Actuarial and Financial Science
MC-ACTFNS

Actuarial and Financial Science

Master by coursework

Help organisations plan for the future and protect themselves from financial loss.

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Master of Science (Actuarial and Financial Science)
  • Duration

    Duration

    1 year, 6 months full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    300
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    054627G
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin

Select your preferred campus:

Intake Application open Application close

Semester 1, 2024

1 May 2023

Applications now closed!

Semester 2, 2024

1 March 2024

Applications now closed!

Semester 1, 2025

Applications now open!

12 February 2025

Semester 2, 2025

3 March 2025

9 July 2025

Course outline

Overview

Overview

Actuaries and financial mathematicians apply mathematical models and numerical tools to practical applications, such as financial markets.

They gather statistical data on the financial decisions that people make. This provides a critical insight for business and government, helping them to make more informed decisions – especially in uncertain economic climates.

In this course, you will learn how to help organisations plan for the future and protect themselves from losses. 

The core units cover the principles of finance, investment science, risk analysis and credibility theory. Optional units include practical mathematical financial modelling, applied statistics and numerical methods.

On completion of this course, your skills may be applied to insurance, pensions, healthcare, banking, business management and risk assessment. You may also play a role in determining company policy and explaining complex technical matters to company executives, government officials, shareholders, policyholders and the public. 

See our handbook for more course information.

What jobs can the Actuarial and Financial Science course lead to?

Graduates generally find employment with insurance companies, investment and superannuation funds, banks, stockbrokers and government agencies.

What you'll learn

  • use their exposure to a process of independently identifying a research problem and individually investigating and adapting as necessary a set of techniques to solve the problem
  • widen and deepen their high level of thinking skills by posing challenging problems that are relevant, motivational creative and reflective in the pursuit of well-structured syndicated programs
  • analyse, identify and use the relevant material in an Actuarial Control Cycle Format from a wide array of available data sources synthesise and process this data to ensure that the information is monitored in the light of a possibly changing problem, new information and or a change in technique
  • communicate effectively in ways to appropriately interpret technical and non-technical information to a varied audience, for a range of purposes and to a professional standard.
  • apply computer modelling software appropriately in statistics, finance, risk management, optimisation and other relevant areas recognising their capabilities and limitations and use appropriate technology to acquire data (e.g. internet based, library based) and present information, such as computer linked displays and internet linked overheads
  • evaluate one’s own learning and develop a high degree of flexibility and creativity to adapt to change and to introduce exciting solutions to problems where focus is paramount in the learning process; maintain currency in professional practice
  • show a high level of awareness of nationally and internationally relevant developments and contemporary issues involving relevant International events; apply international standards of practice and evaluate issues from a variety of perspectives.
  • develop shared understandings of contemporary relevant issues which demonstrate a high and balanced level of cultural awareness in a diverse cultural setting
  • demonstrate, through self-leadership, a duty of care, honesty, integrity, fairness and knowledge of principles and law to uphold the ethical requirements of the profession

Professional recognition and accreditation

This course is accredited by the Actuaries Institute. Graduates are also eligible for membership of the Australian Mathematical Society.

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.

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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

Other requirements and notes for this course

Specifically, applicants require a Honours degree or a four-year Bachelor degree in mathematics/statistics, science, engineering or finance. In addition, applicants must have basic mathematics and statistical background and competence equivalent to at least the level of MATH2009 Advanced Calculus and MATH2010 Linear Algebra. Unit information is available in the Online Handbook.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

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

Fees and scholarships

Domestic fee paying postgraduate

2024 Fee year:

$31,704*

Domestic

Domestic

2025 Fee year:

$34,874*

Domestic

Domestic

Fees are indicative only.

* Based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e. units selected and time taken to complete).

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2024

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2025

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2026

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2027

Semester 1
  • On campus

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

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

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

Apply now

Frequently asked questions

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  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: MC-ACTFNS
  • CRICOS code: 054627G
  • Last updated on: 21 December 2024

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