Program Overview

Master of Science in Statistics

The primary purpose of the Master of Science in Statistics is to provide graduates with the knowledge, specific skills, and applied competence within a specialized discipline or field of study within the Sciences to enable them to do independent research. A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates in specialized fields of study in order to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened. A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can play an innovative role they need to play as intellectual leaders in their society and who are empowered to play that role.

Qualification Details

• Qualification code: 98982
• Qualification type: Full Research
• NQF level: 9
• Total credits: 180
• SAQA ID: 6095

Admission Requirements

An appropriate bachelor honours degree in Statistics with an average of 60% or an equivalent with a minimum of 96 credits at NQF level 8 with an average of 60%. All students with foreign qualifications, including those with qualifications from African countries, must have their qualifications evaluated at SAQA. Applicants must first contact the relevant academic department and the potential supervisor. Topics and supervisors appear in the CSET M&D admissions policy document. Acceptance is based on viability of the intended research and available supervisory capacity. Competitive positions are filled on the basis of an approved selection procedure aligned with Unisa's policies on equality and diversity. Applicants need to demonstrate adequate mastery of academic English (TOEFL minimum score of 88 for the Internet-based test or a minimum score of 570 for the paper-based test or completion of prior degrees at a university where English is the prime language of instruction). Adequate exposure to appropriate research methods and methodologies in previous qualifications is required. Residency requirements apply for applicants who need to do laboratory work. Applicants with degree structures that are different from South African degrees or with applicable experience that may be relevant for admission will be required to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Time Limits for This Degree

All master's and doctoral qualifications are structured over a defined period. A student registered for a 180-credit structured research master's degree must complete the study programme within three years. A student may make application to their supervisor for one additional year of study. The supervisor will consult with the Executive Dean of the College in which the student is registered.

Research Master's Degree

A research master's degree comprises a dissertation on an approved topic. Students will be expected to have a research proposal approved in the first year of study. If a student does not complete a research proposal in the first year of study, they will not be permitted to continue with the qualification. They will also be excluded from applying for admission to the same college for a period of two years.

Research Focus Areas

Students can view a list of departments and research focus areas for the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. The research outline must align with one of the departmental research focus areas. Unisa's Catalytic Niche Areas include:

• Marine studies
• Aviation and aeronautical studies
• Automotive
• Energy
• Space study and square kilometre array
• Fourth IR and digitalisation
• Natural sciences (biotechnological studies)
• Health studies/medicine
• Feminist, womanist and bosadi theorisations
• Student support and co-curricular activities

Research Outline

The research outline must include:

• Title
• Summary of topic
• Short literature review
• Expected contribution of the study
• Methodology to be followed
• Availability of the data
• List of references
• Reasons why the student is interested in the topic

Student Fees and Funding Your Studies

• Application fee: R150.00
• Student fees: Available on the Unisa website
• Funding opportunities: Available on the Unisa website

Application for Admission

Applications for master's and doctoral qualifications are open until 19 December 2025. Students must apply for a Unisa student number and apply for admission during the application period. All supporting documents must be uploaded within 10 working days.

Registration

Only students whose application for admission was approved and re-registering students will be allowed to register online within the approved registration period for the 2026 academic year. Coursework master's degree students must await the official approval of their research proposal module before attempting to re-register for the next academic year. Students with outstanding fees or a Library block on their accounts will not be able to register online until these issues have been resolved.