Find the top UK universities for Actuarial Science in 2026. Our rankings balance student satisfaction, teaching quality, and career prospects to help you pick the best uni for you.
Best Universities for Actuarial Science: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
| Rank | University | Academic | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gold | Newcastle University | 89 | 85 |
| 2 Silver | Cardiff University | 88 | 82 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Leeds | 89 | 72 |
| 4 | University of Liverpool | 87 | 86 |
| 5 | University of Manchester | 90 | 68 |
| 6 | University of Sheffield | 87 | 81 |
| 7 | University of Glasgow | 89 | 81 |
| 8 | University of Nottingham | 87 | 74 |
| 9 | University of York | 85 | 73 |
| 10 | Durham University | 91 | 68 |
1. Newcastle University Gold
2. Cardiff University Silver
3. University of Leeds Bronze
4. University of Liverpool
5. University of Manchester
6. University of Sheffield
7. University of Glasgow
8. University of Nottingham
9. University of York
10. Durham University
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Actuarial Science rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what really matters to students.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Actuarial Science Universities Explained
University of Warwick
Highly regarded for academic excellence and strong industry connections, Warwick leads in graduate employability.
University of Manchester
Known for vibrant student life and excellent teaching, Manchester also offers a range of practical work placements.
University of Southampton
Strong in research output with a supportive campus community, Southampton provides great value for money.
University of Leeds
Leeds combines solid teaching quality with good social opportunities and career support.
University of Edinburgh
High entry standards and student satisfaction make Edinburgh a top choice for actuarial students.
University of Glasgow
Affordable city living paired with excellent student wellbeing services and academic strength.
University of Nottingham
Well-balanced social life and academic rigor, with strong links to the insurance and finance sectors.
Durham University
Known for close-knit student community and top-tier career prospects in actuarial fields.
University of Bristol
Research-focused with high teaching quality and good graduate outcomes in related fields.
University of Bath
Renowned for employer reputation and placements, Bath offers great support and social life.
Career Prospects After an Actuarial Science Degree
Actuarial Science graduates are in demand across insurance, finance, and consultancy. The UK job market values their quantitative skills highly. For broader career insights, check our overall UK university rankings or explore Mathematics as a related option.
Actuarial Science Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Typical UCAS points required range from 130 to 160 depending on the university. Strong maths skills are essential. Check our course selection tips if you’re unsure about predicted grades.
Cheapest Cities to Study Actuarial Science in the UK
Sheffield, Glasgow, and Newcastle are affordable cities with a good balance of living costs and student amenities. Factor in rent, transport, and social costs when deciding.
Best Actuarial Science Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Manchester, Leeds, and Nottingham top the list for nightlife and student social scenes. Check student unions for relevant societies and networking opportunities.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities like Warwick, Edinburgh, and Durham rank highly for student wellbeing and academic support. Look for strong NSS scores when choosing.
Not Sure About Actuarial Science? Consider These Alternatives
Explore degrees in Mathematics, Economics, or Finance if you want similar skills and career paths.
Summary: Which Actuarial Science Uni is Right for You?
Consider teaching quality, social life, cost of living, and career opportunities. Bookmark this guide and compare your options carefully to find the best fit.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Actuarial Science
Top UK universities for Actuarial Science include the University of Warwick, Cass Business School (City, University of London), and the University of Leicester. Our 2026 rankings reflect strong student satisfaction and graduate employability at these institutions.
Warwick often leads the rankings thanks to its excellent teaching and industry links, with City and Leicester also highly rated for course content and student outcomes.
Yes, an Actuarial Science degree offers strong career prospects in insurance, finance, and risk management. Graduates often secure well-paid roles, especially if they pass professional exams alongside their degree.
The UK is a top destination for Actuarial Science, known for rigorous courses and strong professional links. Other popular countries include the USA, Canada, and Australia, depending on your career focus.
Strong Maths skills are essential, with most universities requiring A-level Maths or equivalent. Some courses also prefer Further Maths or Economics. Always check specific entry requirements for each university.
Graduates often work as actuaries, risk analysts, financial consultants, or insurance specialists. The degree also opens doors in investment banking, data analysis, and consultancy.
Yes, the demand is high, especially in insurance and financial services. Skilled graduates with professional exam progress are particularly sought after by employers.
Starting salaries for actuarial graduates typically range from £30,000 to £40,000, with significant growth potential as you pass professional exams and gain experience.
Courses with integrated professional exam preparation and strong focus on maths and statistics are challenging. It helps to review course content and student feedback to prepare for the workload.
Most work in insurance firms, pension funds, consultancies, and banks. Some also pursue careers in data science or risk management roles across industries.
Yes, Actuarial Science is highly respected by employers and professional bodies, especially when completed at top-ranked UK universities with strong industry ties.
Unifresher Team
Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.
Student Writers
Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.
Expert Panel
We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.
Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:
- Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
- Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
- Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
- Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
- Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.
This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.
✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking
- Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
- Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
- Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
- Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
- Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
- Updated for 2025: Last checked
