Statistics (2024)

Statistics is the science of collecting and interpreting data subject to uncertainty. We live in a world where variability is everywhere. To make informed decisions we must understand the nature of variability, and make use of meaningful information. Without data we have to resort to hunches or guesses, neither of which can be relied on. Statistics tells us how to deal with variability, and how to collect and use data so that we can make good decisions.

Statistics is available as a minor.

To complete a minor in Statistics, students must complete 60 points of DATAX coded papers, including at least 30 points above 100 level.

Note: There will be no new enrolments in the Statistics major and subject which has now changed name to Data Analytics. Students enrolled in 2018 or previously in the Statistics major, or previously in the Statistics subject for the PGCert(Stats), PGDip(Stats), BSc(Hons), MSc, MSc(Res) should consult the Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science for programme advice. Please refer to the Data Analytics subject for further information.

Note on Assessment: To be eligible to pass these papers students should normally achieve a minimum grade of D in the internal assessment and the final examination, and an overall grade of C-.


On this page


  • Prescriptions for the GradCert(Stats) and GradDip(Stats)

    A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Statistics at an advanced level in their first degree.

    For further details, contact the Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science Office.

  • Prescriptions for the PGCert(Stats), PGDip(Stats), BSc(Hons), MSc and MSc(Res)[1]

    The paper DATAX520 is normally available only for the BCMS(Hons) degree.

    To complete a PGCert(Stats), students must complete 60 points at 500 level consisting of 60 points from papers listed for Statistics.

    To complete a PGDip(Stats), students must complete 120 points at 500 level including at least 90 points from papers listed for Statistics.

    Enrolment in papers towards the BSc(Hons) is only by invitation of the Head of School. To complete a BSc(Hons) in Statistics, students must complete 120 points at 500 level, including at least 60 points from the papers listed for Statistics, of which at least 30 points must be in research (normally DATAX591).

    To complete an MSc in Statistics, students admitted under section 2(a) of the MSc regulations must complete 180 points at 500 level including DATAX592 and at least 60 points from papers listed for Statistics.

    To complete an MSc (Research) in Statistics, students admitted under section 2(a) of the MSc (Research) regulations must complete 180 points at 500 level consisting of DATAX594 and 60 points from papers listed for Statistics.

    Candidates for these graduate qualifications should select their papers in consultation with the Graduate Advisor in Statistics of the Department of Mathematics.

    [1] The PGCert(Stats), PGDip(Stats), MSc and MSc(Res) will not be offered from 1 July 2023.

  • Prescriptions for the MPhil

    The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

  • Prescriptions for the PhD

    The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

  • 100 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    CSMAX101The World of Data15.024A (Hamilton)
    This paper introduces students to tools used in analysing datasets, focusing on health science applications and publicly available data on New Zealand. Students will learn how to use these tools to generate the appropriate results and be able to critically evaluate results presented in the media as well as scientific articles. Stud...
    DATAX111Statistics for Science15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Tauranga) & 24C (Hamilton Waikato College)
    An introductory paper in statistics that uses Microsoft Excel. Topics include the collection and presentation of data, basic principles of experimental design, hypothesis testing, regression and the analysis of categorical data.
    DATAX121Introduction to Statistical Methods15.024A (Hamilton), 24A (Secondary School - Unistart) & 24X (Hainan University, Haikou, China)
    An introduction to statistical data collection and analysis. Topics include general principles for statistical problem solving; some practical examples of statistical inference; and the study of relationships between variables using regression analysis.
  • 200 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    DATAX201Practical Data Science15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Online) & 24B (Tauranga)
    This paper gives students practical experience for the entire data science process. It covers the data collection process, data cleaning and manipulation, and data visualisation and presentation.
    DATAX221Statistical Data Analysis15.024A (Hamilton)
    This paper introduces students to the R programming language which is used to investigate a collection of real data sets. Analysis of variance, multiple regression, non parametric methods and time series are covered.
    DATAX222Principles of Probability and Statistics15.024B (Hamilton)
    This paper introduces the theoretical background that underpins modern probability and statistics. Topics include discrete probability and mathematical statistics from a frequentist and Bayesian viewpoint.
  • 300 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    DATAX321Advanced Data Analysis15.024B (Hamilton)
    This paper covers the use of statistical packages for data analysis and modelling. The emphasis is on observational rather than experimental data. The topics covered are regression modelling and its generalisations, and multivariate analysis.
    DATAX322Probability and Stochastic Processes15.024A (Hamilton)
    This paper introduces students to probability theory and stochastic processes. It covers formally the theoretical foundations of probability, random variables, statistics, stochastic processes and Markov chains.
    DATAX390Directed Study15.024A (Hamilton) & 24B (Hamilton)
    A directed study on an approved topic in Data Analytics.
    DATAX391Undergraduate Research Project30.024A (Hamilton), 24B (Hamilton), 24D (Hamilton) & 24X (Hamilton)
    Students carry out an independent research project on an approved topic under staff supervision.
    DATAX397Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study15.024X (Hamilton)
    Students carry out an independent work-related project on an approved topic under staff supervision.
  • 500 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    DATAX520Dissertation45.024X (Hamilton)
    A directed investigation and report on an approved project or study topic.
    DATAX525Topics in Statistics30.024A (Hamilton)
    This paper will discuss advanced topics in statistics. The exact topics covered could change subject to the preference and research expertise of the academic staff. Students preferences may also be taken into account.
    DATAX590Directed Study30.024B (Hamilton)
    Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.
    DATAX591Dissertation30.024X (Hamilton)
    A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
    DATAX592Dissertation60.024X (Hamilton)
    A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
    DATAX593Statistics Thesis90.024X (Hamilton)
    An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
    DATAX594Statistics Thesis120.024X (Hamilton)
    An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
  • 800 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    DATAX800Statistics MPhil Thesis120.024X (Hamilton)
    No description available.
  • 900 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    DATAX900Statistics PhD Thesis120.024I (Hamilton), 24J (Hamilton), 24K (Hamilton) & 24X (Hamilton)
    No description available.

2024 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 29 November 2023 7:52pm

This page has been reformatted for printing.