BSc Mathematical Statistical and Actuarial Sciences

This programme is available in Edinburgh.

Programme Director: Dr Anatoly Konechny

Programme Code: F1F1-MSA

For further information about course choices consult:

An optional course may not run if there is insufficient demand for it; some choices of courses may not be available to students in some years because of timetabling constraints.


Year 1

Year Co-ordinator(s):
Dr James Gaunt (Edinburgh)

Semester 1 (Mandatory)Semester 2 (Mandatory)
F17CA Calculus AF17CB  Calculus B
F17CC Introduction to University MathematicsF77SB Elements of Probability
F77SA Topics in Statistical PracticeF17GA Problem Solving
F17GC Mathematics in ContextC17PS Becoming a Professional

Progression to year 2: a minimum of Grade D in all courses.


Year 2

Year Co-ordinator(s):
Dr Richard Davison (Edinburgh)

8 courses: 7 mandatory, 1 optional

Semester 1 (Mandatory)Semester 2 (Mandatory)
F18CD Real AnalysisF18CE Multivariable Calculus
F18CF Linear Algebra F78AB Actuarial and Financial Mathematics
F78AP Algorithmic Scientific Programming F78PB  Probability and Statistics B
F78PA  Probability and Statistics A  Semester 2 (Optional choose 1) 
F78DS Data Science Life Cycle
 F18NA Numerical Analysis A 

Progression to year 3: a minimum of grade D in all courses.

Transfer to BSc Actuarial Science: Students will be permitted to transfer from BSc MSAS to BSc Actuarial Science at the end of year 2 if the following criteria are met – a minimum 60% (credit-weighted) average across F78PA/PB/AA/AB, and no course less than grade C in Year 2 (counting first attempts only)’


Year 3

Year Co-ordinator(s):
Dr Alexandre Martin (Edinburgh)

8 courses: 5 mandatory, 3 optional.

Semester 1 (Mandatory)Semester 2 (Mandatory)
F19PL Abstract Algebra F19MO Ordinary Differential Equations
F79MA Statistical Models AF79MB Statistical Models B
F19MV Vector AnalysisF19MC  Complex Analysis
Semester 1 (Optional choose 1)Semester 2 (Optional choose 2)
C29PE Economics for ProfessionalsC39FF Financial Reporting and Finance
F70LA Life Insurance Mathematics AF70LB Life Insurance Mathematics B
F79SP Stochastic ProcessesF79SU  Survival Models

Progression to year 4: average mark on all courses that are rated SCQF level 9 or 10 of at least 40%. All courses at grade E or better.


Year 4

Year Co-ordinator(s):
Dr David Bourne (Edinburgh)

Dr David Bourne
  • For an overview of what is in the 4th year courses, click on the Brief Descriptions PDF.
  • 8 courses (8 optional).
  • Students cannot take F70LA, F70LB if they took these courses is stage 3.
  • Students cannot take F70PE, F70LP unless they passed (min grade D) F70LA and F70LB in stage 3.
  • Students can chose at most one of F10NC, F70PE and F70LA.
  • Students can chose at most one of F10ND, F70LP and F70LB.
  • F78AB may only be taken in stage 4 by direct entrants to stage 3.
  • In stage 4 students must choose at least one course whose code starts with F7.
  • Certain option choices may be precluded by timetabling constraints.
  • Honours degree classification is determined by performance in Stage 3, averaged over all qualifying courses (40%), Stage 4, averaged over all qualifying courses (60%). The qualifying courses are all courses in the programme that are rated SCQF level 9 or 10.
Semester 1 ( Optional choose 4)Semester 2 ( Optional choose 4)
F10AM Mathematical Biology AF10AN Mathematical Biology B
F10MF  Functional AnalysisF10MP Partial Differential Equations
F10MM  OptimisationF10ND Numerical Analysis D
F10NC Numerical Analysis CF10PG Geometry
F70LA Life Insurance Mathematics AF70LB Life Insurance Mathematics B
F70TS Time Series and Machine LearningF70LP  Life Office Practice (not running 2024-25)
F70PE PensionsF70RT Risk Theory 

Some course choice combinations may not be available to students in because of timetabling constraints.

† Details of Actuarial Profession Exemptions