BSc Actuarial Science and Mathematics

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

Further Mathematics is preferred but not essential. When the Further Maths A level is taken it will be included in the offer.

If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

A*AB including A* in Mathematics A-level or AAA including AA in Mathematics and Further Mathematics A-level.

Further Mathematics is preferred but not essential. When the Further Maths A level is taken it will be included in the offer.  A grade A in A-level Further Mathematics would be required.

Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.

Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either:

a) sat your examinations early;

or

b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years.

If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.

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

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically five GCSEs/iGCSEs at grade A/7 to B/6, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C/4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Grade A/7 (normally) in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics.

GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

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

37 points overall with 7, 6, 6 at Higher Level, including 7 in Mathematics.

We will only accept Higher Level Mathematics: analysis and approaches.

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 AAAAB in Scottish Highers. In addition, Scottish Advanced Highers at AAA (including Mathematics) is 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.

Typically we require an average of 85% including 85% in Mathematics studied for at least 5 periods per week and assessed by a final written examination. Advanced Mathematics 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.

The A-level requirements for the Department of Mathematics are A*AA, including A* in Mathematics. A-level Further Mathematics is preferred but not essential but if taken will be included in the offer.

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 Mathematics and Computer Science, are required to achieve A*AA with grade A* in Mathematics, A in Further Mathematics and A in one further academic subject with an EAP score of Grade B with B in writing and nothing below a C.

Applicants completing the NCUK international foundation year are required to achieve A*AA with grade A* in Mathematics and A in two further academic subjects with an EAP score of Grade B with B in writing and nothing below a C. If you are studying at an NCUK centre which offers Further Maths, then one of the two A grades must be in Further Maths.

We accept Mathematics (Engineering), Mathematics (Business) and Mathematics (Science).

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 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* (Mathematics) 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* (Mathematics) 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 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.

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

Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.

As a guide 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 with Distinction (to include 21 credits of specific Mathematics units). In addition, we require Advanced A-level in Mathematics at grade A*.

D2, D3, D3 in Principal subjects with D2 in Mathematics.

We also consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, in three distinct subjects.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course. The University does accept specific T Level qualifications on a number of courses please review to our T Level information page for a full list.

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 (if appropriate).

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.

Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines . If you are a home-schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact us.

Mature applicants who are returning to studies after a break from formal education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the Department of Mathematics directly. Read further information for 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/iGCSE English Language grade C/4
• IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing, and 6.0 in each other sub-skill
• TOEFL iBT: 90 overall with a minimum of 22 in writing and nothing below 20 in the other sub-tests
• Pearson PTE Academic: 70 overall with 70 in writing and nothing below 65 
• An acceptable equivalent qualification. Learn more about our English language requirements .

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 or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above.

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.

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 .

Applications are considered on the basis of the UCAS form. Strong examination results are the main factor in admitting students to our courses. We consider other information to ensure we admit students with the most outstanding potential. This is assessed within a structured framework and includes prior and predicted grades. Your referee should give realistic grade predictions for all qualifications that you are currently studying at the top of their reference. If you attend a non-UK school or college that does not provide predicted grades your referee should explain this policy within their reference.

Further information and advice on writing your personal statement and the UCAS application process can be found on the UCAS website.

We will not be holding interviews for September 2025 entry. If you receive an offer you will be invited to attend an on-campus offer holder day which will be held early next year. This will enable you to find out more about the Department and life as a student in Manchester. Normally this will include a talk by an admissions tutor, a Mathematical talk from an academic and an opportunity to hear from our current students. You will also be able to see some of our amazing facilities. For those unable to come to campus there will be a virtual visit day which will cover the same information as described above. Further details will be provided directly to students by the admissions team.

At present, there is no requirement for an additional aptitude test for entry to the course in 2025. Any updates to this policy will be posted here.

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.

Deferred entry is granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum in exceptional circumstances. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

We normally also guarantee a place in the current year should the applicant's gap year plans change, subject to availability of places.

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.

We are happy to consider applicants who are taking their examinations in more than one sitting, provided they are taken over the standard two-year period.

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.

Transfers between departments and other universities are not normally accepted.

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

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

Accreditation with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries is currently being renewed but is expected to continue.