Master of Commerce in Statistics

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Commerce in Statistics is to equip qualifying learners with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of Statistics; to develop learners as effective researchers with critical research skills to generate new knowledge in this chosen field of study; and to identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions in order to contribute towards the development of knowledge and understanding of Statistics. Successful completion of this qualification also provides learners with the possibility of further study at Doctoral level.

Rationale

The first rationale of the qualification is to provide learners with advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Statistics that provides opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, and prepares the learner for employment and the ability to make rewarding contributions to society.

The second rationale of the qualification is to provide South Africa with experts in the field of Statistics in order to ensure that the national and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is widened. This includes the requirement of high level theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and research. Qualified learners will be capable of undertaking all aspects of research, both individually and as part of a team, and may be able to continue with further postgraduate studies.

Learners who complete this qualification will be employable nationally/internationally in different organisations, as teachers, lecturers at universities and other higher education institutions, as researchers, etc. and ready to commence with Doctor of Philosophy studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for access purposes will require the learner to comply with the admission requirements of the institution. The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role. The institution also underwrites the view that RPL, obtained either by formal learning, or informally(obtained by experience), is an indispensable element in granting admission or credits with the aim of placing in a specific qualification.

RPL deals with provable knowledge and learning that the learner obtained by following formal learning or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated qualification or modules, or status for which the learner is applying and not merely about the experience the learner can prove. RPL takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the learner demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen programme.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to the Master's Degree is

• A Bachelor of Commerce Honours, NQF Level 8.

OR

• Similar qualification Degree in Statistics, NQF Level 8.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at 9 totalling 180 Credits.

This qualification can be done through research or course work.

Research

Compulsory Modules 180 Credits

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

Or

Course work

Compulsory Modules 90 Credits

• Multivariate Analysis, 15 Credits
• Applied Regression Analysis, 15 Credits
• Mini Dissertation, 60 Credits

Electives

• Stochastic Models, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Probability Theory, 15 Credits.
• Statistical Quality Control, 15 Credits.
• Decision Theory, 15 Credits.
• Design of Experiments and Sampling, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the research methodology in the field of Operations Research, plan and perform investigations and experiments by utilizing scientific modeling techniques, analyze, interpret and derive information from data and apply appropriate scientific methods to evaluate the results.
2. Demonstrate specialist knowledge in the field of Statistics to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices in combination with advanced scholarship or research in this specific field of Statistics.
3. Identify, evaluate and creatively and innovatively address certain convergent and divergent problems in Statistics.
4. Understand the consequences of solutions or insights generated within the context of Statistics, be able to make autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production or complex organisational or professional issues, and make critical contributions to the development of ethical standards.
5. Communicate and defend ideas and results that are the products of their search in the field of Statistics and use a range of advanced and specialised skills to communicate to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
6. Operate independently and take full responsibility for his/her own as well as others.
7. Work and where appropriate, to account for leading and initiating processes and implementing systems.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous formative assessment (in the form of assignments and oral presentations) is aimed at determining the learner's progress towards attaining the stipulated outcomes and is sometimes followed by a summative assessment in the form of a written or oral examination.

The learner's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills is furthermore evaluated in his/her critical review of current literature in the subject area and the formulation and execution of a research project. The learner is to report on it and generate an integrated dissertation of research findings.

The supervisor assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialisation. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner.