Statistics MMath (Honours)

Program Overview

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Overview

The MMath (Honours) in Statistics allows you to specialise in the branch of mathematics that focuses on collecting, analysing and presenting large quantities of numerical data. There are many practical applications for statistics, including fields such as science and medicine, government, business and education.

Entry Requirements

Standard and Minimum Entry Requirements

The University offers different entry requirements, depending on your background. Find out more about Standard and Minimum entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.

SQA Highers

• Standard entry grades: AAAAB, including A in Mathematics.
• Minimum entry grades: AABB, including A in Mathematics.

GCE A-Levels

• Standard entry grades: AAA, including A* in Mathematics.
• Minimum entry grades: AAB, including A in Mathematics.

IB points

• Standard entry grades: 38 (HL 6,6,6), including HL6 in Mathematics.
• Minimum entry grades: 36 (HL 6,5,5), including HL6 in Mathematics.

General Entry Requirements

All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.

SQA qualifications

• SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing science
  • Geography
  • Applications of Mathematics
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology.

GCSE qualifications

• GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing Science
  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology.

Other qualifications

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes. Please see our entry requirements for more information.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

Yes, applicants are expected to have studied Mathematics at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, or equivalent. Typical successful applicants will have studied Mathematics at SQA Advanced Higher, Further Mathematics at GCE A-level, or equivalent.

Course Details

Overview

The MMath (Hons) in Statistics is a five-year Integrated Masters course run by the School of Mathematics and Statistics. The course offers advanced study of statistics at postgraduate level during your final year, allowing you to graduate with a Masters degree.

Modules

In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours), you will take the required modules in statistics alongside modules in at least one other subject.

First Year

• Mathematics: introduces the ideas and techniques required for further study of mathematics or applications to other sciences.
• Introductory Mathematics: designed for students who do not meet the entry requirements for the first-year 'Mathematics' module. Provides a secure base in elementary calculus.

Second Year

• Abstract Algebra: explores the key concepts of modern abstract algebra: groups, rings and fields.
• Analysis: introduces key concepts of real analysis: limit, continuity and differentiation.
• Combinatorics and Probability: introduces counting techniques for finite structures and the behaviour of random variables.
• Linear Mathematics: introduces the theory of vector spaces, linear independence, linear transformations and diagonalisation.
• Mathematical Modelling: investigates the translation of physical problems into mathematics.
• Multivariate Calculus: extends the techniques of calculus in a single variable to the setting of real functions of several variables.
• Statistical Inference: introduces techniques for drawing inferences about population characteristics from observed data.
• Vector Calculus: introduces the theory of scalar and vector fields and associated techniques for the modelling of problems arising in the physical world.

Honours

• Classical Statistical Inference
• Bayesian Inference
• Markov Chains and Processes
• Sampling Theory

Masters

• Advanced Data Analysis
• Estimating Animal Abundance and Biodiversity
• Medical Statistics
• Multivariate Analysis

Teaching

• Teaching format: In first year, teaching for each module centres on a daily lecture (around 100 to 300 students). Each fortnight, you will have one small group tutorial (8 to 12 students) and one examples class (25 to 60 students) where students undertake exercises and discuss each week’s topics.
• Assessment: Progress is monitored through tutorial assignments, and almost all of the modules are assessed by a balanced combination of coursework and written exams.
• Support: The University’s Student Services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long-term medical conditions or learning disabilities.

Fees

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man: £9,535
• EU and overseas: £31,670

Careers

Demand for mathematically trained graduates vastly outstrips the supply, and hence career prospects are excellent in a variety of fields.

Recruiters seek numerate graduates who are literate, think logically, write and present well, and can work with relevant technology – St Andrews degrees develop all of these skills.

A mathematics degree is recognised as a substantial achievement in a demanding discipline.

Around 30% of St Andrews mathematics and statistics graduates continue on to postgraduate study, either in mathematics or related disciplines such as computer science, finance, or physics.

The majority of the remaining graduates gain employment in areas including:

• Technology firms or computer consultancies
• Financial services organisations
• Industry
• Insurance companies
• Merchant banks
• The civil service
• Teaching

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.