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Statistics courses

If you are talented at maths, want to study it further and learn how to use your analytical abilities in a range of careers, statistics may be for you. Statisticians work in finance (some as actuaries) computing, management (some as operational researchers) and medical fields. You’ll study maths in-depth, how to use statistical computer software and ways to apply statistics to solve a range of problems.

Studying statistics at university

Example course modules

  • Personal development
  • Calculus
  • Probability
  • Matrix methods
  • Complex analysis
  • Linear algebra
  • Numbers and relations
  • Stochastic processes
  • Decision modelling
  • Operational research
  • Multivariate statistical modelling

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

17
Hours
5
14
Hours

Average for all subjects

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

More on studying and contact hours at uni

Who studies this subject

  • Female : 44%
    Male : 56%
  • Mature : 29%
    School leaver : 71%
  • Full-time : 71%
    Part-time : 29%

What students say about statistics

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

  • Maths

Useful to have

  • English
  • Economics
  • Statistics

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

  • January application
  • October application
  • Personal statement
  • Portfolio
  • Interview
  • Entry test
  • Work experience
  • Audition

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Career prospects

Sources: HECSU & KIS
The business and research sectors worry that the UK hasn't got enough people with good statistics skills, and as stats are at the heart of so much of the economy, and we only have a few hundred graduates a year in the discipline, this type of degree can be very useful and versatile. More than half of statisticians who are working following graduation go to work in finance, and they're far more likely to be working in London than most other graduates. And who can blame them – statistics graduates starting work in London were earning an average of over £28k just six months after leaving university. There is also demand from the Scottish finance sector in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Last year, statisticians starting work in Scotland were earning nearly £26k on average after six months – less than in London, but perhaps better off overall than their counterparts south of the border when you factor in lower living costs.
Professional and accrediting bodies:

Six months after graduating

Typical graduate job areas
  • Business, research and administrative professionals

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

  • Actuary
  • Management consultant
  • Statistical modeller

Other real-life job examples

  • Investment banker
  • IT business analyst
  • Economic forecaster

What employers like about this subject

A degree in statistics can give you subject-specific skills like the ability to analyse and interpret complex numerical data; the ability to approach problems rigorously and to formulate and apply theories to solve them and high level IT skills. Transferable skills from maths degrees include project management, problem-solving, team-working and, ideally, communication skills. Some careers in statistics, particularly in research, are likely to need a postgraduate qualification. Employers who recruited statisticians last year included all parts of the finance industry (especially banking, insurance, accountancy and consultancy), the IT industry, schools, the Civil Service, and manufacturing.