Statistics - master

Programme description

The Master's degree program comprises a Master's Thesis of 60 ECTS, 20 ECTS mandatory courses in computer-intensive statistics and multivariable statistical analysis, and four courses (40 ECTS) of electives or special curriculum.

The research-group in statistics at the University of Tromsø has its main focus on imaging, climate research, biostatistics, medical statistics and reliability analysis. The Master's Thesis, electives and special curriculum make it possible for students to specialise in these different areas.

Programme structure

Learning outcomes

For each programme at the University of Tromsø there are set targets for knowledge, skills and competences that a student should have reached by the end of studies.

On completion of the program, graduates will have the following attributes:

Knowledge

• have advanced knowledge of statistical concepts, principles and methods
• have a solid knowledge about fields close to statistics, especially within mathematics
• have sufficient knowledge of statistics to teach in senior high school
• have a solid knowledge of a concrete scientific problem issue and the statistical model that describes the problem

 Skills

• can enter complicated problem issues, uncover structures and formulate precise problems, find suitable analytical and/or numerical solution methods, and interpret the solutions
• have good practical skills in at least one commonly used statistical programming tool.
• can cooperate, if necessary in a interdisciplinary way, with other specialists.
• can find precise and scientific formulations, in oral and written language, in Norwegian as well as in English
• can use existing literature in an active way to understand the work of other scientists, and as support to solve own mathematical problems.
• can use statistical methods in theory and practice, and make an independent judgment of the applicability of a statistical model for a given practical problem

 General Competence

• have a solid knowledge of a broad variety of methods and techniques for analysis and problem solving within statistics.
• have acquired good theoretical insight and ability to apply the theory for development of methods and techniques to solve problems.
• possesses the necessary qualifications for work within industry, technology, science, information technology, and schools.
• can apply knowledge within mathematics and statistics on problem issues within social and natural sciences.
• can do independent scientific work and formulate the contents of the work within the framework of the terminology of the field
• can make knowledge based judgments on general scientific issues and communicate these in public.

Admission requirements

Admission to the Master's programme in Statistics requires a Bachelor's degree in Statistics or Mathematics or another degree following a program of study of at least three years, or similar education approved in accordance with the Norwegian Universities Act section 3-4. In addition, specialization in Statistics/Mathematics of the equivalent of not less than 80 ECTS credits is required. An average mark of C or better is required in the Bachelor's degree or similar basis of admission.

Applicants from Norway or Nordic countries:

• The application deadline for Norwegian and other Nordic applicants is April 15th for admission to the autumn semester and November 1st for admission to the spring semester.

Applicants from outside the Nordic countries:

• The application deadline for self-financing and quota scheme applicants is December 1st for admission to the autumn semester. 
• Online application, study code 2036.

Teaching and assessment

The Master's degree in Statistics consists of lectures and coursework. A passing grade on the mandatory homework sets is normally required for permission to take the examination. An oral exam is most common for the Master's degree courses. See the course descriptions for more information. The Master's Thesis is assessed by a committee based on the Thesis itself, an oral presentation of the Thesis and an oral exam.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction and all syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English, but may be answered either in English or a Scandinavian language.

The Master's Thesis may also be written either in English or a Scandinavian language.

Exchange possibilities

After an agreement with the Department, a period of study abroad can be arranged.

Job prospectives

Graduates from the Master's of Science in Statistics degree are in demand, and typically work with people from other fields in research institutions, consultant companies, insurance companies, banks, industry, oil companies, education, advanced technology and software development.

Access to further studies

On sucessfull completion of the degree program, studentes may be qualified for admission to a PhD-program in Statistics at the University of Tromsø or elsewhere.

Study plan

Master's Degree programme in Statistics