Master of Science in Mathematical Statistics

Purpose

The MSc (Mathematical Statistics) educates and trains researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. This Master's Degree has a research component which is earned by completing a single advanced research project that culminates in the production and acceptance of a dissertation. The research project may take the form of textual or artefactual research but, regardless of the preferred form of research, a written dissertation is delivered as the final output of the qualification.

Rationale

The purpose of the Master of Science in Mathematical Statistics is to develop skills in the methods of research, as part of a training for professional scientists. The programme embodies aspects of practical training essential for functioning as a senior scientist in a work environment. The programme will equip graduates with the tools necessary to be professional academic practitioners in their particular disciplines.

The Master's Degree will offer a further study opportunity for students who graduated from the Bachelor of Science Honours in Statistics. This will be of particular benefit to students who foresee careers as academics or researchers. It will offer the opportunity for students to further develop advanced conceptual thinking skills with which to solve complex problems innovatively within an area of data analysis and Statistics, thereby enhancing their employability in the broad financial and many other industries. The qualification will provide South Africa with significant numbers of graduates in the natural sciences in order to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity in these fields is widened.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Faculty of Science accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Faculty of Science will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.

The Faculty of Science manages RPL according to the University of Johannesburg's (UJ) RPL policy, which will be applied as follows for purposes of this programme as set out in the Faculty of Science policy:

• Through RPL a student may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the UJ.
• Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the Faculty of Science.
• RPL in the case of a student not complying with the formal entry requirements.

> Is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University.

> Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

> Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-level.

> Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the programme.

> Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the Faculty of Sciences and is finally decided upon by the Faculty of Science Dean's Committee.

• A qualification that does not satisfy the formal entrance requirements for a Master's degree in Mathematical Statistics programme, but the holder of a such a qualification, may apply for admission to the Master's degree in Mathematical Statistics through RPL, which application may be granted subject to such conditions as may be considered to be appropriate.

The following Faculty documentation can be accessed from the yearbook as it pertains to this programme

• Admission policy for this programme.
• RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

• An Honours Degree in Mathematical Statistics.

1. Apply specialist knowledge of mathematical statistics.
2. Demonstrate a command of applied statistics and research methods and procedures to address complex problems.
3. Access, process and manage information effectively.
4. Produce information for, and communicate it to a range of audiences.
5. Display advanced research skills.
6. Present and communicate the results of research by appropriate academic/professional discourse.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply specialist knowledge of mathematical statistics.
• Demonstrate a command of research methods and procedures to address complex problems.
• Access, process and manage information effectively.
• Produce information for, and communicate it to a range of audiences

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies are designed, selected and applied to complex practical and theoretical problems.
• A wide range of specialised skills are used to identify, conceptualise, design and implement methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within design.
• Understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a statistics context is demonstrated.
• Ethical decisions which affect knowledge production are made autonomously.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• A strategy for the processing and management of information is designed.
• The strategy is used to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in statistics in order to produce significant insights.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Substantial ideas are conceptualised through research in an area of statistics specialisation.
• Academic discourses are used to communicate and defend substantial ideas.
• A range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses are included in the communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Clearly identify and define the research problem.
• Develop and present a research project by applying the correct research methodologies and techniques.
• Draw systematically and creatively on the theories, research methodologies, methods/ techniques (including statistical and mathematical techniques), literature and materials of their discipline/field of choice.
• Operate autonomously and take responsibility for their own work and be accountable for the work of others when working with others in a team.
• Critique and evaluate current research and participate in scholarly debates, addressing both theory and practice, in the science area of specialisation

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• The research problem, its justification, process and outcome is reported in a dissertation which complies with the generally accepted norms for research at this level.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

• Seminar presentations and student/supervisor consultations.

Summative assessment

• Research Dissertation.