University of Kent

Actuarial Science - PhD

University of KentCanterbury, United Kingdom

Course overview

The PhD in Actuarial Science offers the opportunity to begin or consolidate your research career under the guidance of internationally renowned researchers and professionals in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (SMSAS). This research programme, which can be taken three to four years full-time or five to six years part-time, offers the opportunity to work in highly topical areas such financial modelling and estimation, quantification of diversification benefits, quantifying financial risks, and derivatives pricing. Applications for PhD research in these and other areas will be welcomed.

There's an active seminar programme involving a wide range of speakers and members of the PhD community regularly attend/present their work at leading conferences and institutes. Before applying for this course, it is strongly recommended that you contact the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science in the first instance to discuss your study plans with the programme director. The School has a strong reputation for world-class research and a well-established system of support and training, with a high level of contact between staff and research students.

Postgraduate students develop analytical, communication and research skills. In 2010 the Centre for Actuarial Science, Risk and Investment (CASRI) was set up within SMSAS to reflect the widening scope of the teaching and research of the staff. Areas of research interest include economic capital and risk management for financial services firms, mortality and longevity modelling, longevity indices and markets.

Other research topics include genetics and insurance, insurance economics, pensions and corporate reporting. The Centre includes 13 professionally qualified actuaries with many years’ practical experience in insurance and pensions, and who maintain excellent links with the actuarial profession.

Key highlights

  • Supervision from internationally renowned researchers and professionals
  • Research in financial modelling, derivatives pricing and quantifying financial risks
  • Centre for Actuarial Science, Risk and Investment includes 13 qualified actuaries
  • Topics include mortality and longevity modelling, pensions and insurance economics
  • Active seminar programme; students present at leading conferences
  • High level of contact between staff and research students

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — to include relevant subject; or above

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship

    Scholarship value up to £10,000.

  • Kent Business School Beaconhouse PG Progression Scholarship

    Tuition fee discount scholarship of £6,000.

    Up to £6,000

  • Kent Business School Dean's Excellence Scholarship Award

    Awards of up to £3,000

  • Kent Business School MBA Scholarship

    50% off Tuition Fee.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Kent Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee reduction for post-graduate taught programmes at the University of Kent.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught

    Scholarship value - £5000

    Up to £5,000

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught (KBS)

    Scholarship value £3000

    Up to £3,000

  • Kent LLM Solicitors’ Practice Scholarship (Canterbury)

    £2,000 tuition fee discount (Home Students); £2,000 tuition fee discount (Overseas Students).

    Up to £2,000

  • Sasha Roberts Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The “Ambition” Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £1,500 for Full Time UK students; £750 per year for Part Time UK students; £3,000 for Full Time Overseas students.

  • The CAMEMS Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Widening Participation Ambition Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £5,000 for UK students (£2,500 per year for part time students).

Careers this course leads to

  • Actuary
  • Academic researcher in actuarial science
  • University lecturer
  • Risk analyst
  • Quantitative analyst
  • Pensions consultant

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 per year | International: £19,300 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Kent, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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