirements.

Why Heriot-Watt

We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.

At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).

Employability

Work and study

This is what our BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science students are doing 15 months after graduating:

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0%are studying

0%are studying and working

£0The median salary of Heriot-Watt students 15 months after graduating

£0The median UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course

Potential career paths

Business, Research and Administrative Professionals

Finance Professionals

Business and public service associate professionals

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