Actuaries analyse mathematical, statistical, demographic, financial and economic data to predict and assess the effects of long-term risks involved in financial decisions and planning.

They are tasked with solving business problems and analysing future financial events, especially when the amount or timing of a payment is uncertain.

Actuaries may also assess when and where devastating weather events may hit, to help predict risks and their associated costs for investments or insurance.

In this course, you will develop the mathematical and statistical techniques relevant 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 you’ll specialise in actuarial science or actuarial and applied statistics.

Actuarial Science

You must achieve the set minimum course-weighted average mark to be eligible for admission to the Actuarial Science major.

This major is recommended for students who intend to complete further studies and qualify as an actuary. It offers students the opportunity to gain exemptions from the six subjects comprising the Foundation Program, which is the first part of the professional examinations of the Actuaries Institute. For details on the Institute's professional requirements, visit www.actuaries.asn.au.

Actuarial and Applied Statistics

This major is designed for students who want to broaden their degree with more knowledge about statistics and data analysis, but who do not intend to qualify and work as an actuary. It does not include all subjects of the Foundation Program.

Why study

• Curtin is the only university in Western Australia that offers an actuarial science course accredited by the Actuaries Institute (Australia), and is one of only seven universities in Australia that offers this course.
• We actively assist our graduates to gain employment through our work experience program.
• There is a strong demand for actuarial graduates in Perth and internationally, in industries that increasingly extend beyond the traditional finance and insurance fields.
• Opportunities may exist in health and education, the environment and climate change, public infrastructure, genetics and risk management for large companies. 

How this course will make you industry ready

Throughout the course you will develop extensive knowledge of mathematics, probability, statistics, principles of finance and business, helping you to graduate career-ready. 

You can also gain exemptions in the equivalent subjects for the Part I exams for the Actuaries Institute.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Actuaries Institute (Australia).

Careers

• Actuary
• Business analyst
• Data scientist
• Mathematician
• Risk manager
• Statistician

Industries

• Data analytics
• Education
• Enterprise risk management
• Environment and climate change
• Financial services
• Health
• Public infrastructure