Actuaries are typically graduates with a 2:1 in a numerate subject (others may be suitable), good communicators with excellent business acumen and a love of logic and problem solving.
Most employers are looking for graduates with at least a 2.1 degree and excellent A levels or equivalent.
The minimum requirements for admission as a student of the Actuarial Profession are:
- Maths A level (or equivalent) at grade B, together with a second A level (or equivalent) in any subject at grade C
- Three Scottish National Qualifications Authority Higher passes, one of which must be in mathematics at Grade A; or
- The Irish Leaving Certificate in at least five subjects; one of the passes must be in Mathematics at Grade A; or
- The Actuarial Profession’s CT1 exam taken as a non-member; or
- Other qualifications which are considered to be equivalent to the above.
For holders of a second class honours degree or above in a non-mathematical subject, the Mathematics A-level requirement is reduced to a grade C.
For holders of a third class honours or above in a mathematical or actuarial science degree, the maths A level requirement is dropped.
Most importantly, actuaries have strong mathematical, economic and statistical awareness – and they are able to apply this to real situations in the financial world. They are also able to communicate difficult topics to non-specialists. There are additional skills and competencies you will need as your career develops: understanding how businesses operate, and how legislation may affect them, is vital.
Find out more about the skills that you need at each stage of qualification.