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Actuarial Science vs Accounting and Finance at uni

So I’ve been thinking about which degree to take at university, and I can’t decide which is better, actuarial science (BSc Hons) or accounting and finance (BSc)? I’m thinking of either becoming an actuary or an accountant, so I really can’t decide. Which would you say is a better bachelor’s degree at uni? Which one is better in an employer’s eyes? Which one is more useful?

Reply 1

With these degrees, the only real comparison can be made when applying for jobs after the degree has finished. For example, if you do actuarial science, then you may obtain exemptions for certain iFoA exams and with an accounting degree you may obtain ACA or ACCA exemptions for example. Hence, it depends on which job you apply for. That said, there is some crossover and both degrees could probably get you started in both fields although perhaps not with exemptions. I would expect that actuarial science requires a higher standard of mathematics so maybe bear that in mind.

Hope this helps.

Reply 2

Original post
by bigbill044
With these degrees, the only real comparison can be made when applying for jobs after the degree has finished. For example, if you do actuarial science, then you may obtain exemptions for certain iFoA exams and with an accounting degree you may obtain ACA or ACCA exemptions for example. Hence, it depends on which job you apply for. That said, there is some crossover and both degrees could probably get you started in both fields although perhaps not with exemptions. I would expect that actuarial science requires a higher standard of mathematics so maybe bear that in mind.
Hope this helps.

Which would you say has more job opportunities? Or like “open more doors”?

Reply 3

Original post
by Wearetwins
Which would you say has more job opportunities? Or like “open more doors”?

From the time I spent looking for graduate jobs (my degree is in maths btw) there were more accounting jobs than actuary jobs. They are still difficult to get anyway so the availability of jobs shouldn't hold too much sway in your decision. If you are looking to keep doors open, perhaps a course such as MORSE (Maths, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics) would be worth looking into.

Reply 4

Original post
by bigbill044
From the time I spent looking for graduate jobs (my degree is in maths btw) there were more accounting jobs than actuary jobs. They are still difficult to get anyway so the availability of jobs shouldn't hold too much sway in your decision. If you are looking to keep doors open, perhaps a course such as MORSE (Maths, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics) would be worth looking into.

Ohhh that’s a good idea! Thank you! What jobs can I do if I take MORSE? Can I still become an accountant or actuary?

Reply 5

Original post
by Wearetwins
Ohhh that’s a good idea! Thank you! What jobs can I do if I take MORSE? Can I still become an accountant or actuary?

Yes of course. For many actuary and accountant roles, they ask for a numerate degree. MORSE is very numerate and also grants exemptions to some iFOA exams I think. I know a few people who did MORSE and then went on to do either finance or actuarial stuff.

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