Overview
Our BSc Statistics is for students who want to understand and analyse data using modern statistical methods. It’s a home for mathematicians who enjoy solving practical problems and who want to make a difference in all sorts of areas. On our course you can study a wide range of topics, such as:
- Statistics, including theory and practical computer-based exercises
- Optimisation, from linear to integer programming
- Applied mathematics, such as vector calculus and differential equations
You’ll also have the chance to engage with our employability activities.
You develop your mathematical and statistical skills with a balance between solid theory and practical application in problems arising from finance, medicine, biology, economics and other fields of modern research.
You therefore can gain an exceptional range of knowledge and skills that are currently in demand in statistically oriented employment; in business, commerce, industry, government service, education and in the wider economy.
Our Department of Mathematical Sciences is genuinely innovative and student-focused. Our research groups are working on a broad range of collaborative areas tackling real-world issues. Here are a few examples:
- Our data scientists carefully consider how not to lie, and how not to get lied to with data. Interpreting data correctly is especially important because much of our data science research is applied directly or indirectly to social policies, including health, care and education.
- We do practical research with financial data (for example, assessing the risk of collapse of the UK’s banking system) as well as theoretical research in financial instruments such as insurance policies or asset portfolios.
- We also research how physical processes develop in time and space. Applications of this range from modelling epilepsy to modelling electronic cables.
- Our optimisation experts work out how to do the same job with less resource, or how to do more with the same resource.
- Our pure maths group are currently working on two new funded projects entitled ‘Machine learning for recognising tangled 3D objects’ and ‘Searching for gems in the landscape of cyclically presented groups’.
- We also do research into mathematical education and use exciting technologies such as electroencephalography or eye tracking to measure exactly what a learner is feeling. Our research aims to encourage the implementation of ‘the four Cs’ of modern education, which are critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
Study abroad
Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course.
Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.
If you spend a full year abroad you’ll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won’t pay any tuition fees to your host university
Placement year
Alternatively, you can spend your third year on a placement year with an external organisation, where you learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways.
If you complete a placement year you’ll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.
Our expert staff
As well as being world-class academics, our staff are award-winning teachers. Many of our academics have won national or regional awards for lecturing, and many of them are qualified and accredited teachers – something which is very rare at a university.
We are a small but influential department, so our students and staff know each other personally. You never need an appointment to see your lecturers and professors, just knock on our office doors – we are one of the few places to have an open-door policy, and no issue is too big or small.
Specialist facilities
- In addition to teaching, we have a Maths Support Centre, which offers help to students on a range of mathematical problems. Throughout term-time, we can chat through mathematical problems either on a one-to-one or small group basis
- We have a dedicated social and study space for Maths students in the department, which is situated in the new £18m STEM Centre
- We host regular events and seminars throughout the year
- Our students run a lively Mathematics Society, an active and social group where you can explore your interest in your subject with other students
Your future
Clear thinkers are required in every profession, so the successful statistician has an extensive choice of potential careers.
Statistics graduates are highly employable in a wide range of places, working in business, pharmaceutical industries, banking and computing among others. The Royal Statistical Society offers further information on careers in statistics.
Our recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies including:
- KPMG
- British Arab Commercial Bank
- Johal and Company
We also work with our University’s Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.
Why we’re great
- 100% of our maths students are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2021).
- We are continually broadening the array of expertise in our department, giving you a wide range of options and letting you tailor your degree to your interests.
- We coordinate mathematics and statistics support for universities within the Eastern region of the UK.
Structure
Course structure
We offer a flexible course structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules, and optional modules chosen from lists.
Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The course content is therefore reviewed on an annual basis to ensure our courses remain up-to-date so modules listed are subject to change.
Teaching and learning disclaimer
Following the impact of the pandemic, we made changes to our teaching and assessment to ensure our current students could continue with their studies uninterrupted and safely. These changes included courses being taught through blended delivery, normally including some face-to-face teaching, online provision, or a combination of both across the year.
The teaching and assessment methods listed show what is currently approved for 2022 entry; changes may be necessary if, by the beginning of this course, we need to adapt the way we’re delivering them due to the external environment, and to allow you to continue to receive the best education possible safely and seamlessly.
