Postgraduate study in Statistics
What can you study in Statistics?
You can study Statistics as a postgraduate specialisation in either Faculty of Science or Faculty of Arts and Education programmes.
Statistics applies to almost any field, ranging from scientific research to business management and media analysis. From designing an experiment to evaluate a new medical treatment to analysing data gathered by an ecologist, the diversity of applications is immense.
There are different options to consider when choosing your postgraduate qualification in Statistics. The taught masters is a programme with a professional focus and is essential for work as a professional statistician; whereas the research masters is an advanced programme to develop your research skills with the intention to progress to doctoral study in Statistics.
Areas of research interests open to exploration include:
- Analysis of survey data
- Astrostatistics
- Bayesian statistics
- Biostatistics and novel regression methodologies
- Case control sampling and extension
- Experimental design and quality improvement
- Forensic statistics
- Human genomics and bioinformatics
- Linear and non-linear statistical modelling
- Medical statistics
- Sample survey theory
- Statistical computing
- Statistical computing and the “R” statistical programming language
- Statistical ecology and bioinformatics
- Statistical genetics
- Statistics education
- Operations research and stochastic processes
- Non-parametric statistics
The Department of Statistics is the birthplace of the R Project. Founded in 1996 by Associate Professors Robert Gentleman and Ross Ihaka, R is a free programming language and environment for statistical computing and graphics. It is taught around the world and is used by Ivy League universities, Google, Uber, and many more. Learn more about the R Project.
Meet our graduates
Our postgraduate alumni Michael Chang-Jan Kao (Statistician, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) and Bobby Wilcox (Performance Analyst, Silver Ferns) tell us about their experience studying a postgraduate degree in Statistics and what it’s meant for their careers in the video below.
Entry requirements
Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BSc(Hons)) in Statistics
a) completed the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science from this University including at least 90 points above Stage II or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative
and
b) met the prerequisites listed in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Schedule and attained a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 45 points above Stage II in the relevant prerequisite or equivalent.
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Statistics
a) completed the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative
and
b (i) passed the prerequisites for the courses in the selected subject for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science
or
(ii) attained a level of competence equivalent to the prerequisites for the courses in the selected subject for Postgraduate Diploma in Science as approved by Senate or its representative.
Master of Science (MSc) in Statistics (120-point research masters only)
a) (i) completed the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II including at least 45 points in the prerequisite subject for the specialisation in which they intend to enrol, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative
or
b) (i) completed the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 90 points in the prerequisite subject for a specialisation in which they intend to enrol, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative
or
(ii) completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 90 points in the prerequisite subject for the specialisation in which they intend to enrol including at least 75 points of 700 level courses, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative
And students must have completed any prerequisite courses relevant to the specialisation in which they intend to enrol prior to admission to this degree.
Master of Science (MSc) in Statistics (240-point taught masters)
a) (i) completed the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II including at least 45 points in the prerequisite subject for the specialisation in which they intend to enrol, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative
or
b) (i) completed the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 90 points in the prerequisite subject for a specialisation in which they intend to enrol, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative
or
(ii) completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with
a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 90 points in the prerequisite subject for the specialisation in which they intend to enrol including at least 75 points of 700 level courses, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative
And students must have completed any prerequisite courses relevant to the specialisation in which they intend to enrol prior to admission to this degree.
Structuring your postgraduate programme in Statistics
Where can postgraduate study in Statistics take you?
Statisticians are found in all branches of Government and commerce. Other opportunities for graduates include product testing, market research, health economics and advertising.
Jobs related to Statistics
- Actuary
- Environmental statistician
- Forensic statistician
- Government statistician
- Health economist
- Market research statistician
- Medical statistician
- Operations research
- Pharmaceutical statistician
- Researcher
- Sports statistician
- Statistical consultant
Scholarships and awards
Each year we award scholarships and prizes to thousands of students.
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for, search available scholarships or begin an application by visiting Scholarships and awards.
Help and advice for Arts and Science students
Student Hubs
Visit a Student Hub for help and advice on any aspect of your studies and life at University.
The Student Hubs are your physical gateway to Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland.
The Student Hubs services are available seven days a week at the City, Grafton and Tai Tonga campuses and six days a week at Tai Tokerau, with friendly staff available to provide you with advice on any aspect of your studies and life at the University.
To find a supervisor to work with you on your research project, please see our list of current postgraduate research projects below.