Official Statistics

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This part-time programme provides the specialist skills and knowledge central to the conduct of professional statistical work in government. It is particularly suitable if you are employed in the UK Government Statistical Service or equivalent organisations overseas.

The modular structure allows you to tailor your scheme of study to other commitments. Once you have successfully completed 16 instructional modules for your Diploma, you may progress to work on your dissertation for the MSc. International students usually complete the Diploma in two years, while UK-based students usually take four years. You can also obtain a Certificate in Official Statistics if you successfully complete eight instructional modules. Teaching takes place at the University, and at the Office for National Statistics in London or Newport.

Duration: 24 years (part-time)

Assessment: Coursework and/or examination

Typical entry requirementsSelection process:It is normally expected that you will have the equivalent of at least a second-class honours degree, with some exposure to statistical methods (eg in geography, psychology, population sciences, economics/econometrics, statistics, mathematics), and that you will usually be employed in the area of official statistics. In some circumstances, previous relevant professional experience will be taken into consideration.Students who have a degree with no statistical content will be required to show that they have the necessary background knowledge to the level of the Royal Statistical Society Higher Certificate in Statistics.In addition, an introductory revision module covering basic mathematics and statistics is run every September to help students prepare for postgraduate study. Attendance on this module is an entry requirement.In line with the University's equal opportunities policy, individuals are selected and treated according to their relevant merits and abilities and are given equal opportunities in the Division and University. The aim of the policy is to ensure that no student or prospective student should receive any less favourable treatment on any grounds which are not relevant to academic ability or attainment. Decisions on admission are based solely on the grounds of academic merit. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test: 92 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

Most students are funded by their employer.