Statistics is the science of collecting, analysing, presenting and interpreting data. It has application in interpreting satellite data, computer-aided medical diagnosis, designing drug or GM crop trials and monitoring radioactive fallout.

Programme structure

This degree programme will equip you with the various skills – ranging from technical to presentational – required by statisticians. Throughout the programme there is a major emphasis on practical work using statistical packages.

Year 1

In your first year you will take two courses covering topics in probability and introductory statistical methods, and design of experiments, analysis of variance and statistical methods for paired data.

You will also study Mathematics and one other subject of your choice in year 1: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Year 2

You will take four courses covering topics in statistical methods and probability, introducing the ideas of likelihood and regression modelling.

You will also study Mathematics and possibly one other subject in year 2: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Years 3, 4 and 5

If you proceed to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will gain an imaginative mix of theoretical and practical training, which involves project planning, report writing and the development of presentational skills. General topics covered across courses include probability, modelling, design, inference, computational inference, sampling and databases and a range of applications including biostatistics, environmental statistics and financial statistics.

You will also complete case studies and projects on topics which may be drawn from the fields of bioinformatics, environmental studies, medicine, psychology, sports science and veterinary science.

One important feature of project activities is a presentation. You will give a talk or produce a poster describing your project problem, your analyses and results. This, along with writing a report in non-technical language, provides you with two important transferable skills. You will also gain experience in teamwork through working in groups and you will learn to use statistical packages as well as gaining appreciation of the use and misuse of computers and computer software in statistics.

You can take Statistics as an MSci, with or without placement – a five-year Advanced Honours degree which aims to foster the development of critical judgement and independent scientific work. The placement (competitive) provides a year’s work experience.

Our international links

Career prospects

Accreditation

Glasgow International College

Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014

BSc, MSci

Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including Mathematics and one other science subject) in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting MAY receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.

Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved between ABBB and AABB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed.

Applicants who receive an offer conditional on second sitting results may be required to study Advanced Highers in relevant subjects as an integral part of their conditional offer.

A-levels: AAB including one, preferably two, science subjects.  A Level at B or above in Mathematics.

IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.

MA

Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including English and a humanities subject or a language (including Gaelic) at grades A/B or B/A) in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including English and a humanities subject or a language (including Gaelic) at grades A/B or B/A) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.

Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved AABB or ABBB at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed.

A-levels: AAB.

IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.

Advanced entry

If you have exceptional A-level or Advanced Higher grades it's possible to gain exemption from Year 1 study and enter directly into Year 2 or follow a faster route advanced entry programme, both of which allow you to complete your degree in one year less than usual. See: Advanced entry

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.

Scholarships

We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
 
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

• Scholarships