Master of Science in Statistics

Purpose

The MSc in Statistics aims to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level in the field of statistics.

This qualification equips learners with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of statistics. This understanding enables learners to function as effective and critical researchers who can identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions and generate new knowledge in the chosen field of study. The qualification allows the learners to contribute towards an improved understanding of Statistics. Successful completion of this qualification also provides learners with the possibility of further study at the doctoral level.

Rationale

The qualification responds to the need to provide learners with advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Statistics. The learner with expert knowledge in statistics may enter the labour market being equipped to make rewarding contributions to society through research activities. The qualification delivers experts in the field of Statistics to ensure that the national and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is wide.

The qualification includes the requirement of high-level theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and research. Successful learners are capable of undertaking all aspects of research, both individually and as part of a team, and may be able to continue with further post-graduate studies. Qualifying learners are employable nationally/internationally in different organisations, as teachers, lecturers at universities and other higher education institutions, and as researchers. These learners are ready to commence with doctoral studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. The institution applies RPL according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institutional RPL policy. The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences manages the process.

• Using the RPL policy, the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences implements quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems.
• Learners must demonstrate NQF Level 8 competencies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the Bachelor Honours qualification or a relevant.

• Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of one compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, at NQF Level 9, 180 Credits.

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge by engaging in current research and practices within the field of Statistics; to critically evaluate these and to contribute to disciplined thinking about relevant matters related to their specific project.
2. Apply and develop intellectual independence and advanced research skills, sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of Statistics.
3. Design, select and apply appropriate methods, techniques, procedures or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems within Statistics, with specific reference to their specialisation area.
4. Analyse complex research questions in the field of Statistics and to apply specialised problem-solving skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of inquiry to solve problems within their specialisation area.
5. Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in an area of specialisation to produce significant insights.
6. Engage and initiate in academic and scientific discourse to report and defend substantial ideas that are the results of research in Statistics.
7. Make recommendations regarding the findings of their research and how this relates to or can influence future research in the field of Statistics.
8. Apply high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability in own management of learning and analyse and evaluate ethical implications of research which affect knowledge production in Statistics; also demonstrate an ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in Statistical research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• dentification and formulation of a problem statement.
• Conduct a thorough investigation of existing knowledge as reflected in the appropriate scientific literature.
• Use appropriate research to solve the problem.
• Conduct a scientific evaluation of the results in the context of the problem statement.
• Demonstrate scientific communication of the results in the form of a mini dissertation, research report or dissertation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Application of natural science knowledge and methods (with emphasis on those of the specific discipline) to problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply appropriate scientific methods and to evaluate the results delivered.
• Use computer software for calculations, modelling, simulation and handling of information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify and solve open business and community problems.
• Identify and utilise applications.
• Work with common fundamental expertise across the boundaries of disciplines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Plan and perform investigations and experiments by utilising scientific modelling techniques.
• Analyse, interpret and derive information from data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with scientists (with emphasis on the specific discipline) and the community.
• Use the appropriate structure, style and graphics and electronic support.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Apply methods of information communication for use by others, especially in the world of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and health sciences (with emphasis on those of Statistics).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Demonstrate critical awareness of the necessity to show professionalism and responsibility within his/her limitations and skills, while making judgements according to knowledge and experience.

Integrated Assessment

As part of the formative assessment procedure, the institution evaluates learner's ability using specific methodological skills to demonstrate a critical review of current literature in the subject area and the formulation and execution of a research project.

The learner is to report on the various stages of the project and generate an integrated dissertation of research findings. The supervisor assesses continuously while the learner is writing the dissertation. Examination of the dissertation by at least two examiners forms part of the summative assessment.