Graduate ready for a career in statistics
Employers need more people to analyse and make sense of the huge amount of data they can generate today.
Our Master of Applied Statistics (MAppStat) gives you the practical skills you need to start a career.
This Master's degree gives you coursework and practical training. You’ll learn a range of advanced techniques, and be introduced to the work of professional statisticians and consultants.
Who can study for this qualification
You can study for an MAppStat if you have a Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average in a relevant subject.
Another way is if you have a lot of practical or professional experience, or a qualification in a different area. Contact the relevant head of school to talk about your options.
What you’ll learn
During your study, you’ll:
- develop expertise in research and analytics
- practice real client communication and develop consultancy skills
- apply your skills in a work experience practicum in a relevant government department or business
- work with other students in a consulting role with real clients such as clinicians or academics
- complete an oral presentation and write a report
- gain a toolbox of skills so you can solve real-life problems.
You might also intern with Stats NZ, Department of Conservation, Wellington City Council, Earth Sciences New Zealand, or data science companies in the private sector.
How you’ll study
You’ll take three core courses that cover methodology, statistical consulting, and a practicum. You’ll then take further approved courses worth 120 points, one of which is a research course.
If you complete only the coursework you may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Statistics.
Studying full time, you’ll complete the MAppStat in 12 months.
Part-time study
Studying part time, you can complete the MAppStat over a maximum of 3 years.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MAppStat degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree of a tertiary institution in a relevant subject; and
(ii) been accepted by the Head of the School of Mathematics and Statistics as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean, Academic (Postgraduate) of the Faculty of Science for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MAppStat
2. (a) The course of study for the MAppStat shall consist of courses worth 180 points, consisting of Research Preparation for Statistics (STAT 480), Statistical Consulting (STAT 501), Statistical Practicum (STAT 581); 120 further approved 400- or 500-level points including one of (Research Project 1 (STAT 487) or 489);
(b) The Head of the School of Mathematics and Statistics may approve substitution of (Research Project 1 (STAT 487), Statistical Practicum (STAT 581)) by Applied Statistics Project (STAT 588).
3. A candidate for the MAppStat shall normally be enrolled full time for three trimesters and shall complete the degree within three years of first enrolling in it.
4. A candidate who has completed 120 points of the degree requirements may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Science, in Statistics.
Future careers
The scope for careers in statistics is constantly expanding with new research and ideas in the field.
With a Master of Applied Statistics you might work as a:
- statistician
- data scientist
- analyst
- researcher
- statistical consultant
- actuary.
More career information
Find out more about careers in statistics.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for postgraduate Statistics
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In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for postgraduate Statistics
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Further study or research
Because you’ll complete study in research projects during your Master’s year, the MAppStat prepares you to continue on for PhD study.
A PhD is the highest academic qualification offered by the School of Mathematics and Statistics. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Academic staff research areas
Our academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.