Why Study/Key Benefits

The Diploma in Arts (Statistics) is designed for students who want practical statistical and quantitative skills without completing a full bachelor’s degree. Massey describes Statistics as covering the collection, analysis and presentation of data, together with critical examination of data sources and statistical modelling. Students also use computers extensively for calculations, graphics and extracting insights from data.

This programme may suit students who:

• Enjoy working with numbers and data.
• Are comfortable using modern information technology.
• Want practical data-analysis skills that can complement another academic or professional background.
• May want to progress later into a Bachelor of Arts.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The qualification combines the Diploma in Arts core courses with Statistics courses. Massey currently lists the following Statistics courses.

Core Statistics requirements include:

• 161250 Data Analysis – 15 credits
• 161251 Regression Modelling – 15 credits

Students select the required Statistics credits according to the programme regulations and prerequisite structure.

161250 Data Analysis covers:

• Statistical concepts
• Exploring statistical relationships
• Hypothesis testing
• Model evaluation
• Data analysis
• Presentation and communication of conclusions.

161251 Regression Modelling covers:

• Simple regression
• Multiple regression
• Linear models
• Categorical explanatory variables
• Model diagnostics
• Inference
• Polynomial regression
• Time-dependent models
• Variable selection
• Non-linear and weighted regression.

Other Statistics courses available within the specialisation include:

• 161101 Statistics for Business – 15 credits
• 161111 Applied Statistics – 15 credits
• 297101 Statistical Data Science – 15 credits
• 161307 Reproducible Visualisation for Statistics – 15 credits
• 161308 Bayesian Computational Statistics: Towards Causal Thinking – 15 credits
• 161324 Data Mining – 15 credits
• 161331 Biostatistics – 15 credits.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The selected specialisation is:

• Statistics

The Statistics specialisation focuses on quantitative data analysis, statistical modelling, data visualisation, probability, inference, data mining and statistical applications.

Related Massey study pathways include:

• Graduate Certificate in Arts – Statistics
• Bachelor of Arts – Statistics
• Bachelor of Science – Statistics
• Graduate Diploma in Arts – Statistics
• Master of Science – Statistics.

Programme Highlights

• One-year, 120-credit undergraduate diploma.
• Statistics specialisation.
• Auckland, Manawat? and distance/online study options.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• Eight 15-credit courses are normally taken in a full-time year.
• Practical exposure to statistical software including Excel and RStudio.
• Coverage of data analysis, regression, probability, statistical inference and visualisation.
• Exposure to modern data science, data mining, Bayesian methods and biostatistics.
• Courses can potentially transfer into Massey's Bachelor of Arts if the student later progresses to the BA.

Career Outcomes

Massey states that Statistics knowledge can be used across a wide range of sectors because organisations increasingly need people who can organise, interpret and analyse data.

Potential areas of employment include:

• Commerce, particularly finance and marketing
• Environmental management
• Quality improvement
• Research science
• Social sciences
• Teaching
• Technology and industry. 

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The current Massey page confirms that:

• Statistics is currently offered as a Diploma in Arts specialisation.
• The qualification is available at Auckland, Manawat? and through distance/online study.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• The programme has no additional specific admission requirement beyond Massey's university admission regulations.
• The programme includes prerequisite and course-restriction rules, so course selection must be planned carefully.
• Not all courses are available at every campus.
• A student progressing to the Bachelor of Arts can transfer all Diploma in Arts courses into the BA, subject to applicable regulations.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student physically studying the Diploma in Arts in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa, unless another visa category applies.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or evidence of an applicable scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Genuine intentions to study in New Zealand.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand when required.