Undergraduate · LSE Actuarial Science
LSE's BSc Actuarial Science is a quantitatively focused degree that blends statistics, mathematics, finance and the social sciences, accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for exemption from some professional examinations. It asks for A* in Mathematics, expects Further Mathematics where it is offered, encourages but does not require the TMUA, and names a single IB Mathematics syllabus. The decision is whether a student wants the actuarial profession as a destination, rather than finance, statistics or economics. Everything cycle-specific here is LSE's wording for 2027 entry; nothing below is a confirmed 2028 requirement.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
Taken from LSE's BSc Actuarial Science programme page and read on 31 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; LSE's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
The A-level requirement is A*AA with an A* in Mathematics. Where your school offers it, AS- or A-level Further Mathematics is expected to be taken and a grade A achieved. The minimum GCSEs are English and Mathematics at grade B (6).
The IB Diploma requirement is 39 points overall, including 766 in Higher Level subjects, with 7 in Mathematics: analysis and approaches.
Mathematics at A level or equivalent is required and Further Mathematics at AS level or above is highly desirable. Physics or Chemistry provide good preparation but are not mandatory.
Applicants are encouraged to take the TMUA. The test is not mandatory, but a good performance may make an application more competitive.
The programme is accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations. A version with a placement year runs for four years.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on LSE's BSc Actuarial Science programme page, which describes 2027 entry. LSE's separate subject-combinations and contextual-admissions pages, English language requirements, fees, placement-year details, graduate-destination claims on the page (not used) and the 2028-entry values were not read or are not stated.
The course
LSE describes the programme as a blend of statistics, mathematics, finance and the social sciences, designed for students with strong mathematical aptitude, with an academic, mathematics-focused approach applied to insurance, finance, climate change, government and commerce. The first year has two compulsory courses in mathematics and statistics (Mathematical Methods and Elementary Statistical Theory) alongside microeconomics, macroeconomics and LSE100. The second year has six compulsory half-unit courses including Probability and Distribution Theory, Statistical Inference, two Further Mathematical Methods courses and Mathematics for Finance and Investment. Optional courses in statistics, mathematics, finance, economics, accounting and management follow. A version with a placement year runs for four years.
Choosing between courses
These degrees share mathematics but differ in the destination they prepare for.
you are drawn to probability, statistics and the modelling of risk, and the actuarial profession, with professional exam exemptions, is something you want to keep open.
your interest is financial markets or data. Each has its own guide in this series and its own subject rules.
you want a joint or research-oriented degree with economics as half of the content. Those degrees have their own guides.
That UCL degree has its own requirements and guide. Do not assume that a requirement at one university carries across.
Reading the offer
The A-level offer is A*AA with an A* in Mathematics. Where your school offers Further Mathematics, LSE expects you to take it and achieve a grade A, and it describes Further Mathematics at AS level or above as highly desirable. Physics or Chemistry provide good preparation but are not mandatory, and good GCSE marks in quantitative courses are desirable. The IB requirement is 39 points with 766 at Higher Level and 7 in Mathematics: analysis and approaches. A student taking the applications and interpretation syllabus should check the position with LSE.
The TMUA and selection
LSE encourages applicants to take the TMUA but says it is not mandatory and that a good performance may make an application more competitive. It reads each application as a whole. LSE says it looks for outstanding mathematical abilities, an interest in actuarial science, involvement in related activities such as mathematics competitions or Olympiads, independent thinking, intellectual curiosity and creativity in problem-solving. LSE also says competition is high and it cannot guarantee an offer even if you are predicted or achieve the standard requirements.
A decision framework
This is Avandy's own framework, not LSE's.
The second year is built around probability and statistical inference. Work through a probability problem and see whether the reasoning appeals.
The IFoA accreditation matters if you want exam exemptions. Read about what actuaries do before you decide.
Both appear in the requirement. Check where you stand.
Planning for 2028 entry
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules LSE has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means LSE published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means LSE has not yet published it.
These are the best guide to what to prepare. LSE has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Check LSE's Actuarial Science programme page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
Secure Mathematics and Further Mathematics, check the IB syllabus rule if relevant, and decide whether TMUA preparation fits your plans.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the London School of Economics and Political Science or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Mathematics, statistics and TMUA preparation help a student prepare; Avandy does not promise an offer or a career outcome, and LSE says competition for places is high. No outcome is promised.
Questions
A*AA at A level with A* in Mathematics, or 39 IB points including 766 at Higher Level with 7 in Mathematics: analysis and approaches. This is LSE's wording for 2027 entry.
LSE expects Further Mathematics to be taken and a grade A achieved where your school or college offers it, and describes it as highly desirable at AS level or above.
No. LSE encourages applicants to take it, but says it is not mandatory.
LSE says it is accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.
LSE describes a version, BSc Actuarial Science (with a Placement Year), which runs for four years with the placement in Year 3.
No. They are LSE's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the programme page again when LSE publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics and Further Mathematics and their TMUA plans, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.
