Higher Diploma in Statistics

Program Overview

The Higher Diploma in Statistics enhances graduates' statistical expertise and prepares them for advanced careers. This one-year full-time or two-year part-time program blends theoretical and applied statistics, equipping students with practical software skills and a strong foundation for further studies or employment. The program is taught by experienced faculty from the Department of Statistics, providing a comprehensive learning experience for students.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Higher Diploma in Statistics is designed for graduates with degrees containing substantial mathematical content who wish to enhance their expertise in applying statistical methods and expand their career prospects. This program can also serve as a foundation for admission to the MSc Degree in Statistics. It can be completed in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).

Outline:

The Higher Diploma in Statistics comprises coursework divided into nine core modules, blending theoretical and applied statistics.

• Modules (60 credits):
• Probability and Mathematical Statistics (10 credits)
• Statistical Theory (10 credits)
• Introduction to Regression Analysis (5 credits)
• Data Analysis I (5 credits)
• Generalised Linear Models (5 credits)
• Time Series (5 credits)
• Survival Analysis (5 credits)
• Current Topics in Statistics I (5 credits)
• Statistical Consulting (10 credits)
The applied modules equip students with advanced practical software-oriented skills in popular statistical software packages such as R, SAS, and SPSS.
• Part-time Option: Students taking the part-time option complete 25 credits in year 1 and the remaining 35 credits in year 2.
• Teaching Mode: The part-time option is taught during weekday working hours over 2 years.

Assessment:

• Five modules (30 credits) are assessed solely through continuous assessment.
• The remaining four modules (30 credits) are assessed through both continuous assessment (worth 20% of the module mark) and end-of-year written examinations (worth 80% of the module mark).
• Continuous assessments can include written homework, computer practical assignments, in-class tests, written data analysis reports, or computer practical examinations.

Teaching:

• Staff from the Department of Statistics, School of Mathematical Sciences provide all teaching for this course.
• Dr Michael Cronin
• Professor Finbarr O’Sullivan
• Dr Supratik Roy
• Dr Eric Wolsztynski
• Damian Conway
• Kathleen O’Sullivan

Careers:

• The course offers opportunities for further study at the master's degree level or employment in areas such as:
• Medical research
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Government departments/agencies
• Sales and marketing research
• Finance and banking
• Insurance industry
• Software development and support

Other:

• Students attend an average of 12 lectures, three tutorials, and three computer practicals per week over the 24-week academic year.
• Lectures, tutorials, and computer practicals take place between 9 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
• The course provides a thorough theoretical grounding in statistics and practical experience in analyzing real data.

EU fee: €6,130. Non-EU fee: €18,490. Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.