Statistics and Data Analysis

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Academic Year of Entry: 2023/24
Course overview
(MSc) Master of Science
Statistics and Data Analysis
Withdrawn
University of Essex
University of Essex
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
None
MSC G30312
10/05/2023

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

We will consider applicants with a 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects:

  • Mathematics,
  • Statistics
  • Operational research
  • Computer Science
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Pure Mathematics
  • Biostatistics
  • Economic Statistics
  • Statistics
  • Economics

OR

A 2.1 degree in any subject which includes:

One module in:
  • Calculus
  • Maths
  • Engineering Maths
  • Advanced Maths
And one module in
  • Statistics or Probability
  • Maths
  • Engineering Maths
  • Advanced Maths
And one additional relevant module, from
  • Algebra
  • Analysis
  • Programming language (R, Matlab or Python)
  • A second module in Probability or Statistics
  • Numerical Methods
  • Complex Numbers
  • Differential Equations
  • Optimisation (Linear Programming)
  • Regression
  • Stochastic Process
  • Maths
  • Engineering Maths
  • Advanced Maths

Applicants with a degree below 2:1 or equivalent will be considered dependent on any relevant professional or voluntary experience and previous modules studied.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2023/24

Exit Award Status
Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Credits PG Diploma PG Certificate
01 MA981-7-FY-CO Dissertation Core 60 Compulsory
02 Option from list Compulsory with Options 15 Optional Optional
03 Option from list Compulsory with Options 15 Optional Optional
04 Option from list Compulsory with Options 15 Optional Optional
05 MA902-7-FY-CO Research Methods Core 15 Compulsory Compulsory
06 Option from list Optional 15 Optional Optional
07 Option from list Optional 15 Optional Optional
08 Option from list Optional 20 Optional Optional
09 Option from list Optional 20 Optional Optional

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

1. To enhance the general skills of students (including IT skills, presentation skills, problem solving abilities, numeracy and their ability to retrieve information in an efficient manner).
2. To offer students the opportunity to study statistics and data analysis to an advanced level within an environment informed by current research.
3. To provide students with advanced training that will be of use in a career as a statistician or data analyst.
4. To provide students with training in the preparation of reports involving mathematical material, including correct referencing, appropriate layout and style.
5. To provide students with information that will help them to make an informed judgement as to the appropriate methods to employ when analysing a problem of a data-analytic statistical nature.

To provide students with a research-type experience that will aid them in their approach to further research activity.

Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A1: A range of ideas concerning Statistics and Data Analysis including methods appropriate in specialized applications.

A2: Ways in which statistical methods can aid understanding in the social sciences, particularly economics.

A3: Some of the limitations and assumptions underlying standard methods.

A4: The fact that apparently disparate methods may interconnect.

A5: One or more current areas of research in Statistics or Data Analysis, including an awareness of the development of these areas of research.

Learning methods

Assessment methods

Knowledge and understanding are assessed through examinations, essays and the summer dissertation.

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: Analyse a mass of information and carry out an appropriate analysis.

B2: Express a problem in mathematical terms and carry out an appropriate analysis.

B3: Reason critically and interpret information in a manner that can be communicated effectively to non-specialists.

B4: Integrate and link information across course components.

B5: Under guidance of a supervisor, plan and carry out a piece of research and present the results in a coherent fashion.

Learning methods

Assessment methods

The level of attainment of these skills is assessed through the summer examinations, and through examination of the essay and summer dissertation.

C: Practical skills

C1: Carry out analyses of complex data sets, design experiments & analyse practical statistical problems.

C2: Use computer programmes and/or packages

C3: Use a mathematical word-processing package

C4: Make an effective literature search

C5: Prepare a technical report

C6: Give a presentation and defend their ideas in an interview.

Learning methods

Assessment methods

C1 is assessed by the regular coursework and examinations.
C2 is assessed in this way and also by any computer output that forms part of the summer dissertation.
C3-C6 are assessed through the essay and summer dissertation.

D: Key skills

D1: Write clearly and effectively

D2: Use computer packages and/or programming languages for data analysis and computation.

D3: Enhance existing numerical ability

D4: Choose the appropriate method of inquiry in order to address a range of practical and theoretical problems.

D5: Learn from feedback and respond appropriately and effectively to supervision and guidance

D6: Work pragmatically to meet deadlines.

Learning methods

Assessment methods

Key skills are assessed throughout the degree via coursework, examinations, the essay and the summer dissertation.


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.