critically evaluate information

apply logic and reasoning

pursue independent enquiry

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across modules and between stages. A combination of teaching methods are used to enhance these skills. Students are encouraged to evaluate information and think independently throughout their course, in lectures, small group tutorials, and interactive learning sessions

Methods of Assessment

A combination of assessment methods including assignments, presentations, class tests and examinations are used to evaluate cognitive skills. Students are awarded marks for their ability to demonstrate critical thinking and originality.

communicate ideas in both written and presentational forms

use ICT software effectively

work both independently and in groups

manage their own time and workloads effectively

engage with employers and practitioners

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development permeates teaching and learning throughout the degree programme. The teaching and learning environment is supportive of the need to assist students in developing and enhancing their communication, IT, team working and employability skills

Methods of Assessment

Students are asked to prepare and deliver presentations, and structure and write assignments, which encourages them to improve their oral and written communication skills. These formats also give students experience of using a range of software, and allows them to advance their technical abilities. Some assessments are group based, which helps develop an awareness of how to work as a team, whilst others are individual based, which promotes time management skills.

appreciate the importance of internationalisation

engage with issues around ethics, responsibility and sustainability

understand:
- theory and practice in statistics and actuarial modelling

- the fundamental principles of stochastic processes and risk analysis

- the actuarial work environment

- the theory and application of mathematics with emphasis on calculus, probability, linear programming and algebra

- the conceptual underpinnings of economics and finance

- the basic principles of financial reporting and financial statement analysis
relevant quantitative and demographic techniques

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The BSc in Actuarial Science and Risk Management follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in actuarial modelling, the work environment, mathematics, statistics, probability, finance and economics.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, tutorials, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study. A placement of a minimum of nine months offers practical experience of the working environment and the work practices of an actuary.

The international dimension to various issues are included in modules throughout the course, and concerns around ethics, responsibility and sustainability are embedded when discussing topics.

Methods of Assessment

End-of-term examinations, class tests, individual and group projects, take home tests and individual and group oral presentations are used to assess student learning. The placement component is assessed by way of tutor visits to the work place, a mentor report, student reflective reports, a ‘portfolio of evidence’ and student presentation.

Relevant discussion of the international and ethical aspects to any subject is also regarded as a positive

use statistical, mathematical and demographic techniques to analyse actuarial problems

use computer-based/mathematical/statistical/econometric packages to analyse and evaluate relevant data

appreciate, construct and analyse mathematical, statistical, financial and economic models of practical situations

connect business problems with actuarial practice

understand and construct mathematical proofs

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Mathematical and statistical skills, through problem solving, constructing proofs and computer application, are at the core of all actuarial work and consequently these are core elements in each year of the degree and are built upon across modules and between levels of the programme. The economic and financial environment both influences and generates the work in which actuaries are involved and therefore in these areas problem solving, data analysis and computer application skills are developed throughout the programme. In addition, up-to-date finance and economic literature is integrated into the curriculum, with an important element being the ongoing development of the students’ ability to communicate, debate and critique this literature

Methods of Assessment

Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules.

Formative assessment takes three main forms. First, weekly homework in many of the quantitative, numerical and computer package-based modules aimed at promoting understanding, logic and accurate calculation. Secondly, weekly discussion of key theories and academic readings primarily in the economics and finance modules to develop understanding, logical argument and critical assessment. Thirdly, as part of the placement process the academic tutor, the mentor from the employing firm and the student assess the development of key skills while in the work environment.

Summative assessment also takes a variety of forms. End-of-module examinations are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into all modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment are employed, (i) practical computer based work in the statistical/econometric (ii) class tests in the mathematical modules (iii) a mixture of class tests, group and individual presentations and essays in the actuarial, finance and economics modules.