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Curtin University

  • 28% international / 72% domestic

Bachelor of Science (Actuarial Science)

  • Bachelor

Actuaries analyse data to predict and assess long-term risks in financial planning and decisions. This course provides knowledge in mathematics, statistics, data analytics, demographics, finance, and economics, preparing students for careers in risk management and financial analysis. It includes pathways for further study and professional accreditation.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
3 years full-time
Course Code
B-ACTUAR, 038785D
Study Mode
In person
Intake Months
Feb, Jul
Domestic Fees
$9,800 per year
International Fees
$38,430 per year / $115,290 total
ATAR
92

About this course

Overview

Actuaries analyse various data to predict and assess the long-term risks involved in financial planning and decisions. They also apply their expertise to other areas - such as assessing the timing and location of extreme weather events, to help predict risks and associated costs for investments or insurance.

In this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills in mathematics, statistics, data analytics, demographics, finance and economics to work as a financial analyst in organisations that deal with risk.

You'll learn the mathematical and statistical techniques to model industrial and commercial processes against a financial and economic background. You'll also learn to identify the risk factors and determine the price and cost of those risks.

In your third year, your studies will focus on either Actuarial Science or Actuarial and Applied Statistics.

Actuarial Science

This area is recommended if you intend to complete further studies and qualify as an actuary. It enables you to gain exemptions from the six subjects comprising the Foundation Program of the Actuaries Institute (Australia).

You must achieve the minimum course-weighted average to study Actuarial Science in third year.

Actuarial and Applied Statistics

This area is best if you want to broaden your expertise in data analysis and statistics but don't intend to work as an actuary. (It doesn't include all subjects of the Actuaries Institute's Foundation Program.)

How this course will make you industry ready

Throughout your studies you'll build your knowledge of the principles of finance and business, to ensure that you graduate career-ready.

What jobs can the Actuarial Science course lead to?Careers
  • Actuary
  • Risk manager
  • Business analyst
  • Data scientist
  • Statistician
  • Mathematician
Industries
  • Banking and finance
  • Insurance
  • Superannuation
  • Energy and mining resources
  • Public sector finance and infrastructure
  • Education
  • Health
Further study
  • Bachelor of Science (Actuarial Science) (Honours)
  • Master of Science (Industrial Engineering)
  • Master of Science (Mathematical Sciences)
  • Master of Philosophy
  • Doctor of Philosophy
What you'll learn
  • Acquire discipline knowledge and professional capabilities to identify a problem, research and interpret the data and apply appropriate techniques to develop an effective solution.
  • Understand contemporary issues relevant to the actuarial working environment; demonstrate cross-cultural awareness and respect.
  • Apply discipline knowledge and problem solving skills to critically approach challenging, relevant problems and develop innovative solutions.
  • Show awareness of relevant global developments; understand how to respond to change, by monitoring results and through self-reflection and ongoing learning, in order to apply and adapt knowledge and skills.
  • Apply computer software appropriately to gather and prepare data, perform calculations, analyse and communicate results; use relevant digital technology to communicate effectively in a manner appropriate to the audience and purpose.
  • Collaborate with others in teams, displaying high ethical and moral standards in addition to problem solving and time management skills, in order to solve problems relevant to a range of stakeholders.
Professional recognition and accreditation

This course is accredited in Australia by the Actuaries Institute, and it is the only actuary course offered by a Western Australian university.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

You're considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 92
  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

Mathematics Methods ATAR

  • Desirable WACE subjects

Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren't essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Mathematics Specialist ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp grants additional ATAR points to help eligible students qualify for admission.

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • Indigenous applicant

If you're an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn't met Curtin's minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

  • STAT entry

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin's English proficiency requirements.

STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
  • Writing: 6
  • Speaking: 6
  • Reading: 6
  • Listening: 6
  • Overall band score: 6.5

What you will learn

  • Acquire discipline knowledge and professional capabilities to identify a problem, research and interpret the data and apply appropriate techniques to develop an effective solution;
  • Understand contemporary issues relevant to the actuarial working environment; demonstrate cross-cultural awareness and respect;
  • Apply discipline knowledge and problem solving skills to critically approach challenging, relevant problems and develop innovative solutions;
  • Show awareness of relevant global developments; understand how to respond to change, by monitoring results and through self-reflection and ongoing learning, in order to apply and adapt knowledge and skills;
  • Apply computer software appropriately to gather and prepare data, perform calculations, analyse and communicate results; use relevant digital technology to communicate effectively in a manner appropriate to the audience and purpose;
  • Collaborate with others in teams, displaying high ethical and moral standards in addition to problem solving and time management skills, in order to solve problems relevant to a range of stakeholders.

Career pathways

Careers
  • Actuary
  • Risk manager
  • Business analyst
  • Data scientist
  • Statistician
  • Mathematician
Industries
  • Banking and finance
  • Insurance
  • Superannuation
  • Energy and mining resources
  • Public sector finance and infrastructure
  • Education
  • Health

Credit for prior study or work

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

How to apply

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

  • Curtin Perth

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Science & Mathematics courses at Curtin University.
87.7%
Overall satisfaction
86.6%
Skill scale
76.4%
Teaching scale
68.8%
Employed full-time
$70k
Average salary