Statistics

This degree provides the skills needed to collect, analyse, model and extract meaningful information from data in a way that is relevant to a broad range of careers. It provides both the methodological and computational foundations that you will need together with practical examples of their application using real-world data. You will be equipped with the skills that you will need if you wish to pursue a career in statistics and related areas, or if you are looking to engage in postgraduate research.

Building on your existing mathematical and quantitative skills, you will encounter a wide variety of methods for performing statistical modelling and inference, from traditional approaches to those at the cutting-edge of current research. You will learn how to perform complex statistical analyses through working on real data from a wide range of settings and how to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences.

Taught by experts in both the theoretical and applied aspects of statistical analyses, you will cover both the theory and application of traditional and modern statistical methods from the foundations of statistical theory to the application of cutting-edge regression models.Your summer project will provide the opportunity to apply in detail or potentially develop some methods you have been taught.

Statistics is a growth area with excellent career development potential. University of Exeter is a world-class research active institution which regularly features in UK Top-10 and Global Top-100 rankings. The University is making significant new investment in Statistics and Data Science.

The MSc in Statistics will provide comprehensive training in all aspects of modern statistics: methods, application and computation. There is a strong focus on applying statistical inference and statistical modelling to practical problems in a variety of settings. A wide variety of approaches to statistical inference and methods for modelling will be covered and throughout the programme with a strong emphasis on learning methods and techniques through their application using real-world examples. Specific focus will be on the communication of results and understanding the implications that different data generating mechanisms can have on interpretation. Course content will range from introductory material, building upon previous mathematical experience to introduce the concepts of statistical inference and uncertainty and covering the coding techniques that will be required throughout the programme, to the application of cutting-edge methods for analysing complex patterns in data, and exploring the links between statistical modelling and machine learning (known as statistical learning).

Content will be delivered through a combination of lectures, hands-on practical sessions, individual self-study, and group work on Exeter’s Streatham campus.

The MSc Statistics is a one-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). You will be located at the Streatham campus for the duration of your studies.

Your programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

Exit Awards

You may exit this award with a Postgraduate Certificate in Statistics where you have achieved 60 credits or a Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics where you have achieved 120 credits. 

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Faculty website:

http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/studentinfo/subjects/mathematics/)

The programme comprises:

• 90 credits of compulsory modules plus a 60 credit Research Project in Statistics.
• 30 credits of free choice among the options listed below or other elective modules. You may take elective modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook.

Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook. 

In accordance with University policy, a system of Personal Tutors is in place for all students on this programme. A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual. As a student enrolled on this programme, you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties, such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Additionally, the College has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages. Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the College and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.

The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk).

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

Requirements for international students

If you are an international student, please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic): Overall score 6.5. No less than 6.0 in any section.

TOEFL IBT*: Overall score 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed Faculty assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both Faculty and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs). This programme is not subject to any such requirements.