Are you a maths whiz who wants stimulating work, limitless potential and an ever growing salary? This is the esteemed degree that will make you a thought leader in a wide variety of areas. With an ANU Bachelor of Actuarial Studies, you can excel in your career literally anywhere in the world. Risk is all around us - in investment markets, on the roads, from our health and the climate. This degree will teach you how to apply your mathematical talent in understanding, measuring and managing these risks. Graduates will apply mathematical, statistical, financial, economic and other skills to untangle the most complex and difficult problems facing the commercial world.

Engaging with Asia as a part of Asia is a strategic imperative for Australia. The Bachelor of Asian Studies provides a pathway for ambitious and adventurous people in all fields of study to gain the language skills and cultural-historical expertise critical to leading that engagement. Graduates emerge with a nuanced understanding of the Asian region and its complex national and subnational parts.

Watch our video to find out how the Bachelor of Asian Studies can help you make a difference where it matters in Asia and beyond. 

The Bachelor of Asian Studies provides a firm footing in how to study and engage with Asia with both language and discipline/area studies to create a unique and world class experience.

The College of Asia and the Pacific's (CAP's) breadth of Asia and Pacific language offerings is unmatched anywhere in Australia is globally recognised. All students in the Bachelor of Asian Studies must complete at least four course/a minor in an Asian language, and we encourage students who begin the study of an Asian language at university to complete a full language major in order to graduate with the proficiency required to function as an Asia specialist in the competitive job market. Placement testing allows students with existing expertise in a language to enter at their current proficiency level and develop their language skills from that point.

CAP offers a world-leading concentration of disciplinary expertise in regionally-focused and globally-aware Security Studies, Linguistics, Politics, Anthropology, and History. Our focused discipline and area studies majors communicate this expertise to students. You can focus your studies in disciplines or choose instead to study a particular geographic region within Asia and bring a range of disciplinary perspectives to bear on exploring and understanding that area.

Our majors incorporate experiential and independent research courses that equip graduates with critical thinking skills that are contextualised with regional understandings and the capacity to communicate that across cultures. A sequence of transdisciplinary problem solving courses grants students the opportunity to develop and articulate creative solutions to emerging global and regional challenges. 

Graduates from the Bachelor of Asian Studies at ANU will define Australia’s productive and peaceful engagement with the region through the 21st century. 

Employment Opportunities

Actuaries work in a wide variety of areas, often in positions of seniority in a business. Examples of the job titles associated with actuarial studies are listed below:

Investment analyst

Trained to analyse the activities and future prospects and earnings of companies and securities for the purpose of investment.

Investment manager

Specialises in the investment of a portfolio of securities on behalf of individuals and/or organisations subject to the guidelines and directions of the investor.

Liability manager

Engaged by holders of liabilities, such as insurance companies, banks or superannuation funds, to advise on appropriate payment strategies and organisational structures to meet a stream of obligations.

Consultant

Offer their professional services for a fee, provide a wide range of services, including; advice on financial decisions, independent valuations, design of insurance funds, and future financial planning strategies.

Data analyst

Processes and investigates large of amounts of data for or on behalf of organisation, in order to solve business problems and take advantage of business opportunities.

Senior manager

In addition to the roles described above, many actuaries successfully move into high-level administrative and management positions. Their broad training reflects the strong interdisciplinary nature of the actuarial profession, which mixes the need for strong theoretical skills with the need for sound practical intuition.

Actuaries work in a wide variety of areas, often in positions of seniority in a business. Examples of the job titles associated with actuarial studies are listed below:

Investment analyst

Trained to analyse the activities and future prospects and earnings of companies and securities for the purpose of investment.

Investment manager

Specialises in the investment of a portfolio of securities on behalf of individuals and/or organisations subject to the guidelines and directions of the investor.

Liability manager

Engaged by holders of liabilities, such as insurance companies, banks or superannuation funds, to advise on appropriate payment strategies and organisational structures to meet a stream of obligations.

Consultant

Offer their professional services for a fee, provide a wide range of services, including; advice on financial decisions, independent valuations, design of insurance funds, and future financial planning strategies.

Data analyst

Processes and investigates large of amounts of data for or on behalf of organisation, in order to solve business problems and take advantage of business opportunities.

Senior manager

In addition to the roles described above, many actuaries successfully move into high-level administrative and management positions. Their broad training reflects the strong interdisciplinary nature of the actuarial profession, which mixes the need for strong theoretical skills with the need for sound practical intuition.

Learning Outcomes

1. Utilise concepts in financial mathematics, including the time value of money, annuities, bond and loan calculations.
2. Describe the fundamental concepts of micro and macroeconomics.
3. Apply mathematical statistics, regression modelling and other advanced statistical techniques in various discipline backgrounds.
4. Describe and apply stochastic processes, survival models and their application in actuarial contexts.
5. Using a diverse range of discipline backgrounds and varied data, model and value cashflows dependent on death, survival, illness, retirement, and other contingencies.
6. Apply risk modelling techniques across a variety of financial contexts.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of different disciplinary approaches and methods drawn from the humanities and social sciences, to synthesise knowledge about Asia, its regions, and its place in the world.
2. Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the regional diversity of the societies, cultures, and life-systems perspectives across Asia and Oceania.
3. Develop, refine, and apply the skills to recognise transdisciplinary opportunities and collaborate to solve complex transdisciplinary problems.
4. Evaluate ideas and debate issues in both English and an Asian language, using academic style for written work.
5. Critically apply theoretical frameworks and research techniques to understand the global significance of Asia as a region and as a composite of diverse societies and cultures.
6. Exercise critical thinking and judgment in identifying and solving problems, individually and in groups.

Further Information

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies enables students to undertake a sequence of accredited courses that satisfy certain educational requirements of the Actuaries Institute. For more information visit the ANU Actuaries Institute exemption policy page. The ANU is also a designated Centre of Actuarial Excellence for the Society of Actuaries (US) and is accredited to grant credit for their exams under the University Earned Credit (UEC) program. For more information visit the ANU Society of Actuaries (SOA) page.

Student Responsibility

It is the student's responsibility to select electives in such a way that:

• they satisfy prerequisites for the corresponding course/s.
• they conform to the rules set out in Programs and Courses or if unsure seek advice from CBE Student Services.

It is the student's responsibility to select the courses appropriate for their program.

Electives

Students have 48 units of electives in a single degree program. No more than 10 courses at 1000 level.

Assessing Degree Transfer Requests:

For students wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies, in addition to the standard internal transfer processes (Procedure: Admissions (Coursework) clauses 34-38), the following mathematics requirements apply:

• Students with less than 48 units of study at ANU will be assessed based on their application to study at the university and their ability to meet the math requirements.
• Students with at least 48 units of study at ANU will have to achieve an appropriate GPA and have completed both MATH1013 and MATH1014 (with an average mark of at least 75) or MATH1113 (with a mark of at least 70) or both MATH1115 and MATH1116 (with an average mark of at least 65).

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies enables students to undertake a sequence of accredited courses that satisfy certain educational requirements of the Actuaries Institute. For more information visit the ANU Actuaries Institute exemption policy page. The ANU is also a designated Centre of Actuarial Excellence for the Society of Actuaries (US) and is accredited to grant credit for their exams under the University Earned Credit (UEC) program. For more information visit the ANU Society of Actuaries (SOA) page.

Student Responsibility

It is the student's responsibility to select electives in such a way that:

• they satisfy prerequisites for the corresponding course/s.
• they conform to the rules set out in Programs and Courses or if unsure seek advice from CBE Student Services.

It is the student's responsibility to select the courses appropriate for their program.

Electives

Students have 48 units of electives in a single degree program. No more than 10 courses at 1000 level.

Assessing Degree Transfer Requests:

For students wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies, in addition to the standard internal transfer processes (Procedure: Admissions (Coursework) clauses 34-38), the following mathematics requirements apply:

• Students with less than 48 units of study at ANU will be assessed based on their application to study at the university and their ability to meet the math requirements.
• Students with at least 48 units of study at ANU will have to achieve an appropriate GPA and have completed both MATH1013 and MATH1014 (with an average mark of at least 75) or MATH1113 (with a mark of at least 70) or both MATH1115 and MATH1116 (with an average mark of at least 65).

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites

• ACT:

Required: Mathematical Methods (Major) / Further Mathematics (Major) / Specialist Mathematics (Major) / Specialist Methods (Major)

Recommended: Specialist Mathematics/Specialist Methods (Major/Minor)

• NSW:

Required: Mathematics Advanced or equivalent

Recommended: Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent

• VIC: Mathematics Methods or equivalent
• QLD: Mathematics Methods or equivalent
• TAS: Mathematical methods/Mathematics Specialised/Mathematics 1 and II through U Tas/Both Mathematics 1 and II through UTAS/Both Advanced Calculus and Applications 1A and 1B through UTAS
• SA / NT: Mathematical Methods or equivalent
• WA: Mathematical Methods or equivalent
• IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations HL/Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL or HL

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are combined with an applicant's secondary education results to determine their Selection Rank. ANU offers adjustment factors based on equity, diversity, and/or performance principles, such as for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.

To be eligible for adjustment factors, you must have:

• achieved a Selection Rank of 70 or more before adjustment factors are applied
• if you have undertaken higher education, completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of a higher education program
• applied for an eligible ANU bachelor degree program

Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses 

A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving

The 96 units must include:

72 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

ACST3032 Actuarial Data Analysis

ECON1101 Microeconomics 1

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods

STAT2005 Introduction to Stochastic Processes

STAT2013 Introductory Mathematical Statistics for Actuarial Studies

STAT2014 Regression Modelling for Actuarial Studies

STAT2032 Financial Mathematics

STAT3032 Survival Models

STAT3037 Life Contingencies

STAT3038 Actuarial Techniques

STAT3057 Risk Modelling 1

STAT3058 Risk Modelling 2

6 units from completion of a course from the following list:

ECON1100 Economics 1 (H)

ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1

6 units from completion of a course from the following list:

MATH1013 Mathematics and Application 1

MATH1113 Mathematical Foundations for Actuarial Studies

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Application 1

12 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU, which may include courses from the following list:

BUSN1001 Business Reporting and Analysis

CBEA2001 Australian Indigenous Perspectives in Business and Economics

CBEA3001 College of Business and Economics Special Industry Project (UG)

CBEA3066 Global Business Immersion

CBEA3070 ANU College of Business and Economics Internship Program

FINM1001 Foundations of Finance

FINM2001 Corporate Finance

FINM2002 Derivatives

FINM3003 Continuous Time Finance

FINM3011 Investments

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2

Students may choose to take two MATH courses instead of MATH1113. The options are MATH1013 / MATH1014 or MATH1115 / MATH1116. MATH1013 / MATH1014 is recommended for students with the bare minimum of mathematical background for the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies or for those not confident in their mathematical ability. MATH1115 / MATH1116 is a higher level of MATH1013 / MATH1014 and is recommended for those who are considering further mathematical study. Should two MATH courses be chosen, an elective MATH course should be taken from the last list.

In the requirements of the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies above, it is not possible to gain full exemptions from the Actuaries Institute Foundation Program requirements as some exemption courses are not listed as compulsory courses. For details pertaining to the Actuaries Institute exemptions, please refer to the ANU Actuaries Institute exemption policy page. For details pertaining to the granting of credit for the Society of Actuaries exams under the University Earned Credit program, please refer to the the ANU Society of Actuaries (SOA) page. By including any missing exemption courses in the other flexible double degree, or non-award study (i.e. applying to take more than the standard four courses in some semesters on non-award basis which means you will need to pay full fees for the courses you are overloading), students may be able to complete the courses required to fully satisfy the accreditation program.

If your flexible double degree is within the College of Business and Economics (for example Commerce and Economics), the suggested study plan may show the same course twice. If this is the case, you must only do the course once and replace the other course with a University Wide Elective.

The minor in Business and Economics Essentials will not be listed on transcripts for students completing the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies.

The Bachelor of Asian Studies flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

A minimum of 18 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses

A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving

The 96 units must consist of:

96 units as follows:

12 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

ASIA1025 Asia and the Pacific: Power, Diversity and Change

ASIA1030 Asia and the Pacific in Motion

48 units from completion of one of the following majors:

Asian and Pacific Culture, Media, and Gender

Asian History

Chinese Studies

South Asian Studies

Japanese Linguistics

Japanese Studies

Korean Studies

Northeast Asian Studies

Southeast Asian Studies

Chinese Language

Hindi Language

Indonesian Language

Japanese Language

Korean Language

Sanskrit Language

Thai Language

Vietnamese Language

A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving

A minimum of 12 and maximum of 24 units from completion of courses:

in an Asian Language minor to meet the Asian Language requirements

in one or more of the majors listed above

12 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

ASIA1025 Asia and the Pacific: Power, Diversity and Change

ASIA1030 Asia and the Pacific in Motion

48 units from completion of one of the following majors:

Asian and Pacific Culture, Media, and Gender

Asian History

Chinese Studies

South Asian Studies

Japanese Linguistics

Japanese Studies

Korean Studies

Northeast Asian Studies

Southeast Asian Studies

Chinese Language

Hindi Language

Indonesian Language

Japanese Language

Korean Language

Sanskrit Language

Thai Language

Vietnamese Language

A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving

A minimum of 12 and maximum of 24 units from completion of courses:

in an Asian Language minor to meet the Asian Language requirements

in one or more of the majors listed above.

Majors

Bachelor of Asian Studies Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Asian Studies Minors

Bachelor of Actuarial Studies Minors

Study Options