Program Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Actuarial Science is a one-year full-time program for students from quantitative disciplines aiming to become actuaries. It provides a foundation in mathematics, statistics, economics, and finance, supporting students in preparing for the initial examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (UK). The program emphasizes computational methods, risk analysis, and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in insurance, pension consultancy, and other actuarial-related fields. By incorporating software-based analysis and computer programming skills, the program prepares students for the data-driven and analytical nature of modern actuarial work.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Graduate Diploma in Actuarial Science is a one-year, full-time program designed for students from quantitative disciplines who wish to train as actuaries. The program aims to fast-track students' careers by supporting them through the initial examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (UK). It provides a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, economics, and finance for future actuarial studies. The program is suitable for students with no prior exemptions and for those who wish to add to any exemptions they already have.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key skills required by a trainee actuary.
- To develop students' proficiency in appropriate computational methods.
- To equip students with the ability to model real-world problems and make forecasts and analyze risk.
- To enhance students' communication skills through oral and written presentations.
- To develop students' computer programming skills in languages such as R and Excel.
- To broaden students' education to meet the growing demands of big data in the actuarial landscape.
- To prepare students for the professional workplace environment through CV preparation and interview skills workshops.
Outline:
- Structure: Students must complete a minimum of 60 ECTS credits of work over two semesters. They select between 5 and 7 subjects from a list, with most subjects comprising two or more modules. Students must take all modules comprising their selected subjects. Depending on their subject choices, students may have to take more than five subjects to ensure the minimum 60 ECTS credits requirement is met.
- Course Schedule: The program is delivered full-time over one year.
- Individual Modules: Each Subject of the Graduate Diploma Actuarial Science corresponds to the equivalently named Core Technical or Core Applications Subject of the examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (UK).
Assessment:
- Methods: The program includes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Terminal written examinations
- Individual continuous assessment
- Group assignments involving oral and written presentations
- Software-based analysis
- Criteria: The assessment criteria are designed to evaluate students' understanding of the key skills required by a trainee actuary, including:
- Analytical, precise, and rigorous problem-solving
- In-depth knowledge of data collection methods, statistical method development, and analysis of statistical output
- Proficiency in appropriate computational methods
- Ability to model real-world problems and make forecasts and analyze risk
- Clear and precise written communication
- Logical reasoning and deduction
Teaching:
- Methods: The program employs a variety of interactive teaching methods, both inside and outside the classroom, in industrial and academic settings.
- Faculty: The program is taught by experienced and dedicated lecturers.
- Unique Approaches: The program incorporates software-based analysis and develops computer programming skills in languages such as R and Excel, positioning students well in the new age of analytically driven decision making in insurance and finance.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the Graduate Diploma Actuarial Science can pursue careers in a range of areas, including:
- Insurance
- Pension consultancy
- Investment
- Risk management
- Data analytics
- Financial engineering
- Stock and options trading
- Fund management
- Opportunities: Successful graduates can expect early responsibility in their chosen career and the opportunity to work in a variety of challenging roles.
- Outcomes: The Actuarial Profession is a global profession with actuaries in demand in Europe, America, Asia, and Australia. Upon qualification, graduates can expect a rewarding career with opportunities for further development.
Other:
- The program is aimed at students from numerate disciplines who ultimately wish to train as an actuary.
- Students will be supported through the initial examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (UK), placing them on a fast track to a career as a qualified actuary.
- Graduates will be in demand by employers in the pensions and insurance industries, but also in financial services more generally.
- The program provides students with the tools to explain, describe, and predict complex financial trends and manage risk accordingly.
- The program includes CV preparation and interview skills workshops in cooperation with UCD Careers.
- Students will have access to relevant subjects from the wider discipline of statistics and actuarial science, broadening their education to meet the growing demands of big data.
GradDip Actuarial Science (F036) Full Time EU € 12360 nonEU fee per year - € 17150
