The programme
The first 2 academic years of the BSc Actuarial Science are in common with the Bachelor's programme in Econometrics.
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Year 1: develop a solid foundation
This year is all about your basic knowledge of mathematics, statistics and economics. During the courses:
- you will get acquainted with the quantitative economics programmes: Actuarial Science, and Econometrics.
- you will examine case studies and complete assignments on the computer.
- you will learn to work with advanced mathematical and statistical software such as R.
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Year 2: extend your foundation
The 2nd year enhances your mathematical, statistical and research skills. You will start to apply these tools to econometrics and data science. You will execute your first ever research project. Also, you will take mandatory courses like Risk Theory and Life Insurance Mathematics.
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Year 3: analyse and solve problems
The 1st semester of this year is all yours to construct: take electives, follow a minor, do an internship or study abroad. In the 2nd semester, you will become more and more familiar with the process of mathematically translating and clarifying the financial and economic risk-management problems faced by insurers, financial institutions and government bodies. And of course, you will be writing your BSc thesis.
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Thesis
Are you enthusiastic about a new development or idea in Actuarial Science? Wile writing your thesis, you have the chance to explore it fully while simultaneously training your ability to independently conduct and communicate relevant research. Your thesis is the final requirement to be completed for your graduation.

Hi, I'm Ekaterina! I'm a Bachelor’s student in Actuarial Science from Russia. Got questions about studying at the UvA? Get in touch.Chat with Ekaterina
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Macroeconomics for AEPeriod 16
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Mathematics 1: CalculusPeriod 16
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Microeconomics for AEPeriod 26
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Probability Theory and Statistics 1Period 26
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Introduction Econometrics and Actuarial SciencePeriod 36
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Finance for AEPeriod 46
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Mathematics 2: Linear AlgebraPeriod 46
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Probability Theory and Statistics 2Period 56
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Programming and Numerical AnalysisPeriod 56
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Introduction Data Science: Data PreprocessingPeriod 66
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Life Insurance MathematicsPeriod 16
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Mathematics 3: Advanced Linear Algebra and Real AnalysisPeriod 16
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Mathematics 4: Multivariate AnalysisPeriod 26
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Probability Theory and Statistics 3Period 26
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Statistical LearningPeriod 36
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Econometrics 1Period 46
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Mathematical Economics 1Period 46
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Econometrics 2Period 56
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Risk TheoryPeriod 56
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Empirical ProjectPeriod 66
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Mathematical and Empirical FinancePeriod 16
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Free-choice electives: Studying abroad, or Minor, or ElectivesPeriod 1Period 2Period 324
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Financial Accounting in Life InsurancePeriod 46
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Research Seminar Actuarial Science and Mathematical FinancePeriod 46
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Stochastic Models in Life InsurancePeriod 56
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Bachelor's Thesis and Thesis Seminar Actuarial SciencePeriod 5Period 612
Student coaching
The transition from secondary school to university can be a major step. For this reason, you will receive intensive academic counselling as a 1-year student. You can also count on individual support during the rest of your studies.
'The study programme has gone far beyond my expectations. Being a small, specialised programme, it was easy to get to know my fellow classmates. Everyone helps each other out when it gets rough from time to time. The lecturers are extremely open and approachable. They will always be there to help you out if, for example, you misunderstood a concept and are in need of guidance.'
Your study week
Expanding your knowledge and at the same time developing your skills is key. That is why you will participate in a variety of teaching activities. Most of the courses are evaluated with one or more tests. This is usually a written examination, but it can also be an essay, a report, or a presentation.
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Lectures (8 hours)
Lectures give an introductory overview into the course content. You will attend them together with your fellow students. You take notes and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Also, you can expect guest lectures from experts working in a wide range of economic organisations and fields.
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Tutorials (6 hours)
During seminars you will discuss specific subjects from the lectures in small groups. Exercises and practice assignments will help you to become adept with the theory.
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Practicals (2 hours)
During practicals you learn how to work with various mathematical and statistical computer programmes.
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Self-study (20 hours)
During your study week, you spend time to study theory, go over lectures and seminars, and prepare for exams and presentations.

If you take out a car insurance policy, the insurance company agrees to help pay for the repair in case of an accident. For this you pay a fixed amount (premium) to the insurance company. But how does an insurance company determine the height of the premium? Should every driver be charged the same amount, or should more ‘risky’ drivers pay more? If so, how can we rate drivers in terms of riskiness? Does age or gender matter? And their history of previous insurance claims? Or the age and model of the car? Learn how to answer these questions (and more) using empirical data, sophisticated statistical models, and programming and data processing skills.
Additional options during your studies
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Minors and electives
At UvA there are all sorts of activities you can undertake during your university years to explore and develop your network, talents and skills.
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Honours programme
If you are ambitious, you can choose to take part in our Honours programme. You take the Honours programme alongside your regular studies. Completion results in you graduating 'with honours': an internationally recognised qualification.
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Internships
During your Bachelor's programme, you could put your knowledge into practice by means of a work placement.
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Studying a semester abroad
Studying abroad allows you to get to know a different culture, language and country, and we strongly recommend you take advantage of this opportunity. We have made collaborative and exchange agreements with over a 100 universities abroad, enabling you to study there for a semester.
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Dutch language course
Are you interested in learning Dutch? There are different options to give you the opportunity to maximise your Dutch experience and prepare for your future job in the Netherlands.
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Study associations
Many of our students are members of a study association. It is fun and useful for your future career at the same time. Faculty student associations are a great way to meet fellow students and future employers. They organise study trips (abroad), career events, weekly debates, parties and receptions with drinks. Sometimes you can also purchase your textbooks and course syllabi at reduced rates.
Overview Study Associations
- Faculty student association Sefa
- International Student Committee (ISC,part of Sefa)
- International Student Network Amsterdam (ISN, part of Sefa)
- Study Association Actuarial Sciences, Econometrics and Operational Research (VSAE)
- Financial Study Association Amsterdam (FSA)
- Marketing Association Amsterdam (MAA)
- International study association (AIESEC)
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Student associations
Amsterdam has a thriving student community with many activities organised outside of the university’s grounds. You will find student associations focusing on networking, specific interests and sports. It is only at sororities and fraternities that you can expect an initiation ritual (hazing).
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Student participation
At university, you are entitled to make your voice heard and assess the quality of your own education. Students can participate in the discussion on the university's education policy in various ways, such as by joining the Programme Committee, the Faculty Student Council or the first-year focus group. You can also stand for election and dedicate your efforts to the programme and your fellow students.

Interactive Online Learning at UvA Economics and Business
During your Bachelor’s, you will experience an inspiring combination of both offline and online education. We work with a blended learning teaching method. By applying this method, you will be able to combine different types of learning into 1 approach and enjoy mastering knowledge at your own pace. During class there will be more time for in-depth analyses and interaction with your lecturer and peers.
Types of education
In this programme, you will find that in your education there’s a balance between innovative teaching methods and traditional forms. Writing an academic paper can be alternated by an online challenge. A peer-feedback assignments or a video recording with explanation can also be part of the teaching method.
Our Centre for Educational Innovation and our Teaching and Learning Centre are continuously working on improving our teaching methods. We take the interactions between students, teachers, and learning resources into account. In doing so, we hope to offer you the right combination of challenging, effective, and efficient education.