BSc Actuarial Science and Mathematics

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our Department funding pages .

Grades A*AA with an A* in Mathematics A-level.

Further Maths is preferred but not essential but where taken will be included in the offer.

If you either sat your examinations early or followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years, your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course.If you have studied an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor.

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

For applicants holding newly reformed GCSEs in England we require:

• 5    GCSES at Grade    A/7 or B/6     (both numeric and letter grade) including: 

• Mathematics (usually a Grade 8)

• English Language is required at GCSE level with a minimum Grade of  C  /  4.  GCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE English Language.

• Other applicants will be expected to demonstrate a broad general education and will be considered on a case by case basis.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact us for clarification.

37 points overall with 19 points at Higher Level with 7 in Maths and 6 & 6 in two further Higher Level subjects. We will only accept Higher Level Maths Analysis and Approaches.

Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.

For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

We normally require grades AAABB in Scottish Highers.  In addition, Scottish Advanced Highers A (Maths) AA are normally required.

English Language not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact us.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact us.

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require: 85% overall and 85% Maths (5 periods). Advanced Maths should also be taken. If this is not possible, please contact us.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Business/Engineering, are required to achieve A* (Maths) & AB with B in EAP overall with B in writing and nothing below a C.  If Further Maths is taken we will request a grade A in this subject.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Business/Engineering are required to achieve A* (Maths) & AA with B in EAP overall with B in writing and nothing below a C.      

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact us to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDD plus an A Level in Mathematics at grade A*.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD plus an A Level in Mathematics at grade A*.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade D plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at A*(Maths) and A in another subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A Level grades at A*(Maths) and A in another subject.

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic Department for clarification.

Please contact us if you require further clarification about these qualifications.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma for entry with grades DDD in combination with a grade A* in A level Mathematics.

Cambridge Technical Diploma

We consider the Cambridge Technical Diploma for entry with grades DD in combination with a grade A* in A level Mathematics.

Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma 

We consider the Cambridge Foundation Diploma for entry with grade DD plus a grade A* in A level Mathematics and another A level (not General Studies or Critical Thinking) at grade A.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate for entry with grade D plus a grade A* in A level Mathematics and another A level (not General Studies or Critical Thinking) at grade A.

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3). The 45 credits at Level 3 to be at Distinction (to include seven specific Maths units). Applications are considered on an individual basis. For further information on the specific units required please contact the Department of Mathematics.

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.

A typical offer would be D2 (Mathematics) and D3 in two additional subjects.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. We may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Core Maths is not accepted for entry onto our courses.

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact us. 

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.  The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact us.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.  The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE English Language grade C or better , or 4 or better;
• IELTS for all courses are to be: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing and nothing below 5.5 or; 
• An acceptable equivalent qualification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.

Additionally, our individual departments may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .  Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above.  Please contact us for clarification.  

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Once your application has been received it will be considered, on merit, by Department of Mathematics admissions staff. A number of factors are considered including your reference and whether you are likely to meet our entrance requirements.  In addition, we will look at your personal statement to see the nature and extent of your interest in Mathematics.  We are also keen to hear about your interests, hobbies, extra-curricular experiences, work experience and career aspirations and how these have prepared you for success on your chosen course. 

We do not normally accept transfer of application between Departments. 

Many of our applicants will be invited to attend a Virtual Visit Day which will give you a taste of life as a Mathematics student at Manchester.  There will be a short talk by the Admissions Tutor, a mini-Mathematics lecture, information about student support and a Question and Answer session.  The Q&A session will include current students and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the Department or course.  Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend. 

Due to Covid-19 we are not interviewing applicants for this academic cycle.

Students who have met the appropriate entry requirements but whose qualifications are more than 2 years old may be asked to sit a Mathematics test.

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

The Department of Mathematics offers scholarships for academically excellent students from the UK and around the world; contact the Department for more details.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

This course is accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.