Statistics MA (Hons)
2017 entry

The MA (Hons) in Statistics allows you to specialise in the branch of mathematics that focuses on collecting, analysing and presenting large quantities of numerical data. There are many practical applications for statistics, including fields such as science and medicine, government, business and education.

Students of Statistics will acquire the analytical techniques, clear logical thinking and deductive reasoning necessary to explore some of these fascinating areas of research.

Statistics is studied up to Honours level in both the Faculty of Science (BSc) and the Faculty of Arts (MA). Students who have a background in the arts or who wish to study Statistics alongside arts subjects at St Andrews should apply for the MA. For those interested in studying Statistics alongside science subjects, the BSc in Statistics may be of interest.

Applications for 2017 entry for this course have now closed, see which courses are available for the upcoming academic year.

UCAS code

G302

Course type

Master of Arts (single Honours degree)

Course duration

Four years full time

Entry requirements

SQA Highers AAAB, including A in Mathematics.
GCE A-Levels AAA, including A in Mathematics.
IB points 36, including HL6 in Mathematics.

For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject specific entrance requirements as outlined on their pages.

Find out more about international entry requirements.

Applications for 2017 entry for this course have now closed, see which courses are available for the upcoming academic year.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

Yes, applicants are expected to have studied Mathematics at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, IB or equivalent. 

Faculty entry requirements

You must also meet the Faculty of Arts minimum qualifications. These vary depending on which qualifications you hold.

Other qualifications

Passes in other examinations at equivalent levels and subjects may be accepted by the Dean of the Faculty.

Find out more about Faculty of Arts entry requirements.

Course information

The MA (Hons) in Statistics is a four-year course run by the School of Mathematics and Statistics. The School also offers a BSc in Statistics, which may be more suitable for students who wish to take Statistics alongside science subjects. The Statistics element within both the BSc and MA degree programmes are exactly the same.

During your first year your studies will focus on mathematics, with the aim of reinforcing your basic skills before embarking upon the study of Statistics in your second year. Your second year will focus on a central core of material within Statistics which will provide the foundation for advanced study at Honours level.

During third and fourth year, students may select modules from a range of options on advanced and specialist specific topics. Specialist subject areas may include:

  • times series analysis
  • Bayesian inference
  • advanced data analysis
  • statistical modelling.

Final year students must also complete a project along with a 5,000-word report on a topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor.

Find out more about studying Statistics at St Andrews.

Modules

In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours) you will take the required modules in Statistics alongside modules in at least one other subject in the Faculty of Arts.

Typically, you will take one to two Statistics modules per semester during your first two years, and three to four Statistics modules per semester during your third and fourth years (known as Honours). Find out more about the modular Scottish degree system.

Students will take the following compulsory first-year module:

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

Students will take the following compulsory second-year modules:

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:

  • Mathematical Statistics
  • Applied Statistics
  • Computing in Statistics
  • Statistical Inference
  • Generalised Linear Models and Data Analysis.

In fourth year, students also undertake a senior Honours project and submit a 5,000-word report on a topic of their choice. This independent project enables you to develop key research skills which are desired by both prospective employers and by graduate schools offering postgraduate degrees.

The modules listed here are the compulsory modules that students must take in order to graduate in this subject. However, most students at St Andrews take additional modules, either in their primary subject or from other subjects they are interested in. A full list of all modules currently available can be found in the module catalogue.

Teaching

Teaching format

In first year, teaching for each module centres on a daily lecture (100 to 150 students) and a weekly small group tutorial (5 to 10 students) where students undertake exercises and discuss each week’s topics. In addition, computer labs are held once a week for each module, to assist with both IT and problem solving skills.

In second year, each module typically comprises five lectures (100 to 250 students), one tutorial (8 to 12 students), one computer lab (25 to 60 students), and one examples class per fortnight.

You will develop increasing independence and initiative as you progress through your degree programme so that by third and fourth year the average teaching load drops to around ten hours of lectures and four tutorials per week, supplemented by private study.

Assessment

Progress is monitored through tutorial assignments and almost all of the modules are assessed by a balanced combination of coursework and written exams.

Examinations are held at the end of each semester during a dedicated exam diet with revision time provided beforehand.

The School provides feedback on every assessment, with a view to improving your performance in future.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2017 entry

Scotland and EU £1,820
Rest of the UK £9,250
Overseas £20,570

For overseas students, tuition fees will be fixed at this level for the duration of your programme.

More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation in 2017.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.

Faculty of Arts scholarships

The Dr Lawrence M Wodehouse Scholarship provides financial assistance for students studying in the Faculty of Arts who are academically gifted but would otherwise struggle with the cost of studying at St Andrews.

Find out more about undergraduate scholarships.

Joint Honours degrees

You can take Statistics as part of a joint Honours degree alongside one of the following subjects:

  • Economics
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology

Your future

Careers

Graduates with strong mathematical ability are in high demand, making career prospects for Statistics students particularly promising. Clear logical thinking, deductive reasoning, confidence in data handling, and IT skills are attributes that are highly prized by employers.

Around one third of Mathematics and Statistics graduates go on to pursue postgraduate qualifications either in the UK or abroad, and develop research careers. Others gain employment in a variety of sectors including:

  • merchant banking
  • insurance
  • teaching
  • civil service
  • financial service organisations
  • computer consultancies.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

Study abroad

The University is delighted to offer undergraduates a number of exciting opportunities to apply to spend a semester or year abroad as part of a St Andrews degree programme. St Andrews is partnered with large and small institutions, ancient and young, across the globe. What unites all of our programmes is the quality of the academic provision, ensuring that participation in a St Andrews Study abroad programme opens the door to a new and valuable academic experience at another world-class institution. Study Abroad for credit is permitted on existing University-approved programmes only.

Student life

From the outset, the University of St Andrews offers an array of events and opportunities which result in a truly unique student experience. Students participate in a range of traditions, notably, the red academic gown and the academic family, where older students adopt first year students as ‘children’ and help guide them in a system of mentoring. These traditions and the choice of over 150 sports clubs and student societies to choose from ensures a community feel amongst students from first year onwards.

Students of Statistics may be interested in joining the Mathematics Society (SUMS) a society dedicated to bringing people together who are interested in maths. They hold regular socials and informative talks from guest speakers.

The School of Mathematics and Statistics is currently split between two sites: the Mathematical Institute on the North Haugh and the Scott Lang Building at the Observatory. Most of the Statistics staff and research students can be found at the Observatory. 

The town of St Andrews itself has lots to offer. As the campus is located around town, walking around you encounter ancient and modern buildings and areas of greenery and seaside which provide a rich, beautiful backdrop to learning. If you want a change of scenery, St Andrews' position near surrounding towns and cities such as Anstruther, Dundee and Edinburgh make it ideal for getting to know more about Scotland. Find out more about student life at the University of St Andrews.

Contact

School of Mathematics and Statistics
University of St Andrews
Mathematical Institute
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9AX

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3744
Email: maths@st-andrews.ac.uk 

School of Mathematics and Statistics website