Research Route

Please note: The research route (SA0) is under review, and we are not accepting applications at this time.

You can undertake some original research as an alternative to taking one of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries' (IFoA's) Specialist Applications exams.

Your research must involve an actuarial approach to problem solving, and make an original contribution to actuarial science. The dissertation must demonstrate how the work links to relevant actuarial knowledge.

The research is expected to be of the level of MPhil or research degree and is likely to require at least two years of part-time study.

How do I apply?

You must have achieved passes in the following subjects from the former curriculum: CT1-8, CA1, CA3 and 1 ST subject before you will be accepted for the SA0 route. In the new curriculum this corresponds to passes in: CS1, CS2, CM1, CM2, CB1, CB2, CP1, CP3 and 1 SP subject. 

You need to send in a project proposal and a plan of work for a piece of original research on an actuarial topic which meets the criteria for SA0 projects discussed on this page.

The fee for SA0 is £1,340.

How does the process work?

This type of alternative assessment is resource intensive so a Board of Examiners Sub-committee will decide how many projects of this nature they can allow at any one time.

Preference will be given to projects in areas where no alternative examination is available. If your project proposal is approved we will appoint supervisors to oversee your work.

Once you have completed your dissertation we will discuss it with you, your supervisors and an independent external examiner at a viva exam. The assessment will result in one of the following:

• pass
• pass with minor modifications
• re-submit after further work
• fail.

There are key differences between this type of research project and one used to gain exemption from the Specialist Technical Subjects

• The IFoA must be involved from the start, and agree the objectives of the research.
• The project will test higher order skills, and have a greater length and depth of work.

Your work should be of a standard to pass peer review. This standard is one suitable for publication in refereed journals, although it is understood that some projects will be commercially sensitive.

Communication of your results will be important as well as the actuarial study. Your dissertation must contain an abstract and is likely to contain most of the following elements:

• statement of the problem
• literature review
• data collection
• analysis
• conclusions and recommendations
• non-technical communication of conclusions.