Mathematics & Statistics - Statistics
MA Statistics
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 120)
The MA in statistics will bring students to the same level as the 1 year MSc degree in Statistics.
Currently, students without sufficient statistical background knowledge can attain masters level proficiency by first completing the Higher Diploma in Statistics followed by the MSc in Statistics, which takes two years. The MA in Statistics provides an alternative pathway in 16 months and there is no comparable programme in Ireland or the UK.
The MA Statistics is an EMOS (European Master in Official Statistics) labelled programme, which means that students may choose to specialise in the area of official statistics, and potentially receive the EMOS certification for their degree.
• Ranked in the top 200 in the world in the QS World University Ranking, and is the only statistics group in Ireland to appear in this ranking.
• The UCD MA Statistics is fully accredited by the Royal Statistical Society
• EMOS (European Master in Official Statistics) labelled programme
• Exposure to cutting-edge modern statistical applications
Vision and Values Statement
This programme is aimed at students with a numerate background, but below that required for direct entry into the MSc in Statistics, but who nevertheless have a strong interest in the subject. It enables them to reach in sixteen months a level of statistical knowledge broadly equivalent to that of MSc graduates. In the first part of the programme, students study background material appropriate to a four-year BSc, thereby enabling them as the course progresses to study statistics at the graduate level. The taught modules in the programme provide a thorough grounding in statistics; the (supervised) research project introduces the students to the area of statistical research. Thereby, the students are prepared well for either a career either in industry or in academia. We expect our students to become autonomous learners and researchers capable of setting their own research agenda. They will be capable of solving relevant problems in the language of statistics. Our graduates will be in demand by employers and academic research institutes for their ability to use the tools they have learned to explain, describe and predict. We value students who are motivated to find the underlying causes and reasons for observations and patterns. We aim to provide a teaching and learning environment that develops confidence and independence through a wide variety of interactive formats, both inside and outside the classroom.
Programme Outcomes
Approach problems in an analytical, precise and rigorous way
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the key skills required by a practicing statistician, including data collection methods, statistical method development, analysis of statistical output
Demonstrate strong proficiency in mathematical and computational methods, including computer programming and scientific visualization
Give oral presentations of technical mathematical material at a level appropriate for the audience
Model real-world problems in a statistical framework
Prepare a written report on technical statistical content in clear and precise language
Undertake excellent research at an appropriate level, using the statistical research skills learnt in the programme
Use the language of logic to reason correctly and make deductions
Work independently and be able to pursue a research agenda
Related Programmes
MSc Actuarial Science FT
Professional Diploma Data Analytics PT
Prof Cert Mathematics Data Analytics and Statistics May PT
HDip Statistics FT
MSc Statistics FT
Subjects taught
There are 120 credits of work to do spread over four semesters including nine 5-credit modules (45 credits) from the Higher Diploma programme
Students must take all Core modules in addition to the dissertation in order to complete the programme.
Stage 1 - Core
Technical Communication MEEN40670
Bayesian Analysis STAT20180
Predictive Analytics I STAT30240
Statistical Machine Learning STAT30270
Applied Statistical Modelling STAT40510
Dissertation STAT40710
Stage 1 - Option
Numerical Algorithms ACM40290
Data Mining COMP40370
Machine Learning with Python COMP47750
Applied Matrix Theory MATH40550
Actuarial Statistics I STAT40020
Actuarial Statistics II STAT40070
Design of Experiments STAT40110
Categorical Data Analysis STAT40120
Multivariate Analysis STAT40150
Survival Models STAT40250
Mathematical Statistics STAT40320
Monte Carlo Inference STAT40400
Data Programming with RSTAT40620
Stochastic Models STAT40680
Time Series Analysis - Act App STAT40700
Adv Pred Analytics (online) STAT40770
Data Prog with C (online) STAT40780
Data Prog with Python (online) STAT40800
Adv Data Prog with R (online) STAT40830
Data Prog with SAS (online) STAT40840
Adv Bayesian Analysis (online) STAT40950
Stat Network Analysis STAT41010
Entry requirements
- This programme is intended for applicants with a degree in Mathematics, Economics, Finance, certain Engineering degrees or similar quantitative disciplines where statistics has formed some component of the degree. An upper second class honours, or international equivalent is required.
- Applicants who do not meet these requirements but can demonstrate an interest and ability in statistics may be considered.
- Alternatively students may qualify for enrolment to the Higher Diploma Statistics from which they can gain entry to the 1-year MSc in Statistics.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes
Application dates
How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:
MA Statistics FT (F043)
Duration 16 Months
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*
MA Statistics PT (F044)
Duration 32 Months
Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.
Credits
120
Duration
MA Statistics FT (F043): 16 months Full Time.
MA Statistics PT (F044): 32 months Part Time.
Fees
MA Statistics (F043) Full Time
EU fee per year - €10,235
non EU fee per year - €19,200
MA Statistics (F044) Part Time
EU fee per year - €3,610
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.
Enrolment dates
Next Intake: 2020/2021 September
Post Course Info
Careers & Employability
Career prospects on completion of the MA in Statistics are equivalent to that of the MSc in Statistics and graduates pursue careers in the pharmaceutical industry (e.g. Elan, Quintiles), banking, finance, and risk management.
There is increased demand for statisticians from the IT sector (e.g. Google, Intel, data mining companies). In addition many government departments employ statisticians. Some past students embarked on a career in academia by proceeding to study for a PhD in Statistics. Former MSc and MA students are currently working for such firms as Google, Western Union, AIB, Norbrook, EY, O2 and SPSS, while others chose to do a PhD. Demand for graduates continues to be strong both in Ireland and abroad.