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Actuarial Science

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 3 to 4 years
  • Full-Time
  • 13 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Edinburgh Campus
More about Heriot-Watt University

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
Apply

Course summary

Heriot-Watt is a world-leading centre of teaching and research in actuarial mathematics, financial mathematics, risk management, probability and statistics. As the first department to offer a BSc in Actuarial Science in the UK, we have over 40 years of experience in delivering excellence and our actuarial programmes are fully accredited by the UK actuarial profession (IFoA). We are also recognised as a Center of Actuarial Excellence by the North American Society of Actuaries (SOA), the world’s largest actuarial professional organization. We are the only Center of Actuarial Excellence in Europe.

Our Actuarial Science degree is ideal if you’re interested in maths and looking for a course that offers a rewarding career – both intellectually and financially. Good performance means exemptions from professional examinations (CT1-CT8), giving prospective actuaries a head-start to their career. At the same time our programme opens doors to the wide range of careers available to maths graduates.

Actuarial Science students at Heriot-Watt can take advantage of our international campuses by taking part in an Inter-Campus Transfer. This gives you the opportunity to study at our Malaysia campus for a semester or a year, while still benefitting from the same accreditation by the IFoA as in Edinburgh, with the chance to gain the same professional exemptions.

Our programmes also offer the chance of a year-long industrial placement or a year studying abroad in Canada or Australia. Once an Actuarial Science student at Heriot-Watt, you could also apply to join the PwC Actuarial Flying Start Programme which includes two six-month, paid, work placements with PwC. It's the perfect way to gain valuable industry experience during your time at university. If successful, you'll join PwC's actuarial team in London and work directly with their clients - helping them plan for uncertainty as well as identifying, quantifying and managing their risks. They are known for the outstanding training they provide to graduates and if you do well, you could also get a job offer for when you graduate.

Our Students’ Actuarial Society (SAS) is entirely managed, enthusiastically and professionally, by our Actuarial Science students. With over 250 members, it is one of the largest societies dedicated to actuarial studies in the UK. Regular conferences, professional development and networking events with leading actuaries keep members up-to-date with the profession and in a prime position to begin their careers.

Please visit our website for further information on our 3 year honours degrees

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Edinburgh Campus

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 to 4 Years

Start dates

  • 13 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
GG13
Institution code:
H24
Campus name:
Edinburgh Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2, 3

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
GG13
Institution code:
H24
Campus name:
Edinburgh Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAB

including Mathematics at A for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: AAA including Mathematics.

T Level

We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish HNC
Pass

HNC in relevant subject (including sufficient Mathematics at SCQF Level 6) with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1.

Scottish HND
Pass

HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Mathematics at SCQF Level 6) with BB in graded unit for entry to Year 1.

Scottish Higher
AAAB

including Mathematics at A.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)

Scottish Advanced Higher
AAB

including Mathematics at A plus AAAB at Highers for entry to Year 2.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 28

with Higher Level Mathematics at 6 for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: A total of 30 points with Higher Level Mathematics at 7.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDD

in a relevant subject (including sufficient Mathematics) for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: DDD in a relevant subject (including sufficient Mathematics)

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
P

We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.

We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level ABC

including Mathematics at A for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: AAA including Mathematics.

Scottish Higher ABBC

including Mathematics at A.

English language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not previously been educated in English must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English language tests, school-level qualifications and Heriot-Watt English language programmes currently accepted as proof of English proficiency can be found on our website.https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.

Learn more on the Heriot-Watt University website

International entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK, Europe, and countries worldwide. If your qualification is not listed on https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information about entry requirements.

Some qualifications may be suitable for direct entry to Year 2, allowing you to complete your degree in three years. If your qualifications are not suitable for direct entry to one of our undergraduate programmes, we may be able to offer you a place on one of our Foundation programmes.

As an international student, you are likely to require a Student Visa to study in the UK. Please see the FAQ section on our website at https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/international-students for further information about the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) process required for a Student Visa application. https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not available

Historical entry grades data is not currently available for Heriot-Watt University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£9790
Scotland£1820
EU & International£25808

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Subject to confirmation

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