The MSc/Diploma in Actuarial Science at Heriot-Watt University is designed to get your career as an actuary off to a flying start. The programme is a 12-month MSc course which comprises 9-months of taught coursework followed by a 3-month dissertation period. 

The 9-months of taught coursework (the PG Diploma component of the course) leads to possible exemption from eight of the CT examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. This should significantly reduce the period of training required for an actuarial fellowship.

Students who successfully complete the coursework and meet the progression requirements to MSc component of the course, period work on a 3-month dissertation project with an academic Supervisor during the summer months. The period of study starts in the middle of September and continues over two semesters (with examinations at the end of each semester - in December and May).