Statistics MA (Hons)

First Year

Students will take between one and three first-year modules in mathematics. There is one core compulsory module, 'Mathematics', that and can be studied in either semester.

• Mathematics: introduces ideas, methods and techniques required for applying mathematics in the physical sciences or for further study in mathematics.

Students who do not possess at least a B at Advanced Higher or A-Level Mathematics will need to take Introductory Mathematics in their first semester before taking the compulsory Mathematics module. This option is popular for students on different degree routes who wish to study Mathematics.

• Introductory Mathematics: designed for students who do not meet the entry requirements for the first-year Mathematics module. Provides a secure base in elementary calculus.

First year students interested in Mathematics can also choose modules in Statistics, and in Pure and Applied Mathematics. Find a full list of first year Mathematics modules in the module catalogue.

Second Year

Students will take the following compulsory second-year modules:

• Combinatorics and Probability: covers combinatorics and finite sets and also the study of probability.
• Linear Mathematics: builds on existing knowledge of matrices and systems of linear equations.
• Statistical Inference: introduces techniques for drawing inferences about population characteristics from observed data.

In addition, students must take at least one of the following second-year modules:

• Abstract Algebra: explores the key concepts of modern abstract algebra: groups, rings and fields.
• Analysis: introduces key concepts of real analysis: limit, continuity and differentiation.
• Multivariate Calculus: extends basic calculus in a single variable to the setting of real functions of several variables.

Honours

If you decide to take Statistics in your third and fourth years, you choose from a wide variety of advanced options, ranging from statistical theory to practical applications in computer science.

Here is a sample of Honours modules which have been offered in previous years:

• Bayesian Inference
• Computing in Statistics
• Mathematical Statistics
• Quantitative Risk Management
• Statistical Inference.

In your final year, you also undertake a project on a topic chosen in consultation with the teaching staff at the School of Mathematics and Statistics. You will be required to investigate the topic, submit a report and give a presentation.