PG Dip in Science specialisation in Statistics

We live in an information age. Computers allow us to collect and store information in quantities that previously would not even have been dreamt of. However, raw, undigested data stored on computers is useless until people can start to make sense of it.
Statistics is the human side of the computer revolution, an information science, the art and science of extracting meaning from seemingly incomprehensible data. Statistics applies to almost any field; this is why some training in statistics can help make you more effective and more employable, regardless of the career direction you choose.
Investigation: asking questions, designing ways to collect data to answer those questions, collecting data, making sense of what the data say to produce sensible answers – this is the subject matter of statistics and a set of general life skills.
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.

You can study Statistics as a postgraduate specialisation in either Faculty of Science or Faculty of Arts 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. While the taught masters is a programme with a professional focus and essential to work as a professional statistician, 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

Statistics is the ideal partner course for people who want to enhance their quantitative capabilities while pursuing their career choice subject. Some training in statistics can help make you more effective in almost any career.

Prerequisite: A major in Statistics or the equivalent approved by the Academic Head or nominee including STATS 210 or 225 or an equivalent course approved by the Academic Head or nominee