Entry year
Start date
September 2023
Duration
3 years
Duration with placement
4 years
Application deadline
25th January 2023
Campus
Northampton Square
UCAS Code
G3N3 / G33N with professional placement

Overview

Who is it for?

You are fascinated by the financial world and that complements your love and talent for mathematics, especially modelling and probability. You love solving problems and setting up, then challenging, hypotheses.

The Finance with Actuarial Science undergraduate course will equip you with financial risk management and analysis skills that will boost your career prospects in investment management, risk management or actuarial science. Financial engineering or financial analysis careers will also be open to you.

Bayes Business School is ranked 3rd best in London, 6th in the UK, 23rd in Europe (Financial Times European Business School ranking 2021).

Objectives

Discover the different aspects of the financial world and in particular how assessing and managing risk is vital for success. To develop the skills you need to understand these ideas, you’ll take a mixture of financial, mathematical, statistical and actuarial modules. You will apply your new technical and analytical skills to solve a wide range of business problems.

In the first year your focus is on building a firm foundation in mathematics, statistics and economics as you begin to develop your understanding of financial risk.

In the second and third years you will broaden your understanding of the financial markets. This will include analysing the various types of financial instruments that are available, how they are valued and how they can be used to provide suitable solutions to financial problems involving risk and return.

You also have a number of electives to choose from like our Mentoring & Coaching for Leadership module.


*Global Research Rankings of Actuarial Science and Risk Management & Insurance 2021

Course Directors

photo of David Smith

Dr David Smith

Senior Lecturer in Actuarial Science

Course director profile

Dr Jaap Spreeuw

Senior Lecturer in Actuarial Science

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Structure

What will I learn?

  • Develop a good knowledge and understanding of finance, statistics, mathematics, actuarial science and related disciplines.
  • Develop the ability to communicate your knowledge and understanding accurately and effectively.
  • Develop your understanding of the respective roles of mathematical and statistical calculation, analysis and judgement in actuarial science and finance.
  • Develop your ability to make reasoned judgements, frame appropriate questions and draw independent conclusions.
  • Equip you with the skills required to work as a finance professional or an actuary or in alternative fields related to statistics and in business more generally.
  • Prepare you to enter postgraduate study in finance, actuarial science or related disciplines.
  • Develop you as a responsible and socially aware professional, who knows that many of the decisions that you make in your career will affect numerous stakeholders, all of whose views and situations must be taken into account

Assessment methods

You will be assessed using a variety of methods, depending on module choices including:

  • Coursework
  • Unseen written examinations, taking place at the end of each term (or at the end of a year, if a module is taught over two terms)
  • Class tests
  • Online quizzes and tests, using the Virtual Learning Environment
  • Presentation
  • Group projects, individual projects.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2023/24 entry is as follows:

Year 1

71% written, 4% practical, 25% coursework

Year 2

74% written, 0% practical, 26% coursework

Year 3

56% written, 0% practical, 44% coursework.

Overall workload

Most contact hours take the form of lectures. A number of tutorials, exercise classes and surgery hours are scheduled during the first year, the number decreasing as you progress and you become more able to direct your own learning.

Approximate study time based on 2019/20 entry is as follows:

Year 1

29% scheduled learning, 71% independent learning

Year 2

18% scheduled learning, 82% independent learning

Year 3

13% scheduled learning, 87% independent learning.

Term dates

Academic year

For a full breakdown of the current and forthcoming academic year view our term dates page.

Timetables

Course timetables are normally available from July and can be accessed from our timetabling pages. These pages also provide timetables for the current academic year, though this information should be viewed as indicative and details may vary from year to year.

View academic timetables

Please note that all academic timetables are subject to change.

Application

How to apply

All applications should be made through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Applications are made via Apply, UCAS's online application system.

UCAS Institution code: C60 (Bayes Business School and City, University of London)
UCAS Course code: G3N3

You can find more information at UCAS and in the UCAS Handbook.

Apply now

Find out more information about applying to Bayes.

Terms and conditions

Students applying to study at Bayes Business School are subject to City, University of London's terms and conditions.

Entry requirements

Below is a list of countries with information on each about which qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

Information for international and EU applicants

For international applicants requiring a Student Route visa we accept any of the below English language proficiency qualifications at the grades listed.

Please note, the Official Certificate must be awarded OR the qualification must be verifiable online. Statement of Results will not be accepted.

The English Language qualification or test needs to have been taken no longer than two years from the date that the CAS is generated.

English Language Tests:

  • IELTS (Academic, UKVI or IELTS Indicator): 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any sub test.
  • Language Cert International ESOL: Language Cert B2 Communicator High Pass
  • TOEFL (Test centre or iBT Special Home Edition): 92 overall (24 Writing, 23 Reading, 22 Speaking, 21 Listening)
  • Pearson Academic Online / Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 59 overall with minimum of 59 in each sub test
  • Cambridge English Advanced (also known as Certificate in Advanced English): Grade C (180 overall) at CEFR Level C1 with minimum 170 in each sub test
  • Cambridge English Proficiency (also known as Certificate of Proficiency in English): Pass qualification (all grades accepted)
  • Oxford Test of English 130 overall with minimum 120 in each sub test

English Language Qualifications:

  • IGCSE: English as a First Language (Syllabus 0500 & 0522) or English as Second Language (Syllabus 0510 & 0511) at Grade B or above
  • International Baccalaureate: Grade 5 at Standard level or Grade 4 at Higher level
  • Trinity College (Integrated Skills): ISE III – pass in each area
  • INTO City Pre-sessional English: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any sub test (NB. Must be the 6 or 8 week Bayes-specific course)
  • Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE): English Language Examination grade 4 or above
  • GCSE English Language Grade C/5 or above but 1) Qualifications must be issued by Ofqual, SQA, Qualifications Wales or CCEA regulated body in the UK; 2) Education must be undertaken in a UK school.
  • A Level English Language Grade C or above but 1) Qualifications must be issued by Ofqual, SQA, Qualifications Wales or CCEA regulated body in the UK; 2) Education must be undertaken in a UK school.
  • Vitnemal English grade 5
  • French Baccalaureat: 14/20 in English
  • Malaysian GCE O Level (SPM-1119 syllabus only): grade A

An exception to the above criteria applies to Student Route visa applicants from the below majority English-speaking countries for whom we can accept a wider range of English qualifications:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • The Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • Malta
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America

Don’t meet the English language requirements? INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.

Information for home applicants

In addition to the above English language proficiency qualifications accepted for International applicants, as a Home or EU applicant we can also accept any of the below English qualifications:

  • GCSE: Grade C or 4
  • O-Level: Grade C
  • A-Level: Grade C
  • Cambridge English First (also known as Certificate of First in English): Grade A (180-190) at CEFR Level C1

Study abroad

Bayes Business School gives you the opportunity to spend a year studying at one of our partner institutions, which are located around the world including Canada, Australia and Europe.

*Please note that the partner universities available is dependent on the study abroad programme you apply for and on your degree. The list of partner universities is also subject to change.

Sandwich year

You can spend a year of your degree course studying at one of our partner institutions, between your second and final year of study. This would add a year to your degree so you would complete your degree in four years.

All the above listed partner universities are available to this degree, however if you wish to take Actuarial Science modules abroad you will need to apply to University of Waterloo, Canada.

Student Exchange Team

Our dedicated Student Exchange Team are available to offer advice to students who wish to explore their study abroad options. They will also support students throughout the application process and during their study abroad year or term. To contact them, email: bayes-ug-outgoing@city.ac.uk.

Placements

The opportunity to gain professional work experience is a key part of a Bayes degree. As a BSc Finance with Actuarial Science student you are eligible to undertake a one-year paid work placement during the third year of a four-year sandwich degree programme.

The experience of working for a leading institution gives you practical experience that can be invaluable in terms of your future career. It will enable you to increase your confidence and maturity, expand your network of contacts, and acquire the skills and competencies sought by graduate employers. Together this will give you a competitive edge in the graduate market.

The BSc Data Analytics and Actuarial Science and BSc Finance with Actuarial Science pathways are new for 2019/2020. As a guide, past placements students from the BSc Actuarial Science have mainly found actuarial placements, and some finance placements, in organisations including banks, insurers, re-insurers and risk management specialists.

We’re proud of the close relationships we’ve built with a diverse range of companies who recognise our reputation, achievements and the success of our graduates, and know that Bayes students can add significant value to their workforce. Our dedicated Placement team are in regular contact with these companies and many more. We can’t guarantee work placements, but they will support you to find a placement and ensure you are work ready.

This additional year is a recognised part of the degree programme and will be endorsed on your final degree certificate, although it is not credited and will not count towards your degree classification.

Work Placements at Bayes

The practical experience of a professional placement, (typically 9-12 months duration) in addition to strong academic achievement, gives graduates a distinctive edge in the job market. Find out more about Work Placements and Summer Internships at Bayes.

Support from Placements team

A dedicated placements team will support you through the placements process. The team advertise a number of work placement and summer internships annually, and invite businesses to Bayes to meet with you and discuss the roles available. The team offers 1-2-1 advice on CV's and covering letters, as well as organising workshops to help you enhance your skills and competencies with applications and interviews. Also the team support students throughout your placement year including offering advice, guidance and monitoring your progress.

Micro-Placements

The Micro-Placements Programme provides you with an opportunity to take on exciting projects and gain real life experience without adding an extra year to your studies. You can enhance your core employability skills and explore different career options.

Micro-Placements don’t need a lengthy commitment. They are between 2 and 5 weeks long and can be full-time or part-time according to your schedule. They take place in the summer break between June and August, an ideal time to gain work experience as it will not interfere with your studies.

Fees

UK £9,250* per year Tuition fees are subject to annual change
International £22,000** per year Tuition fees are subject to annual change

UK students

* Fees for students commencing study in 2023/24 were £9,250 for each year of study.

EU and international students

** Fees for students commencing study in 2023/24 were £22,000 for each year of study.

Fees for each subsequent year of study are subject to an annual increase to take account of City's increased costs of delivering educational services. This increase will be 5% for each subsequent year of study. You should expect your fee to increase by this amount and budget accordingly.

Funding

Career pathways

On completing this degree, you will be well suited for a wide variety of careers in the financial services sector, including in investment management, insurance or risk management.

Your skills will be welcomed in investment banking, accountancy, commercial banking, financial engineering or financial analysis. You will also be well prepared for a career in management consultancy. Find out the types of positions our graduates have gone on to work in here.

Alumni stories

Hear from our alumni. Discover the real experiences of learning at Bayes and how Bayes helped to boost our graduates' careers.

Read all stories

Accreditation

In order to qualify as an actuary, you will be required to pass the professional examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. Specific modules in all three years of the BSc Finance with Actuarial Science degree give you the opportunity to earn exemptions from three of the six core principles stage subjects.