Yearbooks

Programme: PhD (Mathematical Statistics)

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Code Faculty Department
02260612 Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Department: Statistics
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 360 NQF level:  10

Programme information

A candidate must complete a thesis in one of several fields in Applied Statistics or Mathematical Statistics in which research is actively being done within the Department. Details are available from the Head of Department of Statistics as well as in the departmental brochure. Refer to the Departmental website for further information.

 

Admission requirements

  1. Relevant master’s degree with Mathematical Statistics
  2. A cumulative weighted average of at least 65% for all the modules at master’s level
  3. An average of 65% for the research component completed at master’s level
  4. An admission examination may be required

Note: Additional modules may be required in order to reach the desired level of competency

Other programme-specific information

Subject to other faculty regulations, a student for a doctoral degree must complete his or her studies within four years after first registering for the degree. Under special circumstances, the Dean, on the recommendation of the head of department, may give approval for a limited fixed extension of this period. (Also consult the General Academic Regulations.)

Promotion to next study year

The progress of all doctoral candidates is monitored biannually by the supervisor and the postgraduate coordinator. A candidate’s study may be terminated if the progress is unsatisfactory or if the candidate is unable to finish his/her studies during the prescribed period.

Minimum credits: 360

All doctoral students in Statistics/Mathematical Statistics should enrol for STK 911 which is a compulsory but non-credit-bearing module. The satisfactory completion of this module is a prerequisite for embarking on the research component of the degree programme.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    A compulsory bootcamp must be attended as part of this module – usually presented during the last week of January each year. Details regarding the venue and specific dates are made available by the department each year. The bootcamp will cover the basics of research to prepare the student for the research component of their degree. Students can be exempt from the bootcamp if it has already been attended in a previous year or for a previous degree. Each year of registration for the doctoral degree will also require the attendance of three departmental seminars. Students should ensure that their attendance is recorded by the postgraduate co-ordinator present at the seminars. The department approves the seminars attended.

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Minimum credits: 360

Core modules

  • Module content:

    A compulsory bootcamp must be attended as part of this module – usually presented during the last week of January each year. Details regarding the venue and specific dates are made available by the department each year. The bootcamp will cover the basics of research to prepare the student for the research component of their degree. Students can be exempt from the bootcamp if it has already been attended in a previous year or for a previous degree. Each year of registration for the doctoral degree will also require the attendance of three departmental seminars. Students should ensure that their attendance is recorded by the postgraduate co-ordinator present at the seminars. The department approves the seminars attended.

    View more


The regulations and rules for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations.

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