PhD in Actuarial Science

Doctoral studies at the Department of Actuarial Science offer candidates the possibility of acquiring a high level of knowledge through intensive research training. The Faculty of Business and Economics and the Department of Actuarial Science offers a stimulating and productive research environment where PhD candidates work in close interaction with the professors. The main goal of the program is to attract the best doctoral students and develop them to be competent in conducting independent research. A PhD in Actuarial Science opens the way for an academic career but also offers very diverse opportunities in the financial, insurance, pensions risk management, and consulting sectors.

Doctoral studies aim at developing the ability to complete an independent scientific study within an agreed timetable, to make an original contribution to research, and to add to the body of knowledge in the chosen area. Undertaking a doctoral program implies a personal commitment for three to five years. It involves a long course of study dedicated to research, the results of which will be presented in a thesis.

The potential research areas cover both theoretical topics (e.g., risk theory, credibility theory, financial mathematics, statistics) and applied topics (evaluation of insurance companies and pensions funds, financial markets and services, insurance products, etc.). The doctoral courses include the yearly International Summer School of the Swiss Actuarial Association that is held in Lausanne as well as many research seminars and specific courses in the candidate’s fields covering the whole range of topics related to Actuarial Science.

The Department of Actuarial Science has a strong international reputation and the training of PhD students is closely linked to the research of the faculty. The PhD program plays an important role in involving the PhD students in original research production. Thus, many students succeed in publishing their work during their studies in the top journals of their field. PhD students also present their work at international conferences where regularly awards are won.

The doctoral program attracts students having masters from various fields including actuarial science, mathematics, finance, economics and management. The strength of the program is evidenced in the students’ placements in top institutions both in terms of academic and business appointments.

You can find more information about the PhD in Actuarial Science on the other pages of the website.