Actuarial and Financial Science

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 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 or the general public. 

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.

Why study

• The demand for actuarial graduates in Perth is currently very strong
• Graduates are actively assisted in gaining employment through our work experience program
• Our master-level program can be used by graduates from other disciplines as a pathway to becoming an accredited actuary.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Mathematical Society.

This course is accredited by the Actuaries Institute, making Curtin the only Western Australian university to have an accredited program. 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

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