Why Study/Key Benefits

Massey’s Bachelor of Science (Statistics) combines statistical theory with practical quantitative skills for analysing real-world data. Students learn how to work with large datasets, identify patterns, evaluate evidence, build statistical models and communicate conclusions. The programme covers applications across science, business, health, environmental fields and other areas where data are generated. Massey also highlights its long experience in data mining and the involvement of actively researching lecturers in teaching.

Key benefits include:

• Strong foundations in statistical theory and quantitative analysis.
• Practical experience with data analysis, modelling and visualisation.
• Exposure to data mining, Bayesian statistics and biostatistics.
• Opportunities to combine Statistics with another major or a minor.
• Transferable analytical, computing, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Potential progression into postgraduate study, including the Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma in Science and Technology, Master of Science and PhD.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The first year provides broad science preparation while introducing Statistics and mathematics. Students normally take eight 15-credit courses, totalling 120 credits.

Year 1 commonly includes:

• 247113 Science and Sustainability for Science, or an approved alternative.
• 161122 Statistics, preferred for the Statistics major, or 161111 Applied Statistics.
• At least one of:
  • 160101 Calculus
  • 160102 Algebra
  • 160105 Methods of Mathematics
• Up to five additional 100-level electives, with some electives permitted outside Science.

The first-year Statistical Data Science option, 297101, introduces programming and statistics for transforming, visualising and modelling data, including data cleaning, data wrangling, predictive modelling, probability, inference and reproducible programming.

Year 2 Statistics major courses include:

• 161250 Data Analysis – statistical concepts, data exploration, hypothesis testing, model evaluation and presentation of conclusions.
• 161251 Regression Modelling – simple and multiple regression, linear models, diagnostics, inference, polynomial regression, time dependence and variable selection.
• Students then select two courses from:
  • 160211 Linear Algebra
  • 161228 Statistical Modelling for Experiments
  • 233214 GIS and Spatial Statistics.

Year 3 Statistics courses include:

• 161307 Reproducible Visualisation for Statistics
• 161308 Bayesian Computational Statistics: Towards Causal Thinking
• 161324 Data Mining
• 161331 Biostatistics

These cover reproducible data visualisation, Bayesian computational approaches, causal thinking, large-scale data mining, supervised and unsupervised modelling, and statistical applications in biology and medicine.

Other relevant subjects and themes throughout the degree can include:

• Probability
• Statistical inference
• Statistical modelling
• Experiments and surveys
• Multivariate models
• Quality improvement
• Data mining
• Simulation
• Forecasting
• Time-series analysis
• Biostatistics
• GIS and spatial statistics
• Data visualisation.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The selected specialisation is Statistics within the Bachelor of Science.

The BSc also offers other major areas, including Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Science, Ecology and Conservation, Environmental Science, Human Nutrition, Mathematics, Microbiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Plant Science, Psychology, Statistics, Sustainable Climate Systems and Zoology.

A Statistics student may also complete an optional minor. Massey specifically identifies the following as compatible with Statistics:

• Computer Science
• Earth Science
• Mathematics 

Programme Highlights

• 3-year undergraduate Bachelor of Science.
• 360-credit qualification.
• Statistics major worth 120 credits.
• Manawat? campus and distance/online study options.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• Strong emphasis on quantitative reasoning and data.
• Practical exposure to statistical software and data analysis.
• Advanced study in data mining, Bayesian computational statistics, reproducible visualisation and biostatistics.
• Option to add a minor or complementary subject.
• Flexible first-year structure allowing students to keep alternative BSc majors open.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies a wide range of potential careers for Statistics graduates because statistical and data skills are applicable across industries.

Potential career titles include:

• Statistician
• Data analyst
• Biostatistician
• Business systems analyst
• Health informatics analyst
• Market researcher
• Modeller
• Quality assurance specialist
• Risk analyst or consultant
• Survey sampling analyst
• Test analyst.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The current Massey programme information confirms that:

• Statistics remains an active BSc specialisation.
• The programme is available at Manawat? and by distance/online study.
• The Statistics major has a specific expected mathematics background of at least 16 NCEA Level 2 Mathematics credits or equivalent preparation.
• The programme contains prerequisite requirements between different course levels, so students should plan their first-year courses carefully.
• Some distance courses can include compulsory contact workshops.
• Students should check the current regulations when planning their complete degree because course offerings and requirements can change. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students physically studying the programme in New Zealand will generally require a Fee Paying Student Visa unless another visa category applies.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition, or an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand.
• Ability to leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
• Evidence of tuition payment for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter.