• Apply now
  • 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, part-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, 2026

    21 April 2026

    Applications now closed!

    Semester 2, 2026

    Applications now open!

    5 July 2026

    Semester 1, 2027

    1 May 2026

    28 January 2027

    Semester 2, 2027

    1 March 2027

    1 July 2027

    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. 

    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.

    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

    2026 Fee year:

    $36,616*

    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

    2026

    Semester 1
    • On campus
    Semester 2
    • On campus

    2027

    Semester 1
    • On campus
    Semester 2
    • On campus

    2028

    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
    • 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 March 2026

    Got a question? We’re here to help.

    Call 1300 222 888 Send us an email Ask us a question Book an appointment

    Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Specialisations

    Bachelor of Commerce Specialisations

    Bachelor of Innovation Specialisations

    Learn more about Commerce

    Apply for Master of Science (Actuarial and Financial Science)