If COVID-19 restrictions apply, we may need to make changes to units and/or delivery modes.

Actuarial and Financial Science
Masters by Coursework
MC-ACTFNS
Outline
Help organisations plan for the future and protect themselves from financial loss.

If COVID-19 restrictions apply, we may need to make changes to units and/or delivery modes.
Cutting-edge
Learn to apply your studies to real industry challenges and situations.
Professional recognition
Professionally accredited by the Actuaries Institute.
Top 1 %
Curtin is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Academic Ranking of World Universities 2021.
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.
Why study
- Curtin is the only Western Australian university to have a program accredited by the Actuaries Institute.
- This course can be used by graduates from other disciplines as a pathway to becoming an accredited actuary.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Actuaries Institute. Graduates are also eligible for membership of the Australian Mathematical Society.
Career information
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
Admission criteria
Recognised four-year bachelor or honours degree in mathematics, statistics, science, engineering or finance. Your basic mathematics and statistics competency must be equivalent to Curtin's advanced calculus, linear algebra and statistical methods units.
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) | |
---|---|
Writing | 6.0 |
Speaking | 6.0 |
Reading | 6.0 |
Listening | 6.0 |
Overall band score | 6.5 |
- Pearson Test of English Academic:
- Certificate in Advanced English (CAE):
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
Advanced standing
At Curtin, we understand that everyone’s study journey has been different.
You may have already studied some of the units (subjects) listed in your Curtin course, or you may have work experience that matches the degree requirements.
If this applies to you, you can apply for credit for recognised learning (CRL), which means your previous study is recognised and matched against a similar unit in your intended Curtin course.
A successful CRL application exempts you from having to complete certain units within your course and means you could finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.
CRL is also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing and credit transfer.
Use the CRL search to find out how much CRL you qualify for, or contact us at:
Webform: Submit here
Curtin Connect: 1300 222 888
Fees & charges
Domestic fee paying postgraduate
Fee year: 2022
Student type | Cost |
---|---|
Domestic | $28,000* |
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).
Location
For start dates, please view the academic calendar.
2022
Semester 1
- On campus
Semester 2
- On campus
2023
Semester 1
- On campus
Semester 2
- On campus
2024
Semester 1
- On campus
Semester 2
- On campus
2025
Semester 1
- On campus
Semester 2
- 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. Please view our application deadlines page for further information.
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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. View courses information disclaimer.
- Curtin course code: MC-ACTFNS
- CRICOS code: 054627G
- Last updated on: May 26, 2022
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