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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2011

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2011.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2010.

309706 v.1 Master of Science (Actuarial and Financial Science)

MSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 054627G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1.5 Years

Introduction

The course is designed to prepare graduates with a solid foundation of financial mathematics and actuarial science, for employment as financial advisors to a wide range of commercial organisations including insurance companies, investment and superannuation funds, banks and stockbrokers, as well as governments.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

An Honours degree or a four-year Bachelor degree in mathematics/statistics, science, engineering or finance. In addition, applicants must have basic mathematics and statistical background and competence equivalent to at least the level of Advanced Calculus 201 (unit code: 8127), Linear Algebra 202 (8128) and Statistical Methods 560 (301350). Unit information is available in the Online Handbook.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This fee paying course is one and a half years full-time or equivalent part-time study. Two intakes are offered each year in March and August.

Course Organisation

This course is available to both international and domestic students. The course covers a wide range of advanced studies in applied statistics, actuarial finance and investment science. Students must complete 12 units including the Master Project 503 and at least five other core units totalling 300 credits.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian mathematical society.

Career Opportunities

Graduates generally find employment with insurance companies, investment and superannuation funds, banks and stockbrokers, and governments.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
12752 v.3 *#   Finance (Corporate) 572 3.0 25.0
12754 v.3 *#   Finance (Derivative Securities) 574 3.0 25.0
305813 v.3   Finance (Principles) 515 3.0 25.0
309805 v.1 *   Life Contingencies 501 4.0 25.0
309809 v.1 *   Risk Analysis and Credibility Theory 502 4.0 25.0
309811 v.1 *   Survival Analysis 501 4.0 25.0
309812 v.1 *   Theory of Interest 502 4.0 25.0
309813 v.1   Master Project 503 1.0 25.0
311632 v.1 *   Investment Science 501 4.0 25.0
  SELECT 3 OPTIONS   75.0
  300.0
Optional Units (No Year Level Specified) Hrs/Wk Credit
12753 v.3   Finance (International) 573 3.0 25.0
301337 v.3   Finance (Analysis) 506 3.0 25.0
302332 v.3   Applied Statistics 401 3.0 25.0
309803 v.1   Actuarial Statistics 501 4.0 25.0
309806 v.1   Life Contingencies 502 4.0 25.0
309807 v.1   Mathematical Statistics 503 4.0 25.0
311623 v.2   Practical Mathematical Financial Modelling 202 3.0 25.0
311630 v.2   Investment Science 502 4.0 25.0
6121 v.5   Advanced Optimisation Techniques 501 3.0 25.0
6125 v.6   Numerical Methods 501 3.0 25.0

*    Students must do a minimum of 5 core units and may substitute a maximum of 2 core units with listed options

*#    Students who do not have a finance background and competence equivalent to Finance (Principles) 515, 305813, must first complete Finance (Principles) 515 to enrol in this unit

NB    Other Mathematics/Finance options may be undertaken subject to consultation with and approval of the course coordinator

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.