Actuary

Also called Actuarial analyst.

Actuaries work with companies and government departments, to help them forecast long-term financial costs and investment risks.

Potential salary: £32,000 starter to £70,000 experienced per year
Typical hours: 37 to 42 a week. Working pattern: between 8am and 6pm.
Career area: Business and administration
Where they might work: You could work in an office, at a client's business or remotely.
A typical task: analyse data from past and present events to forecast future trends
Subjects that may help: 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
Typical route: You could start by doing a degree before joining a graduate actuarial training scheme.
Interest area used here: Asking questions and research, Organising information and detail

Career actions

What you might do

More tasks (2)

refine financial forecasting to include risks associated with climate change
develop risk models to help businesses adapt in the shift to low carbon economies

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

More skills

You could start by doing a degree before joining a graduate actuarial training scheme.
Most employers will look for a degree with a high level of mathematics. For example:
maths and statistics
actuarial science
economics
engineering
accounting
physics or chemistry
A course with a placement year or a summer internship will give you valuable experience and an advantage when you apply for work.
You could take a postgraduate degree in actuarial science that might allow you to qualify as an actuary in a shorter time.
Some actuarial companies may offer sponsorship for postgraduate courses.
You'll usually need:
2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
equivalent entry requirements
student finance for fees and living costs
university courses and entry requirements

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

Actuarial science
Direct qualifying route. A direct academic route. Mathematics plus professional exams is equally established.
Financial Mathematics
Common route. A numerate degree can start actuarial training. The professional exams are separate.
Mathematics
Common route. Mathematics is a standard route into actuarial exams. Actuarial science degrees are an alternative.
Statistics
Alternative route. Actuarial work expects professional exams after a numerate degree.

You may be able to do an Actuarial Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship or an Actuary Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.
These take between 2 and 3 years to complete.
You'll usually need:
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
equivalent entry requirements
guide to apprenticeships

Career progression

As your career develops, you could specialise in a particular field, like:
insurance
healthcare
banking
data science
With experience, you could take on more responsibility for managing people or projects.
You might also work for the Government Actuary's Department , advising on public sector finances.

2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship