Mathematical Statistics University of Pretoria

Overview

Statistics is the science of collecting, analysing and summarising data. It involves computer programming skills, mathematical thinking and the ability to make sense of information. Statisticians are needed by people in many professions, such as actuaries, economists, biologists, engineers and marketing executives. It has been said that statistics makes information matter. We say: ‘Statistics is the app for everything!’ Students are expected to have a knack for problem-solving, with special emphasis on numerical interests and software programming abilities. Verbal and written communication skills are of the utmost importance in this field. Since statistics is a scarce-skill profession, it offers endless job opportunities and true career satisfaction achieved by solving real-life problems.

Career Opportunities

The services of statisticians are needed by people in many professions, such as actuaries, economists, biologists, engineers and marketing executives. Some examples of career opportunities after graduating from Mathematical Statistics programme from University of Pretoria are:

• Google Analytics use statistics to track internet users to generate leads for their recommended engines.
• Movement information captured by cell phones is used by statistical predictive models to predict traffic congestion and suggest faster routes.
• Statisticians make use of statistical methodologies to detect fraud, assist with credit-related portfolios and forecast financial economic trends.
• Retail companies study customer satisfaction and customer experience by using statistical models.
• Spatial statistics can provide useful information about climate change, crime hotspots and rhino-poaching geographical maps.
• Statisticians advise animal scientists on factors affecting animal nutrition and genetic breeding plans.
• Government employs statisticians to understand how population demographics, health risks and other factors influence sustainable development programmes.