Unlock insights and help shape the answers to the big questions.
Changes to science masters’ degrees from 2027
From 2027, our science masters' degrees are changing. The Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis) and Master of Science (Applied).
The currently-named MSc and MAppSc will have one final semester 2 intake (starting July 2026). Application closes 15 June 2026 for domestic students (the international student application deadline has now passed for the July 2026 intake).
Domestic and international students intending to begin study in 2027 should apply for the Master of Science (Thesis) or Master of Science (Applied).
Why study postgraduate Statistics?
Postgraduate statistics is about making sense of the world through data and illuminating the important truths. Statistics gives you tools to uncover patterns, show relationships, and make sound decisions. At Otago you learn about collecting, analysing and interpreting data. Statistics brings impactful insights into a wealth of fields including health, environment, business, and society. The skills you build are valuable in the discovery and sharing of knowledge. With growing demand for people who can understand and interpret data, a postgraduate qualification in Statistics gives you a meaningful, future-focused way to make a difference.
Career opportunities
Postgraduate study in Statistics gives you a versatile and powerful toolkit for many careers. With these skills you can take on roles that have impact, wherever data is important. Career options include:
- Data analyst or statistician in government, business or research settings
- Biostatistician supporting public health, medical studies or clinical research
- Data scientist working with analytics, modelling and large datasets
- Researcher or quantitative analyst in ecology, genetics, environment or natural hazards
- Risk analyst, or financial / insurance analyst helping businesses make informed decisions
What it’s like to study at this level
At Otago your postgraduate Statistics study blends coursework and research, giving you both depth and flexibility. You might take papers to expand your statistical skill set, or focus on a thesis exploring an area important to you.
You’ll learn in small groups, working closely with leading statisticians in New Zealand who are experienced researchers and teachers. You’ll use real data, collaborate across disciplines, and gain experience approaching questions with sound methodology and analysis. You will build the confidence and mastery to tackle real problems, with research pathways that can lead to original contributions in your field.
This is for you if ...
You will get the most from postgraduate Statistics at Otago if you already enjoy mathematics, have quantitative and analytical skills, and are curious about how data can explain the world.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Statistics as an undergraduate at Otago.
Bring the power of data to the most important questions
Working alongside others, or leading the research, Statisticians bring insight and impact to the big challenges we face.
At Otago’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics we have standout expertise in ecology and evolutionary genetics, mathematical and numerical relativity, and computational statistics. Our highly skilled and diverse team of researchers and teachers provide a wealth of experience and support for you to grow as a skilled professional.
Being based in Dunedin means you’ll be part of a close-knit academic community, with small class sizes and research-informed teaching. Whether you choose a taught master’s degree, a research thesis, or a Postgraduate Diploma, you will leave equipped to make an impact, anywhere data matters.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Master of Applied Science (MAppSc)
No new admissions after 2026. The Master of Applied Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Applied) from 2027.
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
A two-semester programme of structured coursework, and in some cases supervised research, extending the knowledge and skills gained from the bachelor’s degree
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
A one- or two-year degree entailing a major research project, culminating in a thesis
Master of Science (MSc)
No new admissions after 2026. The Master of Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis) from 2027.
Master of Science (Thesis) MSc(Thesis)
Available from 2027. A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options. The MSc(Thesis) may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only.
Master of Science (Applied) (MSc(Applied))
Available from 2027. A coursework postgraduate degree with a research component. The MSc(Applied) can be completed in 12 months or in stages over a longer period.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Graduate qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in Statistics is the same as the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)).
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Note: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA(Hons)) in Statistics or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Statistics must complete the required papers for the BA(Hons) in Statistics prior to undertaking the thesis. |
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
STAT papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STAT110 | 2026 | Statistical Methods | 18 points | Summer School, Semester 1 |
| STAT115 | 2026 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT210 | 2026 | Applied Statistics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT260 | 2026 | Visualisation and Modelling in R | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT270 | 2026 | Probability and Inference | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT310 | 2026 | Statistical Modelling | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT311 | 2026 | Design of Research Studies | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| STAT312 | 2026 | Modelling High Dimensional Data | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT370 | 2026 | Statistical Inference | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT371 | 2026 | Bayesian Data Analysis | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT372 | 2026 | Stochastic Modelling | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT399 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| STAT401 | 2026 | Applied Statistical Methods and Models | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT402 | 2026 | Regression Models for Complex Data | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT403 | 2026 | Case Studies in Statistics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT404 | 2026 | Advanced Statistical Inference | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT405 | 2026 | Probability and Random Processes | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT423 | 2026 | Bayesian Modelling | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT424 | 2026 | Research Design and Methods | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| STAT425 | 2026 | Statistical Learning | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT435 | 2026 | Data Analysis for Bioinformatics | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT441 | 2026 | Topic in Advanced Statistics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT442 | 2026 | Topic in Advanced Statistics | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| STAT490 | 2026 | Dissertation | 40 points | Full Year |
| STAT498 | 2026 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| STAT499 | 2026 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
Contacts
Email maths@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/maths
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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