MA Statistics

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 120)

The MA Statistics is aimed at graduates from numerate subjects with good statistical and mathematical training, or who have completed the Higher Diploma Statistics or the Graduate Certificate Statistics. The MA Statistics brings the students to the same level as the MSc Statistical Data Science: once completed, the degrees are equivalent. However, in contrast to the MSc Statistical Data Science, the MA Statistics is 16 months long, and it includes several foundational statistics modules in its core structure. These modules cover the fundamentals of statistics, machine learning, and data science, and prepare the students for more advanced modules. In addition, students take a supervised research module where they develop an individual project that addresses a present-day statistical problem. The programme trains students in both applied and theoretical statistical data science, and prepares them well for a career as research data scientists.
The MA Statistics is an EMOS (European Master in Official Statistics) labelled programme, which means that some students may choose to take modules and an individual project on official statistics, and potentially receive the EMOS certification of their degree. The EMOS MA Statistics programme also includes an internship at an Irish public institution that deals with official statistics. The EMOS MA Statistics provides an excellent opportunity to get involved and pursue a career in official statistics in Ireland or abroad, and there is no comparable programme in Ireland or the UK.

Download the UCD Science Graduate Taught Courses brochure (pdf)

  • Ranked in the top 200 in the world in the QS World University Ranking, and is the only statistics group in Ireland to appear in this ranking.
  • EMOS (European Master in Official Statistics) labelled programme
  • Exposure to cutting-edge modern statistical applications

Careers & Employability

Career prospects on completion of the MA in Statistics are equivalent to those of the MSc Statistical Data Science and graduates typically pursue careers related to data science as research data scientists, data analysts, and data engineers. As the demand for data scientists is growing, career opportunities exist in a variety of industries including pharmaceutical companies, banking, finance, government departments, risk management and the IT sector. A number of past students also embarked on a career in academia by proceeding to study for a PhD in statistics, data science, or related fields. MA Statistics graduates are currently working for companies such as Google, Western Union, AIB, Norbrook, Ernst & Young, Novartis, Deloitte, Meta and Eaton. Demand for our MA Statistics graduates continues to be very strong both in Ireland and abroad.

Curricular information is subject to change


Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

The MA Statistics is aimed at students who have an undergraduate degree in a discipline with numerate skills, and a basic knowledge of probability and statistics.

This programme is aimed at students who have an undergraduate degree with a basic background of statistics and of it's role in data science. The programme trains students in both applied and theoretical statistics and prepares them well for a career either in industry or in academia. A wide variety of taught modules provide a thorough grounding in statistics; in addition, students take a supervised research module to develop an individual research project to address a present-day statistical problem. We train our students to become autonomous learners and researchers capable of setting down their own research agenda. They will be capable of solving relevant problems in the language of statistics. Our graduates are in demand by employers and academic research institutes for their ability to use the tools they have learned to explain, describe and predict. We value students who are motivated to find the underlying causes and reasons for observations and patterns. We aim to provide a teaching and learning environment that develops confidence and independence through a wide variety of interactive formats, both inside and outside the classroom.

  • Approach data science problems in an analytical, precise and rigorous way.
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the key skills required by a practicing statistician or data scientist, including data collection methods, statistical method development, analysis of statistical output and communication of results.
  • Demonstrate strong proficiency in computational methods, including computer programming and scientific visualization.
  • Give oral presentations of technical mathematical material at a level appropriate for the audience
  • Model real-world problems in a statistical framework
  • Prepare a written report on technical statistical content in clear and precise language
  • Undertake excellent research at an appropriate level, using the statistical research skills developed throughout the programme
  • Use the language of logic to reason correctly and make deductions
  • Work independently and be able to pursue a research agenda

View All Modules Here

There are 120 credits of work to do spread over four semesters including nine 5-credit modules (45 credits) from the Higher Diploma programme

Students must take all Core modules in addition to the dissertation in order to complete the programme.

MA Statistics (F043) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 11580
nonEU    fee per year - € 21460

MA Statistics (F044) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4080
nonEU    fee per year - € 7160

***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

  • This programme is intended for applicants with a degree in Mathematics, Economics, Finance, certain Engineering degrees or similar quantitative disciplines where statistics has formed some component of the degree. An upper second class honours, or international equivalent is required.
  • Applicants who do not meet these requirements but can demonstrate an interest and ability in statistics may be considered.
  • Alternatively students may qualify for enrolment to the Higher Diploma Statistics from which they can gain entry to the 1-year MSc in Statistics.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

School of Mathematics and Statistics Application Process FAQ

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 

Faculty Profile
Dr Michelle Carey, UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics

The ever-increasing rise of automated measurements allows us an unprecedented view of the world around us. Traditional statistical methodology is challenged by this more complex and high-dimensional data. My research advances statistical and numerical methods for the analysis of high-dimensional functional data in climatology, finance and medicine.

The following entry routes are available:

MA Statistics FT (F043)
Duration
16 Months
Attend
Full Time
Deadline
Rolling*
MA Statistics PT (F044)
Duration
32 Months
Attend
Part Time
Deadline
Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised