Master of Applied Statistics

Advance your Bachelor's degree with postgraduate study and professional training in statistical techniques.

Graduate ready for a career

Employers need more people to analyse and make sense of the huge amount of data they can generate today.

Our Master of Applied Statistics (MAppStat) is designed to give you the practical skills you need to start a career. It has both coursework and practical training. We train you in a range of advanced techniques, and introduce you to the variety of work that professional statisticians and consultants do.

What you’ll learn

During your study, you’ll:

• develop expertise in research and analytics
• practice real client communication and develop consultancy skills
• apply your skills in a work experience practicum in a relevant government department or business—you might intern with Stats NZ, Department of Conservation, Wellington City Council, GNS Science, NIWA, or a data science company in the private sector
• work with other students in a consulting role with real clients, such as clinicians or academics
• complete an oral presentation and write a report
• gain a toolbox of skills, so you can solve real-life problems.

The MAppStat programme takes one year when studied full time over three trimesters—usually from March to June, July to October, and November to February.

If you complete only the coursework, you may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Statistics.

Get the postgraduate handbook

Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.

Download the handbook

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Study full time or part time

If you study full time, you’ll complete your MAppStat in one year over three trimesters—usually March to June, July to October, and November to February. Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week.

Part-time study options

If you study part time, you can complete the MAppStat programme in up to three years. You will usually start in March or July and take two courses per trimester.

The part-time option will take around 20 hours a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.

One year duration

As an international student, you’ll complete your Master’s in one year full time over three trimesters—March to June, July to October, and November to February. Normally, students start the programme in either March or July.

If you complete only the coursework part of the degree, you may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Statistics.

Future careers

The scope for careers in statistics is constantly expanding, as new research and ideas are discovered.

With a Master of Applied Statistics you might work as a:

• statistician
• data scientist
• analyst
• researcher
• statistical consultant
• actuary.

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background. Find out what’s on offer and how to apply.

Financial support

You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.

We can show you how to manage your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support. Talk to a student finance adviser Financing your study

While you study

Work as a tutor

The School of Mathematics and Statistics often has a number of vacancies for marking, helpdesk, teaching assistant, and tutoring roles for undergraduate Mathematics, Engineering Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science courses.

The school looks for current senior students—Honours, Masters, PhD, or senior undergraduates with good passes in appropriate 200-level courses.

• Find out more about tutoring
• Complete the online form.

Work as a research assistant

You may be able to work as a research assistant while you study. These are fixed-term, short contracts where you assist an academic on a specific research project.

These contracts are decided in negotiation with academics in an area of interest.

Join our postgraduate community

Postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, University staff, and future colleagues.

Join a school that attracts students and staff from around the world, bringing a lively multicultural atmosphere. You’ll have opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops, and social functions.

The Postgraduate Students’ Association can give you information on studying at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.

Advance your expertise with PhD study

Because you’ll complete study in research projects during your Master’s year, you’ll be prepared to go on to do a PhD thesis.

A PhD is the highest academic qualification offered by the School of Mathematics and Statistics. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics.

As a PhD candidate at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.