Statistics

Do you have a curious mindset and a thirst for knowledge about the world around you? This course is for you! Statistics is the science of transforming data into knowledge and understanding, and provides a principled approach to making data-informed decisions. As we live through a data revolution, with every sector of the economy, science, and society routinely producing vast amounts of data, the demand for data analytic skills is higher than ever. From finance to healthcare, tech to sports, expertise in statistics is essential for shaping the future of these industries.

At UCD, Statistics goes beyond simply teaching students how to use data analytics methods and algorithms. We also focus on providing a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mathematical principles behind statistical analyses. By combining methods, theory, programming, and data from real-world applications, our graduates are equipped not just to use existing data analytics tools, but to develop new ones as well. This is a highly sought-after mastery, given the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the data science field. With this degree you will be part of the statisticians and data scientists of the future who will shape how data are employed in society, sciences, and economy.

Information on all our courses including pathways, internships and careers information is available in the UCD Science Undergraduate Courses Entry 2025 Brochure (PDF).

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

Students study similar modules for all degree subjects in the Mathematics stream in first year and will study modules for a minimum of two degree subjects in second year. At the end of second year, students choose their degree subject. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice but degree subjects can be competitive. As we offer a number of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major. If a degree subject is oversubscribed, places are allocated on a competitive basis. For more information on choosing a degree major at the end of Second Year, visit the Mathematics stream page.

This is a sample set of modules that a Statistics student could study each year in UCD. 

First Year

Scientific Enquiry • Introduction to Applied & Computational Mathematics • Calculus in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences • Applications of Differential Equations • Linear Algebra in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences • Statistical Modelling • Mathematical Analysis • Numbers & Functions • Option Modules • Elective Module

Second Year

Computational Science • Calculus of Several Variables • Linear Algebra in the Mathematical Sciences • Introduction to Probability • Modern Regression Analysis • Inferential Statistics • Introduction to Bayesian Analysis • + modules for 1 other Science Subject • Elective Modules 

Third Year

Time Series Analysis • Models - Survival • Models - Stochastic Models • Data Programming with R • Design of Experiments • Advanced Predictive Analytics • Statistical Machine Learning • Nonparametric Statistics • Option Modules including Actuarial Statistics and Data Programming with Python • Elective Modules

Fourth Year

Research Project in Statistics and Data Science • Bayesian Data Analysis • Multivariate Data Analysis • Survey Sampling • Applied Matrix Theory • Models - Survival • Monte Carlo Inference • Option Modules including Machine Learning & AI and Statistical Network Analysis

Students may apply to study abroad for a trimester in third year in partner institutions internationally.

With a degree in statistics, you will acquire the necessary skills to unlock insights from complex data, and steer crucial decisions across a diverse range of sectors. As a statistician, you will be highly valued across a broad spectrum of fields, such as healthcare, business, bioscience, finance, climate science, economics, sports analytics, education, and government. A degree in Statistics also opens doors to graduate studies in both taught and research programmes.

Students have the opportunity to complete a Professional Placement module worth 5 credits. This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a placement in industry (6-10 weeks) in the summer following Third Year.

Students in recent years have completed internships in KPMG, PwC, Brightwind and American Express.

Students can also apply to complete Undergraduate Summer Research Projects in the UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics in the summer after Third Year.

Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year.

More information about the internship module and application process.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
• HEAR Entry Route
• University Access

Dr Michael Fop
UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics
askscience@ucd.ie

I decided to study at UCD as I have always loved Mathematics and knew I wanted to study it in college. UCD gave me the flexibility to see what type of Maths subject I enjoyed the most. I was able to try Physics, Mathematics, Statistics and even Chemistry – before deciding to major in Statistics. I love getting to see Mathematics applied to real world data and establishing patterns and reasonings behind different outcomes. I am also Secretary of the Trampoline Club, which I joined back in first year and have made some of my closest friends through the club! In my summer of third year, I completed an internship in data analytics and after I graduate, I hope to work as a data analyst.

Emer Clune, Student