Graduate Certificate in Theoretical Statistics and Probability

Key features of the course

• Cover key analytical approaches, classical and Bayesian statistics and the underpinning mathematical theory.
• Learn about distribution theory and a range of probabilistic models.
• Understand the theory behind statistical inference.
• Gain the skills to critically comment on analyses and model choices.

Entry requirements

You must have an undergraduate degree with a substantial amount of mathematical and/or statistical content.

You need a high degree of mathematical competence in the following areas:

• logarithmic and exponential functions
• calculus (including Taylor series)
• algebra (including manipulation of inequalities)
• matrices.

In addition, you’ll need a working knowledge of the following statistical topics:

• histograms and scatterplots
• Normal, Poisson and binomial distributions
• the central limit theorem
• point estimation
• maximum likelihood estimation
• conï¬dence intervals
• hypothesis testing
• simple linear regression
• correlation.

If you meet these entry requirements and wish to study this qualification, download the application form.

You can also check you’re ready to study, and see the topics each module covers, here.

Skills for career development

Statistics is important for everyday problem solving and decision making. This certificate will equip you with the important mathematical underpinning for statistical methods, so you’ll have the theoretical knowledge to prepare you for work as a statistician. Applications of probability theory include patterns of events that occur in both time, such as earthquakes; and space, for example the occurrence of a species of plant; together with areas such as genetics and changes in stock market prices.

Career relevance

Qualified statisticians are in great demand in the workplace – in particular, those with the theoretical underpinning to ensure the correct analysis is undertaken are in short supply in all areas, including the sciences, economics, education, engineering, environmental studies, finance, government statistics, logistics, medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice, including: online forums, website, interview simulation and vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime, if you want to do some research around where this qualification might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your qualification):

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