Course details

Summary

Pathway to masters

A postgraduate diploma is the stepping stone to a research-based degree such as a master’s.

WHAT IS IT LIKE?

Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Statistics) gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a masters level. The programme consists of 90 credits of taught programmes and 30 credits of research.

The programme gives you the opportunity to show your analytical thinking and high-level research capability. If you complete the programme at a satisfactory level you may be able to proceed to the Master of Science (Statistics). If so, credits you have gained through this qualification may be credited to the masters programme.

Science of evidence

Statistics is the science of evidence. It allows us to quantify risk and make effective decisions even when we are uncertain about the world around us. Is this new treatment effective against breast cancer? What advertisements should my website display in order to increase my revenue? How can I better interpret that weak distress signal coming from a vessel far out at sea?

Learn from the experts

Your lecturers in the Master of Science (Statistics) are experts in their field, leading international statistical research.

Why postgraduate study?

Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. A master’s degree will push you towards deeper understanding and a more creative approach.

Careers

It’s a great time to be a statistician! ‘Big Data’ has opened up a huge range of career opportunities for those who are talented in working with figures. Statistics skills can be applied in almost any industry.

Some key industries include:

• Business: economics, engineering, marketing, computer science, data mining, business analytics
• Physical sciences: astronomy, chemistry, physics
• Health and medicine: genetics, clinical trials, epidemiology, pharmacology
• Government: census, law, national defence
• Environment: agriculture, ecology, forestry, animal populations

The extra quantitative skills that you get from the statistics qualification can set you apart from other graduates when applying for jobs.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Statistics) structure

You will follow a flexible course of study, which shall consist of courses totalling at least 120 credits of courses at 700-level or above from the Schedule and may include attending field trips, studios, workshops, tutorials, and laboratories as required.

Entry criteria

Admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Statistics) requires you to have either

• a bachelor’s degree majoring in Statistics, with a minimum B- average in the majoring 300 level courses, or
• a bachelor’s degree followed by a Graduate Diploma endorsed in Statistics with a minimum B- average in the 300 level courses

English language requirements:

• IELTS score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL iBT score of 90 overall (min 20 in Writing)
• PTE Academic score of 58 Overall (min 50 in communicative skills)
• Cambridge English score of 180