Practical Statistics

Key features of the course

• Cover topics from exploratory data analysis to statistical modelling techniques.
• Use statistical software packages for analysis, including linear and generalised linear modelling.
• Learn to communicate about and critically comment on statistical investigations and data analyses.
• Gain the skills to use statistics at work.

Entry requirements

There is no formal pre-requisite study, but you must have the required mathematical skills, including:

• algebraic manipulation and solving equations
• quadratics and parabolas
• geometry and trigonometry
• exponentials and logarithms
• mathematical functions
• simple integration and differentiation

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

Talk to an advisor if you’re not sure you’re ready.

Skills for career development

Statistics lie at the heart of many activities, from everyday problem solving and decision making to the formulation of economic policy and the advancement of science and technology. A wide variety of employers seek ability in data analysis – this certificate will equip you with the skills and knowledge for many jobs that require the use of data, and will enhance the following valuable and transferable and skills, such as:

• communicating statistical ideas clearly and succinctly
• understanding statistical texts
• thinking logically
• interpreting statistical analyses in real-world terms
• conducting statistical investigations and analyses of practical problems
• using professional software

Career relevance

The art of analysing data is applicable to jobs in virtually any discipline, including actuary, biology, economics, education, engineering, environmental studies, finance, forensic science, government, logistics, medicine, pharmaceuticals, meteorology, market research, sport, and the growing area of data science – to name but a few.

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 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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