Executive Master of Actuarial Science (EMAS)

Contents

In summary, the main components of the EMAS programme are: *

• 6 courses (24 ECTS)
• 8 cases (24 ECTS)
• Thesis (12 ECTS)
• Mentor system.

In view of the objectives of the EMAS programme and the broad range of aspects to be covered, the curriculum employs several different methods of tuition:

• Classical lectures and tutorials
• Advanced quantitative techniques, insights in the psychology and the sociology of risk, and training of competences
• A series of integrative case studies done by groups of 4 to 6 participants
• The case studies will cover different fields of actuarial science; they address technical skills as well as competences in for instance project management and communication
• In the final phase of the programme, participants write an individual thesis
• Personal development is monitored by means of a mentor system.

Six Courses (24 ECTS, English)

Four courses are strongly quantitative in nature and are taught successively; the two remaining courses are taught in parallel with these four. Lectures and tutorials for each course are concentrated in four two-day meetings (Friday and Saturday). All courses carry a study load of 4 ECTS. An exemption for certain courses is possible depending on preliminary education.

Depending on the nature of the course, these meetings may combine lectures with computer sessions or with group discussions. In addition to attending the course meetings, participants are required to study the course material and to complete homework assignments. The 6 courses are:

• Statistical Methods
• Valuation and Hedging
• Life Insurance and Pensions
• Risk and Regulation
• Risk Perception and Product Development
• Process Management and Communication

Each course is concluded with an examination.

Eight Cases (24 ECTS, English)

• Participants are able to apply quantitative methods and to address broader issues in financial security systems and financial risk management
• Cases are organized in teams, which gives participants the opportunity to practice skills in process management
• Each team working on a case is supervised by two instructors, one who is a professional practitioner and the other who is an from academic, so as to ensure practical relevance and an appropriate link to the current academic literature
• Cases are concluded in a presentation meeting
• Evaluation of each team’s performance takes place by the instructors
• After the completion of cases, teams have a meeting in which they evaluate the role of each team member in the process leading to the final result

Case Titles

• Long-term care insurance
• Run-off triangles
• Overcharging
• Universal life
• Traditional vs. market-based valuation
• Recovery plan
• Life style insurance
• Risk management in casualty-liability insurance

Thesis (12 ECTS, English)

The thesis constitutes proof of the individual qualities of the participant and of his of her ability to carry out a penetrating analysis of a specific topic. To enable participants to obtain support from each other, thesis projects are organised in groups around common risk themes, such as “pensions reform” or “Solvency II”. Each thesis group consists of four to six participants together with their supervisor. The groups meet every three or four weeks. Supervisors are also available for consultation outside the group meetings, for instance with respect to specific technical issues that are less suitable for group discussion.
* This programme information can be subjected to change.

Accreditation

There are many different accreditation agencies and the following highlights the
most important ones for TiasNimbas and its programmes.

The Association of MBAs (AMBA) is an international organisation that has accredited all our MBA programmes, including those offered in partnership with Bradford University School of Management. In addition, Bradford University is accredited by EQUIS.

The IMM (International Executive MBA Programme) is one of our programmes that, through its founding partners and their respective universities, qualifies for the international AACSB accreditation since both Purdue University and Tilburg University are AACSB accredited.In The Netherlands and Belgium, our MSc programme, as well as the Executive Master of Finance and Control (RC) are accredited by the NVAO. (Dutch Flemish Accreditation Organisation).

The following programmes are accredited by the NVAO. (Dutch Flemish Accreditation Organisation):

• International MSc in Business Administration
• Executive Master of Finance and Control (RC)
• Executive Master in Finance
• Executive Master of Business Valuation
• Executive Master of Management and Organisation

The TiasNimbas Master in Real Estate programme is RICS accredited. Created in 1868 and with 130 000 members in 120 countries, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) represents professionals working in property, land and the built environment all around the world.

The International Executive Doctorate (DBA+PhD), offered in partnership with the Cranfield University School of Management, is accredited by the Economic and Social Science Research Council (ESRC). This programme is one of only six in the UK to be recognised.

TiasNimbas is accredited by CEDEO for Accountancy Programmes. A selection of programmes at TiasNimbas is available for achieving the PE (permanent education) requirements for Royal NIVRA (Koninklijk Nederlands Instituut voor Registeraccountants).