Program Overview

PhD Program in Actuarial Science

The PhD Program in Actuarial Science at the Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC Lausanne) offers candidates the possibility of acquiring a high level of knowledge through intensive research training. The program aims to attract the best doctoral students and develop them to be competent in conducting independent research.

Program Structure

The duration of studies leading to the award of the PhD degree in Actuarial Science is three to five years, full-time study. The program involves a long course of study dedicated to research, the results of which will be presented in a thesis. The first part of the PhD studies includes the study of the fundamentals linked to the specific fields of interest of the future research. The second part is devoted to research and the preparation of the dissertation in the chosen field.

Specialization Areas

Research topics in the PhD Program in Actuarial Science include:

• Topics in risk theory and credibility theory
• Topics in financial mathematics and statistics
• Topics in insurance economics, services and products
• Topics in financial markets and pensions funds
• Various current topics in the field of Actuarial Science

Schedule of Courses

The program includes the following compulsory courses:

• International Summer School (5 days, every year during PhD studies)
• Lyon-Lausanne Seminars (2-3 days, every year during PhD studies)
• Research Seminars (about 10 seminars, every semester during PhD studies)
• PhD Summer Seminar (2 days, every year during PhD studies)

Applications

The doctoral program in Actuarial Science is very selective, and accepts only a few doctoral students to ensure a high quality and tailored-made supervision process. Potential candidates are encouraged to submit their application when assistantship or scholarship positions are available. Candidates should submit a CV, a letter of motivation, and Bachelor and Master transcript of grades.

Financing

Tuition fees are very low (CHF 280 for the first semester + CHF 80 for each additional semester). There are three ways of financing the doctorate: assistantship, scholarship, and job/internship. Assistantship and SNSF scholarship are currently the most common ways how PhD students are financed in the program.

Education and Language Requirement

A MSc degree in Actuarial Science or a closely related discipline is necessary at the time of enrollment. The dissertation is usually written in English. Knowledge of the French language may be required if teaching and other tasks that come with the type of financing (assistantship or scholarship) require it.

Faculty and Research

The Department of Actuarial Science has a strong international reputation, and the training of PhD students is closely linked to the research of the faculty. The PhD program plays an important role in involving PhD students in original research production. Many students succeed in publishing their work during their studies in top journals of their field.

Current Students and Past PhD Theses

Information about current students and past PhD theses is available.

Contact

Information about the doctoral program in Actuarial Science can be obtained from the University of Lausanne, HEC Lausanne, Extranef 255, Quartier Chamberonne, CH-1015 Lausanne.