Postgraduate Study in Statistics
Numbers count.
Statisticians can be thought of as explorers finding information in data. They collect, analyse and interpret data to help researchers and decision-makers. The collaborative nature of statistics is one of its most rewarding features.
Statisticians also design and carry out research. They rely on computational skills, quantitative abilities, analytical reasoning and communications skills.
At Otago, the Statistics Group is working in ecology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, quantitative genetics and on problems such as disease spread and seismic and volcanic hazards.
Why study Statistics?
Statistics is a discipline concerned with understanding patterns and relationships in data in the presence of variation and uncertainty.
How do we discover the “truth” or signal hidden in the noise?
- You can use statistics to solve real-world problems.
- You work with researchers from many disciplines.
- Statisticians are key contributors to decision-making in business and government.
- Statistics will help you understand your chosen area of study. If you specialise in chemistry, psychology, health sciences, or economics and finance you will need to collect and interpret data.
- Statisticians are in short supply. You will improve your employment opportunities.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Statistics as an undergraduate at Otago.
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, Master’s, 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)
A coursework postgraduate degree with a research component, the MAppSc can be completed in 12 months or in stages over a longer period
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)
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options, the MSc may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only
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 | 2025 | Statistical Methods | 18 points | Summer School, Semester 1 |
| STAT115 | 2025 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT210 | 2025 | Applied Statistics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT260 | 2025 | Visualisation and Modelling in R | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT270 | 2025 | Probability and Inference | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT310 | 2025 | Statistical Modelling | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT311 | 2025 | Design of Research Studies | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT312 | 2025 | Modelling High Dimensional Data | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT370 | 2025 | Statistical Inference | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT371 | 2025 | Bayesian Data Analysis | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT372 | 2025 | Stochastic Modelling | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT399 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| STAT401 | 2025 | Applied Statistical Methods and Models | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT402 | 2025 | Regression Models for Complex Data | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT403 | 2025 | Case Studies in Statistics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT404 | 2025 | Advanced Statistical Inference | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT405 | 2025 | Probability and Random Processes | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT423 | 2025 | Bayesian Modelling | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT424 | 2025 | Research Design and Methods | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT425 | 2025 | Statistical Learning | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT435 | 2025 | Data Analysis for Bioinformatics | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| STAT441 | 2025 | Topic in Advanced Statistics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| STAT442 | 2025 | Topic in Advanced Statistics | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| STAT490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 3 July 2026) |
| STAT498 | 2025 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| STAT499 | 2025 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
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 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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