Data Analytics and Actuarial Science (with Professional Placement)

UCAS code: GG31

Here's what City St George's, University of London says about its Data Analytics and Actuarial Science (with Professional Placement) course.

The BSc (Hons) Data Analytics and Actuarial Science degree is delivered by Bayes Business School (formerly Cass), one of Europe’s leading business schools. Part of City St George's, University of London, Bayes is ranked amongst the top 6 business schools in the UK*.

Actuarial science involves the application of quantitative skills to problems in finance that normally involve risk or uncertainty, whilst data analytics involves using coding, data and the latest advances in information technology to solve real-world problems. If you are fascinated by both and have a passion and talent for mathematics, particularly modelling and probability, the Data Analytics and Actuarial Science degree might be the ideal course for you.

Traditionally, actuaries have used data to solve problems in the financial risk area. However, the world of finance is being transformed by two major trends – the increase in the volume and types of data and the focus on risk management. This means some problems are now best solved using different data analysis techniques.

This course prepares you for these new challenges. You will explore the traditional actuarial approach to risk management but you’ll also learn about some of the newest areas of data science, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, and their practical application to finance and insurance. Our in-depth teaching of the state-of-the-art Python and R programming languages – highly sought after in the global data science industry – is a flagship feature of this course.

As well as developing your understanding of mathematics, probability, statistics, economics and IT, you’ll also look into probability modelling, data analysis and the financial markets. You’ll also be able to demonstrate your skills and your ability to communicate your findings in your final year project. This degree can provide up to five exemptions from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries’ examinations.

As you would expect, the Data Analytics and Actuarial Science undergraduate course sets you up for a career in actuarial science. However, the course will also prepare you for a career in the wider fields of data analysis and risk management, or in investment management or financial analysis.

Many of our lecturers are qualified actuaries and data analysts and have worked in the finance and IT sectors and continue to consult for corporate organisations, so you will benefit from their first-hand knowledge and business experience. As we place a high value on teaching both theory and application, you will emerge from your degree with a good understanding of how to use your newly acquired knowledge in the workplace.

All Bayes undergraduate students will also choose from a range of professional experience modules so that when you graduate you are equipped with the knowledge and experience to make you an attractive candidate to employers. You will also take a career-focused module suitable for your chosen course to help you prepare for entering the job market.

A key part of this degree is the opportunity to gain professional work experience or a period of study abroad. Students are eligible to apply for a one-year paid work placement during the third year of a four-year sandwich degree course. Students enjoy a wide range of opportunities in business areas such as insurance and risk management, actuarial investment pricing and capital management. Recent placements include: the Association of British Insurers, Aviva/Friends Life, Prudential and Legal & General.

Students can alternatively apply to spend one year studying abroad during the third year of a four-year sandwich degree course. Students can apply to study at a business school at one of our prestigious partner universities, including the University of Waterloo, Canada; and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

*Financial Times European Business School Ranking 2022

??You can find extensive information about the modules you can expect to study on this course on our website: https://www.bayes.city.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/data-analytics-and-actuarial-science

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 balance of assessment by examination, practical examination and assessment by coursework will to some extent depend on the optional modules you choose.

The approximate percentage of the course assessment is as follows:

Year 1 65% written, 35% coursework

Year 2 58% written, 42% coursework

Year 3 43% written, 57% coursework.