BSc Mathematical Statistics

Statistics is the science of extracting information from a variety of data sources utilising cutting-edge technologies that enable companies and institutions to remain abreast and to be globally competitive. Statistics and data science form the foundation on which so much future development takes place. Superb opportunities exist for students who are keen to distinguish themselves in this field. You will not only enjoy an extraordinary and rewarding career, you will also receive an above-average remuneration package.

The Statistics programme can uniquely combine students’ interest in mathematical statistics with their interest in, for example, insurance science, economics, mathematics and applied mathematics.

By completing this programme you will therefore be positioned at the forefront of analytical thinking and application in the statistical, computational and interdisciplinary environments of the future.

An ideal candidate for this programme is someone with:

  • strong numerical skills;
  • interest in computers and computer programming;
  • logical reasoning ability and critical thinking skills; and
  • strong problem-solving skills.

Our graduates are employed by:

  • Commerce companies (especially online shopping, customer analytics and recommender systems)
  • Financial and banking companies
  • Health companies
  • Information technology companies
  • Insurance and accounting companies
  • Logistics and transport companies
  • Pharmaceutical industries
  • Research and development organisations
  • Telecommunication companies
  • Universities and other education bodies

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.


Career Opportunities

By completing this programme you will be positioned at the forefront of analytical thinking and application in the statistical, computational and interdisciplinary environments of the future. What career opportunities exist for you as a graduate? Many professions amongst others: Data scientist, data analyst, financial risk analyst, financial analyst, geospatial information analyst, biostatistician, statistical software engineer. Some examples of career opportunities 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 suggests faster routes.
  • Statisticians make use of statistical methodologies to detect fraud, assist with credit-related portfolios and also forecast financial economic trends.
  • Retail companies study their customer satisfaction and customer experience using statistical models.
  • Spatial statistics can provide useful information about climate changes, crime hot spots and rhino poaching geographical maps.
  • Statisticians advise animal scientists on the 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.

Programme Code

02133274


Closing Dates

  • SA – 12/06/2022
  • Non-SA – 12/06/2022

Admission Requirements

Important information for all prospective students for 2023

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

Mathematics

APS

NSC/IEB

NSC/IEB

5

6

34

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 

You will be considered for final admission to degree studies if space allows, and if you have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with admission to bachelor’s degree studies, and comply with the minimum subject requirements as well as the APS requirements of your chosen programme.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the Brochure: Undergraduate Programme Information 2023: Qualifications other than the NSC and IEB, available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

  • Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
  • Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
  • Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.


Candidates who do not comply with the minimum admission requirements for BSc (Mathematical Statistics), may be considered for admission to the BSc – Extended programme – Mathematical Sciences, which requires an additional year of study.

Please note: Progression from the BSc – Extended programme – Mathematical Sciences to the mathematics-intensive programmes will be considered only for students who obtained a GPA of 65% in all their first-year modules. Students who pass all first-year modules will be advised on alternative academic pathways.

BSc – Extended Programme – Mathematical Sciences

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

Mathematics

APS

NSC/IEB

NSC/IEB

4

5

28

Note:

*The BSc – Extended programmes are not available for students who meet all the requirements for the corresponding mainstream programme.

*Please note that only students who apply in their final NSC or equivalent qualification year will be considered for admission into any of the BSc – Extended programmes. Students who are upgrading or taking a gap year will not be considered.


Minimum duration of study

3 years, full-time


Faculty Notes

All modules will only be presented in English, as English is the language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria.

Faculty Yearbooks: click here

The University of Pretoria has decided not to set a specific closing date for applications to non-selection programmes for 2023. Applications will close when the available study spaces are filled (close on availability of space). Once the available number of study places for a specific programme are filled, no further applications for that particular programme will be considered. All applicants are therefore strongly advised and encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible after 1 April 2022 and to check the application site (UP Student Portal) regularly. 

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is home to more than 6 500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Faculty presents degrees in fields ranging from the proverbial A to Z – from actuaries to zoologists, and consists of 13 departments.

All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation. The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people. According to the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings the University has achieved new world rankings in Physical Sciences, a discipline which features strongly in NAS and also maintains excellent positions on the ISI Web of Science (WOS) field rankings in Plant and Animal Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Environment and Ecology Sciences.

In the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, we strive to continuously improve our high impact research and significantly address the national shortage of PhD graduates that respond to global and local challenges.

  • Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.

Enquiries about the programme

Click Here
How to apply

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