Key information
Heriot-Watt University is ranked 2nd in Scotland in Statistics by the National Student Survey 2025.
- UCAS code
- 5G5B
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BSc (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 5 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
If you love maths and want to accelerate your Actuarial career with a year's work experience in hand, this is the programme for you. It combines the rigorous studies of the BSc Actuarial Science with a year-long work placement in your fourth year.
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.
With 30% of our lecturers being qualified actuaries, you'll gain up-to-the-minute industry knowledge and skills applicable to the real working world and current economic climate. The work placement then gives you experience of working in an organisation such as a life insurance company, a pension consultancy, an investment management firm or a bank.
The Diploma in Industrial Training is gained through successful completion of this work placement. You will develop real world knowledge, giving you the opportunity to apply and build upon the theory you learn in your studies. It allows you to take on real responsibilities, enhance your interpersonal skills through teamwork and communication, and experience workplace culture.
The Diploma is available to all students, including those from overseas, as it does not require a work visa. If you are planning to come to the UK using a student visa you should check the Tier 4 Student Visa Policy Guidance to confirm you are permitted to undertake a work placement as part of your studies. With support from the HW Career’s Service, you will be responsible to find a suitable work placement; acceptance onto the course does not guarantee you a placement. If you are registered on the course and are unable to find a suitable work placement before the end of level 3 then you can transfer to the standard BSc Actuarial Science degree. Organisations recently involved with the placement programme include Deloitte, Allianz, Royal London, Athora, Aon and XPS Group.
Our programmes are designed with flexibility in mind, so if you fancy a change of direction you can transfer to a range of other mathematical, statistical or actuarial programmes during the first two years.
Subject Video
Find out what it’s like to be an actuarial student at Heriot-Watt University with our subject video
Your student experience
- Heriot-Watt is a 'Center of Actuarial Excellence'
- Our distinguished programme is taught by qualified actuaries with industry experience and high-flying researchers. Alongside this experience comes invaluable connections to industry,
- 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.
- We also understand that you need to be ready for the business world and able to interview well. We develop these softer skills too, and develop your ethics, so you will become an excellent capable professional.
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
Actuarial Mathematics & Statistics at Heriot-Watt
Student testimonials
Lauren's story
Graduate, 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
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,790 |
| International | £25,808 |
- 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).
Additional information
Placement Year fees
Students should note that the standard fee does not apply for the Diploma in Industrial Training/work placement year (Year 4). Instead a fee of £3,000 is charged for the year spent on placement.
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)
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
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.
- 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.
* 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.
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
Salary
Potential career paths
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
- Business and public service associate professionals
- Finance Professionals
- Information Technology Professionals
Student life
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