Frequently asked questions

What knowledge of statistics do I need for this course?

The following is the prerequisite knowledge expected from students before starting the course:

General mathematics:
Matrix algebra – inverse, transpose, orthogonal, symmetric
Algebra operations – multiplication, solution of linear system of equations
Eigenvalues, eigenvectors
Integration/Differentiation
Taylor series expansion
Difference equations

Theoretical Statistics:
Maximum likelihood estimation
Estimation, unbiased and consistent estimators
Understanding of sufficiency, factorization theorem
Central limit theorem
Basic Bayesian statistics – concepts of prior, posterior

Probability:
Combinations and permutations
Random variables - discrete and continuous
Independence, expectation, variance, conditional distributions
Method of change of variables using Jacobian Moment generating functions
Convergence of random variables

Applied Statistics:
Confidence intervals
Concept of hypothesis testing, types of error T-tests (basic, paired and two sample)
Contingency tables, χ2 goodness-of-fit tests
Basic Linear Regression 

Week 0 MT test 2009 [PDF]

Which college should I apply to?
 
Colleges which regularly accept applicants for the MSc in Applied Statistics include:

Exeter, Green Templeton (graduate college), Jesus, Keble, Kellogg (graduate college), Lady Margaret Hall, Linacre (graduate college), Lincoln, Mansfield, Oriel, St Annes's, St Catherine's, St Cross (graduate college), St Edmund Hall, St Hilda's, St Hugh's, St Peter's, Somerville, Wolfson (graduate college), Worcester.

Please note that the following colleges do not accept applicants for the MSc in Applied Statistics: 

Balliol, Harris Manchester, Nuffield, Pembroke, The Queen's College, St Anthony's, St John's and also the Permanent Private Halls.

You may choose to either (i) indicate that you have no preference, in which case a college will be selected on your behalf, or (ii) state a college preference. You will not be able to amend your choice after submitting your application.

Whether or not you state a college preference will not affect how your department assesses your application and ultimately whether or not they decide to make you an offer.

Please note that if you have indicated that you do not have a college preference, you will not be placed at the following colleges or halls, which have specific entry criteria:

• Campion Hall
• St Benet's Hall
• Wycliffe Hall

If you are offered a place on a course by a department or faculty then you will be guaranteed a place at a college or hall. Please note, however, that this may not necessarily be your preferred college.

What are the entrance requirements for the MSc and Diploma in Applied Statistics? 

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved an upper second class or first class Honours Degree (or equivalent). There are also English language requirements for applicants who do not have have English as their first language although these may be waived if applicants have studied their undergraduate degree in English.

Do you have any funding available?

The Department of Statistics does not offer funding for students on the MSc/ Diploma in Applied Statistics.
Details of funding opportunities for graduate students can be found on the Student Funding webpages.

You normally must apply no later than the January deadline for most funding administered by the Student Funding Services.
 
What careers do MSc graduates follow?

The University's Careers Service provides data on the types of careers students follow after graduation.