Global Utilities

La Trobe University
University Handbook 2008

Higher degrees by coursework

Master of Statistical Science – Melbourne (Bundoora) (SMST)

The course aims to provide opportunities for postgraduate students to further their understanding of the statistical modelling of physical, biological and economic phenomena so they can contribute to applied research and development in industry, commerce and research.

The course gives particular emphasis to analysis of data using computer-related technology. Students select studies from a wide range of components and complete an externally examined minor thesis in their second year.

As part of this course, students may complete units offered through the Key Centre of Statistical Science (KCSS) which comprises La Trobe University, the University of Melbourne, Monash University and RMIT. Additionally, students may also complete appropriate units offered nationally through the Access Grid Room network.

Admission requirements

Candidates entering with a pass bachelor degree, including a sufficiently good pass in 60 credit points of third year statistics or its equivalent, require two years of full-time study to complete the course. Candidates who hold an Honours degree or equivalent enter the second year of the course.

Course structure

During the first year of the course students complete eight approved key centre units, each worth 15 credit points. Up to 30 credit points may be taken at the third year level, subject to approval by the department. During the second year, students are required to complete another four approved key centre units, engage in a training program in statistical consulting (30 credit points) which runs over the entire academic year, and write a minor thesis (30 credit points). The degree may be completed on a part-time basis.

First year Elective units (120 credit points)

Refer to elective units below for a full listing of first and second year electives.

Second year Core units (60 credit points)
Unit name Unit Code Credit points
Consulting and Applied Statistics 39257 30
MSc Statistics Thesis 57960 30
Second year Elective units (60 credit points)

Refer to elective units below for a full listing of first and second year electives.

Key Centre elective units offered vary, but usually include most of the units listed below (these units will be selected upon enrolment, depending on the unit availability and upon consultation with the course adviser):

Unit name Unit codes Credit points
Analysis of Failure and Survival Data 39253 15
Analysis of Medical Data STA4AMD 15
Design and Analysis of Experiments 39259 15
Design and Analysis of Surveys 39260 15
Distribution Free Inference 39261 15
Exploratory Data Analysis 39262 15
Forecasting 39263 15
Foundations of Statistical Inference 39264 15
Generalised Linear Models 39278 15
Mathematics of Option Pricing 39275 15
Multivariate Analysis 39265 15
Probability for Inference 39276 15
Queuing Theory and Applications 39279 15
Regression Analysis STA4RA 15
Statistical Computing 39270 15
Statistical Inference STA4SI 15
Statistics for Quality and Productivity in Industry 39272 15
Stochastic Processes and Applications 39273 15
Bayesian Methods STA4BM 15