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Study Statistics at Otago

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.

Career opportunities

Anywhere data are collected, analysed or interpreted, you find people with statistical training. Because the world is becoming more and more data-focused, the demand for graduates has outstripped supply.

Statisticians use computational skills, statistical knowledge, quantitative abilities and communications skills to help make decisions in the face of uncertainty.

Examples include evaluating the environmental effects of air, water, and soil pollutants, and designing and analysing studies to determine whether new drugs and medical procedures are safe and effective.

By working in statistics, you can combine your interest with almost any other field in science, technology, or business.

In New Zealand, statisticians are employed in Crown Research Institutes, Government Departments such as Inland Revenue, ACC, and DOC, and companies such as Fonterra, Meridian Energy, and Spark.

Data insights across disciplines

Discover how studying Statistics at the University of Otago opens doors to diverse fields, from health and economics to climate change, guided by leading statisticians and hands-on learning.

Read transcript

Lara Najim:

Hi, I’m Lara, and I’m a third-year student of Statistics at the University of Otago. When I was in my last year of high school, I really wanted to open as many doors as I could with my degree, and so Statistics was the perfect choice. In my degree, I get to look at data from a range of different fields, from economics, biology, and finance. So once I graduate, it’ll be really easy to slot into any field and solve a range of problems. The University of Otago is the perfect place to do it as well.

Dr Matthew Schofield:

My name is Matthew Schofield, and I’m a senior lecturer here at the University of Otago in Statistics. Statistics is all about the collection, the analysis, the interpretation, and presentation of data. Data is all around us, and so there’s a need for statistics everywhere in society. Statistics is important for everything from modelling infectious diseases, to describing the dynamics of animal populations, to designing studies that make sure our drugs and vaccines are safe.

The thing I love most about statistics is the variety. I’ve had the chance to work on problems as diverse as studying penguin movement in Antarctica, to the physiological changes in marathon runners, to climate change. John Tukey, a famous statistician, once said, “The best thing about being a statistician is that you get to play in everyone else’s backyard,” and that’s something that I certainly found to be true. I really enjoy the challenge of trying to understand what data can tell us about the uncertain world around us.

Many of our students will opt to take Statistics as a second major or a minor, and that’s because Statistics complements nearly every course of study here at the University of Otago. So, if you’re expecting to be working with data, whether that’s experiments from a lab, whether it’s the natural world, or data from business or markets, then Statistics is a really good option for you.

In your first year of study, you’ll be taking a broad introductory Statistics course that covers how statistics can be used across all disciplines here at the University of Otago. From there, in your second and third years, you’ll move on to courses that specialise in visualisation of data, the interpretation of statistical models, and also how all of these models hold together and how they work. Throughout your time here at the University of Otago, you’ll be taught by some of the very best. You’ll be taught by leading statisticians in New Zealand, leading researchers, and teachers. Our courses attract students from all corners of the campus.

Our students go on to work in some really interesting and exciting careers. Many end up working in government departments, some in Crown Research Institutes like AgResearch or Landcare Research. Others have gone on to work for business, insurance, the health sector, and some continue on with further study.

What will I study for a Statistics major?

In order to complete a Statistics major within three years of University study, you need to complete a Statistics paper (for example, STAT 110 Statistical Methods) in your first year. We encourage all students majoring
in Statistics to also take papers in another field of interest to them, be it Arts, Science or Commerce. Having knowledge of an area of application is extremely useful, and data are virtually everywhere!

In the statistics programme you learn:

  • How to design research studies and collect reliable data.
  • How to build thoughtful statistical models which allow us to understand the key features in a complex system.
  • How to use the statistical models to answer research questions.
  • How to produce informative and engaging graphical representations of data.
  • The mathematical underpinnings of statistics.
  • The computation skills necessary to do all these things.
  • Skills in communicating statistical concepts and analyses to a range of audiences.

Honours degree

A student with a BSc or BA in Statistics can extend their knowledge by studying for this extra one-year degree consisting mostly of 400-level papers and a research project. An honours degree is the standard qualification for entrance to a PhD programme, both in New Zealand and overseas.

Combined degrees

Combined degrees are a popular choice at undergraduate level. Statistics is a natural major to go with a BAppSc in Data Science. Statistics can also be combined as a double degree with Commerce subjects such as Finance or Marketing Management.

Another option is to take Statistics as a double major within either the Arts or Sciences programmes – you could usefully combine Statistics with social sciences such as Sociology or Politics (this would be a BA double major or a major/minor) or you could combine it with life sciences such as Genetics, Zoology or Plant Biotechnology (as a BSc double major or major/minor).

The breadth of possibilities gives you an indication of just how flexible and versatile Statistics really is.

Recommended background

Almost any school background will allow entry to a statistics programme. Because you will need to study at least one first-year mathematics paper, senior high school NCEA Mathematics to Level 3 standard is highly recommended.

Choose a study option

Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

Undergraduate qualifications

For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.

Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.

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Further study opportunities

Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

Programme details

Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).

Papers

View a list of all related papers below.

More information

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