Program Overview

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PhD Actuarial Science

Overview

The PhD Actuarial Science is a research degree within the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science at the University of Essex. The program has staff members available to act as supervisors across various areas, including:

• Survival analysis
• Forensic economics
• Risk management
• Islamic finance and takaful
• Asset-liability management for pension funds
• Predictability of financial time series
• Performance evaluation of funds

Students are also invited to contact the School to discuss other potential research areas.

Our Expert Staff

The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science has an international reputation in all areas of Mathematical Sciences, including:

• Statistics
• Operational research
• Applied mathematics
• Pure mathematics
• Actuarial science

PhD students are encouraged to meet with their supervisor regularly. Joint supervision across other Essex departments and schools is possible, allowing students to have a supervisor based in the School and another in a relevant Department or School.

Specialist Facilities

The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science is based in the University's state-of-the-art STEM Centre. Research students have a dedicated work space and PCs, with access to software such as MATLAB, Gap, SageMath, Python, and R.

All Essex research students have access to the innovative and unique scheme, Proficio. Postgraduate research students are automatically enrolled on Proficio, which provides a variety of training courses and a fund of up to Ł2,500 per student for conference attendance and relevant external training courses.

Your Future

Many former PhD students have gone on to work as academics in prominent institutions across the world. Others have joined organizations like the Met Office, the Ministry of Defence, and companies based in the City of London. There is a high demand for those with a numerate background in all sectors of the economy, so graduates are sought after in the UK and abroad.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

Students will need a good honours degree and a Masters degree in a relevant subject. A well-developed research proposal is also essential. Students may be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

International & EU Entry Requirements

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Students should get in touch with any questions about the qualifications accepted.

English Language Requirements

If English is not the student's first language, the University requires IELTS 6.0, or equivalent with a minimum of 5.5 in all other components.

Structure

Course Structure

A research degree gives students the chance to investigate an area or topic in real depth, and develop transferable research skills. During their time in the School, students have opportunities to attend conferences, publish papers, and give talks at departmental research seminars. Students may also attend some university modules, and will meet with their supervisor typically on a weekly basis.

Within the School, PhD students are usually encouraged to take the taught module, Research Methods, in the first year of study. Students may also attend some other modules on an informal basis.

All students wishing to study for a PhD enroll on a combined MPhil/PhD pathway. In the second year of study, depending on progress, a decision is made by the School on whether to proceed with either an MPhil or a PhD.

Full-time research students have a supervisory board to review their progress every six months (or annually if studying part-time). Typically, the board involves the supervisor and one other academic.

If students progress well, they should be confirmed as a PhD student in the first term of their second year of study.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

Ł5,006 per year

International Fee

Ł19,650 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

The University holds Open Days for all applicants throughout the year. The Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give students the chance to:

• Tour the campus and accommodation
• Find out answers to questions about courses, graduate employability, student support, and more
• Talk to the Fees and Funding team about scholarship opportunities
• Meet students and staff

Students can apply for the postgraduate course online. Before applying, students should check the information about necessary documents that will be required as part of the application.

The University aims to respond to applications within four weeks. If the University is able to offer a place, students will be contacted via email.

For information on the deadline to apply for the course, students should see the 'how to apply' information.

Visit Colchester Campus

The Colchester Campus is set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland and is located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester. The campus is easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

Virtual Tours

If students live too far away to come to Essex, they can explore the Colchester Campus from the comfort of their home using the 360-degree virtual tour. The tour allows students to check out accommodation options, facilities, and social spaces.

At Essex, the University prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. The University offers a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests, or responsibilities.