Postgraduate courses in Statistics

Statistics is an area that is very important to many different industries and sectors in helping to collect and interpret data in order to project future plans and outcomes. 

There are a number of courses available to help you on your path to becoming a statistician. Experience is a big part of this role so if you are looking to work in this area, take all the experience and opportunities you can. 

Here are some courses that might be of interest to you. There is no better time to embark on new opportunities than the present. Happy researching!

What is statistics?

Statistics is the discipline concerned with collecting, organizing, analysing, interpreting and presenting data. Statistics can be applied in science, industrial and social problems/situations. It is a form of mathematical analysis which uses quantified models, representations and synopses for experimental data.  Some statistical measures include mean, regression analysis, skewness, kurtosis, variance and analysis of variance. 

What does a statistician do?

The day to day activities may differ depending on your specific project or task. As a statistician you will typically work 9-5, Monday to Friday and work in an office setting. Some typical duties carried include:

• Collect and record data
• Design data acquisition trials
• Assess and interpret results
• Analyze trends
• Apply statistics and methodology to data
• Design and implement data management computer systems and software
• Use data and statistics for project future outcomes 
• Present data and findings to colleagues
• Explain information to those who may not be specialists in the area
• Train junior statisticians
• Attend meetings and conferences 

Courses

There are many courses on offer in the area across the UK. Some courses offer the opportunity to study either part time or full time. Universities may have certain restrictions in place due to Coivd-19 and may offer courses online. Courses available include:

Applied Statistics 

Postgraduate courses in applied statistics are catered to meet personal and career development needs of those who want to work in the area of continuing working in the area with continuous learning and career development. These courses cover both theory and application of modern statistical and mathematical modelling techniques to applied problems in industry, public services, commerce and research. 

Statistics with Data Analytics

These courses give students the opportunity to look at different areas of collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation and organisation of data. You will gain all the relevant skills and knowledge to be attractive to employers and place focus on the field of data analytics. Students will also gain training in modern statistical methodology, computational statistics and data analysis from a wide variety of fields. 

Other courses available include Applied Data Science and Statistics with Professional Placement, Statistics, Statistical Data Science and Applied Statistics Postgraduate Certificate courses, to name a few. 

Entry requirements 

Entry requirements may differ from course to course or university to university. Therefore, it is important to research your specific course in detail to ensure you meet the entry requirements. As these courses are postgraduate courses, you will need a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may accept a 2.2 degree while others will require a 2.1. A degree in a relevant area is desired, for example, statistics, economics, mathematics. The Graduate Diploma of the Royal Statistic Society is also accepted. 

Salary

The salary of a statistician can vary depending on the company or organisation you are working with. It may also depend on your experience. Typically, the starting salary of a statistician will be between £26,000 – £29,000. Salaries for experienced government statisticians can range from £44,000 to £50,000. It is believed the average salary of a statistician may be around £31,552. Salaries in London are mostly higher. All figures are based on estimates and are intended to be used as a guide only. 

Potential employers

Potential employers of statisticians include: 

• Office for National Statistics 
• Government Statistical Service 
• Marketing research companies
• Medical registries
• Hospitals
• Healthcare organisations/Department of Health
• Educational bodies

Skills and requirements 

Skills and requirements helpful in this area include:

• Strong IT skills
• Strong communication skills
• Attention to detail 
• Numeracy skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good time management skills
• Ability to collect and interpret data 
• Organisation skills
• An understanding of statistics and how they work