How to apply for a PhD place in Actuarial Science at Heriot-Watt University.

• a strong distinction (or equivalent) at Masters level in actuarial science, statistics, probability, financial mathematics or a strongly related discipline;
• experience in report or dissertation writing;
• very strong programming skills, preferrably in R, Matlab, C++ or a similar language;
• a desire to communicate the results of their research with practitioners.

• A covering letter
• Your CV
• A personal statement that addresses the following points (not in any particular order):
  • What is your motivation for wanting to study towards a PhD in Actuarial Science?
  • What are your medium term career goals?
  • How will having a PhD help you achieve these goals?
  • What do you think is the most important research advance in actuarial science or quantitative risk management in the last 40 years, and why?
  • Are you currently a member of a professional actuarial association or other professional body, or do you intend to join one in the future?
• Transcripts for your BSc and MSc degrees or equivalent
• The names and contact details of two academic referees