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.

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.

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. 

Practicals (2 hours)
During practicals you learn how to work with various mathematical and statistical computer programmes. 

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. 

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.

The 2^nd 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.

The 1^st 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. 

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.

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.

At UvA there are all sorts of activities you can undertake during your university years to explore and develop your network, talents and skills.

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.

During your Bachelor's programme, you could put your knowledge into practice by means of a work placement.

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.

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.

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)

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).

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.

In both Actuarial Science and Econometrics mathematics, statistics, and economics have focus. Actuarial Science is more about understanding and managing financial risks, especially in insurance and finance. Econometrics is concerned with analysing and making sense of economic relationships from a broader perspective. Goal is to help organisations in making better business and policy decisions.

This Bachelor's programme is very focused on mathematics. Therefore it is an advantage if mathematics is one of your favourite subjects and you excel in it. If you want to know which level of math is required, please take a look at the entry requirements.

No, you don't need any programming skills before you start with the Bachelor's in Actuarial Science. You will learn everything you need to know in terms of programming during the Bachelor's.

No, there are no differences.

The first 2 years of the programmes are nearly identical. Therefore it is possible to switch between the two programmes until the end of the 2nd year. Depending on the time of your switch, you may need to take an extra course to comply with the requirements of your new programme.

To make the transition from secondary school to university as easy as possible, you will receive extra guidance in the 1st year and will be assigned a tutor. This tutor will introduce you to both the campus and the city of Amsterdam, so you will quickly feel at home. This senior student will also give you tips on how to study smart and you can discuss your study goals and progress.

During the rest of your studies you can also count on support from our study advisers, mentors, tutors and our Economics and Business Career Centre. You can contact our experienced student advisers for questions about your Bachelor's programme, study planning or personal circumstances that may affect your studies.