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.
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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.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Arts along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Commerce, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
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.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Statistics
Explore postgraduate study in Statistics at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in a supp...
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasBusiness, accounting and finance
Study business and prepare yourself for a career in the fast-paced corporate world – or even launch your own start-up
Physical sciences
Answer fundamental questions about nature and the universe and provide solutions by studying the world around us
Technology, maths and computing
Study technology, mathematics, or computing to solve real-life problems – harnessing the power of information and data
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | STAT 110 Statistical Methods or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics | 18 |
| MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1 | 18 | |
| MATH 140 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 2 | 18 | |
| 200-level | STAT 210 Applied Statistics | 18 |
| STAT 260 Visualisation and Modelling in R (not required if STAT 380 passed previously) | 18 | |
| STAT 270 Probability and Inference | 18 | |
| MATH 202 Linear Algebra or MATH 203 Calculus of Several Variables | 18 | |
| 300-level | STAT 310 Statistical Modelling | 18 |
| Three further 300-level STAT papers, including at least one of STAT 370, STAT 371, STAT 372 | 54 | |
| Plus | 162 further points; must include 36 points at 200-level or above. | 162 |
| Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts. | ||
| Other papers approved by the Head of Department may be substituted for up to two papers at either 200- or 300-level | ||
| Total | 360 |
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | STAT 110 Statistical Methods or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics | 18 |
| MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1 | 18 | |
| MATH 140 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 2 | 18 | |
| 200-level | STAT 210 Applied Statistics | 18 |
| STAT 260 Visualisation and Modelling in R (not required if STAT 380 passed previously) | 18 | |
| STAT 270 Probability and Inference | 18 | |
| MATH 202 Linear Algebra or MATH 203 Calculus of Several Variables | 18 | |
| 300-level | STAT 310 Statistical Modelling | 18 |
| Three further 300-level STAT papers, including at least one of STAT 370, STAT 371, STAT 372 | 54 | |
| Plus |
162 further points; must include 36 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science Other papers approved by the Head of Department may be substituted for up to two papers at either 200- or 300-level | 162 |
| Total | 360 |
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | STAT 110 Statistical Methods or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics Students who have passed BSNS 112 before enrolling for Statistics as a minor subject may substitute BSNS 112 for STAT 110 or 115 | 18 |
| 200-level | STAT 210 Applied Statistics STAT 260 Visualisation and Modelling in R | 18 18 |
| 300-level | Two of: | 36 |
| Total | 90 |
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | STAT 110 Statistical Methods or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics Note: If BSNS 112 is required for a student's major they may substitute BSNS 112 for (STAT110 or STAT115). Students who have taken BSNS 102 or 112 prior to declaring Mathematical Statistics as a minor may substitute BSNS 102 or 112 for STAT 110 or 115. | 18 |
| Above 100-level | STAT 270 Probability and Inference Three of:
Note: MATH 130 is required as a pre-requisite for STAT 270, and MATH 140 is required as a prerequisite for STAT 370. | 18 54 |
| Total | 90 |
Note: Students taking a Statistics major will not be permitted to take a Mathematical Statistics minor.
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 |
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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