BA/MMath in Mathematics & Statistics

www.stats.ox.ac.uk

Mathem

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Statistical analysis makes sense of data. It givesmeaning to numbers and helps to decode complexity.

The Department of Statistics is anexciting and vibrant place to study. Thedepartment has teaching and researchstrengths in a wide range of modernareas of statistical science.

At Oxford we have world‐leadingresearch groups in ComputationalStatistics and Statistical Methodology,Probability, and Statistical Geneticsand Bioinformatics.The research groupworking on statistical machine learningand scalable methods for Big Data isflourishing. Our research covers topicsas diverse as methods to unlock thesecrets of human genetic variation anddisease to the analysis of randomgraphs and networks.

These research interests are reflectedin the courses available to under‐graduates in the third and fourth years,and give exposure to the advancesbeing made in statistical theory as wellas the practical application oftechniques to large datasets. Thismeans that graduates from ourdegrees are well‐equipped to enterhighly analytical careers. Both the BAand MMath in Mathematics andStatistics are accredited by the RoyalStatistical Society.

The University also offers fantasticfacilities, exceptional academicsupport through the collegiate system,and has a range of financial supportoptions available.

Statistics is an exciting area of modern mathematics. Are humans the causeof global warming? Which genetic mutations are associated with commonhuman diseases? Statistical models and modern computational techniquescan help to answer questions such as these.

The 3‐year BA and 4‐year MMath in Mathematics and Statistics coursescombine the strengths of the traditional Oxford Mathematics degrees withthe ability to pursue probability and statistics in depth. It will equip you withoutstanding and sought‐after analytical skills used in finance, science,industry and medicine, whilst also providing an excellent springboard forpostgraduate study.

Why study Mathematics & Statistics at Oxford?Deciding to applywas one of thebest decisions Ihave ever made,and very soon itbegan to feel likea home. Iimmediately metfriends for life,and the tutorsare incrediblysupportive, aswell as beingthere to pushyou to help youreach your fullpotential.Eleanor

There are two Mathematics and Statistics degrees,the 3‐year BA and the 4‐year MMath. You will notbe asked to choose between the degrees until yourthird year.

The first year and part of the second year introducecore topics in pure and applied mathematics,probability and statistics. Options start in the secondyear, with three long options and three short optionstaken. In the third and fourth year there is a wide

range of options available in both mathematics andstatistics.

You can choose to graduate after three years with aBA, or to continue to a fourth year to graduate withan MMath. The MMath allows for more in‐depthstudy on advanced material, and includes adissertation on a topic with a large statisticalcomponent.

1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year(extended terms)

Courses Courses Research

Compulsory 1st yearincludes:• Algebra• Analysis• Probability and

statistics• Geometry and

dynamics• Multivariate calculus

and mathematicalmodels

Current core courses:• Probability• Statistics• Algebra• Differential equations• Metric spaces and

complex analysisCurrent options:• Statistical

programming andsimulation

• Other options inmathematics

How is the course structured?

I originally applied to straight Maths but changed as I enjoyed Statsand Probability modules. I didn't like Statistics at school - nothingwas explained, you just had to take it as given. University Statsexplains the pure maths before showing the applications. I was alsoparticularly interested in Stats programming as I'm interested in acareer in Operational Research.Peter

Current optionsinclude:• Applied &

computationalstatistics

• Statistical inference• Applied probability• Statistical lifetime

models• Actuarial science• Wide range of other

options inMathematics

Current options:• Stochastic models• Network analysis• Statistical data mining

and machine learning• Advanced simulation

models• Bayes methods• Probabilistic

combinatorics• Options in

MathematicsStatistics project

AssessmentAssessment Assessment Assessment Assessment

First Universityexaminations:Five compulsory papers.

Final Universityexaminations, Part A:Four core papers andfour or five optionalpapers.

Final Universityexaminations, Part B:The equivalent of eightwritten papers includingassessed practicals.

Final Universityexaminations, Part C:The equivalent of eightwritten papers.Upper second requiredto progress to Part C.

Courses

The options listed above are illustrative and may change. A full list of current options is available on the course websites.

Teaching at Oxford University

Mathematics and Statistics students from allcolleges attend the same lectures, which arearranged by the University. This is usually howstudents first meet the topics in each course.Mathematics and Statistics students can expect toattend between 9 and 12 hours of lectures perweek. Each lecturer will set exercises on theirlectures, and these problems will typically form thebasis of college tutorials. The University’s friendly tutorial system means thatyou will receive much more personal tuition andgreater pastoral support than many otheruniversities can offer. A tutorial is an hour longmeeting in a college between a tutor and small group(often a pair) of students. College tutors mark theirstudents’ tutorial work each week and during thetutorial the work (typically a set of problems set bythe lecturer or college tutor) is considered anddiscussed.

Practical classes

By the third and fourth years the subject optionsbecome much more specialised and are taught inintercollegiate classes organised by the University,typically involving about 10 students. There areplenty of opportunities to ask questions and discussideas with class tutors.

Fourth‐year dissertation

If you choose to do the four year MMath course,you will be required to write a dissertation in a topicclosely related to statistics. These are a goodopportunity to do individual research on a topic thatinterests you.

What is the role of the college?

All students at the University of Oxford are amember of a college. Each college has its ownparticular history, ethos and architecture, but thequality of the teaching is identical. Through thecollege you will attend weekly tutorials with a tutor.

The colleges provide affordable accommodation forat least two (and often more) years of your course.College life is one of the university’s greatest assets,and the close college community provides a friendlyand welcoming home.

Colleges also act as a social hub, with a vast range ofextracurricular activities on offer so whatever yourinterests – music, drama, sports, politics – there willbe a society for you in Oxford.

You can name a college at the application stage, butit is not necessary to do this. A quarter of studentshappily end up at a college different to the one theyoriginally applied for.

Please see www.ox.ac.uk/ugcolls for a list of allcolleges offering Mathematic and Statistics.

Is this course for me?

What are tutors looking for?

If you are a highly motivated student and you arepassionate about studying Mathematics with aparticular interest in the applications to data analysisthen the University of Oxford offers an outstandingenvironment in which to study. The course willintroduce topics that may be completely new to youand will allow you to specialise in the areas thatinterest you most.

We strongly recommend that you take as muchMathematics as your school offers to full A‐level orequivalent. If your school does not offer FurtherMaths, we would recommend that you considerstudying it through the Further MathematicsSupport Programme. See www.fmnetwork.org.ukfor more details.

What qualifications do I need?

You should have a strong academic background,particularly in Mathematics.

A‐levels: A*A*A with A* in Mathematics and inFurther Mathematics (if taken).Otherwise A*AAa with A* in Mathematics and a inAS‐level Further Mathematics.For those for whom A‐level Further Mathematics isnot available: A*AA with A* in Mathematics.orAdvanced Highers: AA/AAB with A in Mathematics.orIB: 39 points, including score 7 in higher levelMathematics and a further 6 6.orany other equivalent. For further information, pleasesee www.stats.ox.ac.uk/ug/apply.

In addition to looking for a very good track record of academic achievement and a particular enthusiasm forMathematics, tutors are looking for candidates that have a capacity to absorb and use new ideas, the ability tothink and work independently, and have perseverance and enthusiasm.

The MATGiven the very strong competition for places, all applicants must register for and sit the Mathematics AdmissionsTest (MAT). This is usually undertaken at a local test centre (often your own school or college) in November. MATresults will be considered when short‐listing applicants for interview. Please see www.matoxford.org.uk formore details. The STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper) does not form part of Oxford offers.

The InterviewTutors take all aspects of each application into account when deciding who to invite for interview. All shortlistedcandidates will be interviewed in at least two colleges in Oxford in December. As part of the process, candidateswill stay in a college for several days, giving them the opportunity to sample college life. All meals andaccommodation are provided free of charge. It may also be possible to arrange Skype interviews for internationalcandidates.

ApplyingAll applications should be made through UCAS by 15 October, and applicants should also register for the MAT bythis date. For more information about the application process, see www.stats.ox.ac.uk/ug/apply.

Many of our graduates have careers in Statistics andthe closely related field of Operational Research.Graduates in Statistics can enter careers in fields asdiverse as health, technology, education, researchand industry. They are in high demand in theinsurance and financial services, and increasinglydata science and machine learning roles are providinginteresting and unusual opportunties in all areas ofbusiness.

For more information on applying to the Universityof Oxford, please look at the admissions website atwww.ox.ac.uk/apply

There are five Open Days each year, including twoDepartmental Open Days in April for Mathematicsand its joint courses including Mathematics andStatistics. There are programmes of talks for both ofthese days. In addition there are three UniversityOpen Days, two in June/July and one in September.These are university‐wide and there is usually a setof repeated departmental talks, allowing you to visitmore than one department, including theMathematical Institute, together with some colleges,all in one day.

Please note that booking is required to attendDepartmental Open Days, but not for UniversityOpen Days. You can book and see more details atwww.maths.ox.ac.uk/open‐days.

What can I do after my degree?

Get in touchFor further information on our course,please contact:Department of Statisticsundergraduate.admissions@stats.ox.ac.uk+44 (0)1865 282926www.stats.ox.ac.uk

Other useful contact details:

Undergraduate Admissionsstudy@ox.ac.uk+44 (0) 1865 288000

Photography: John Cairns. Acknowledgement: BigStock

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All information is correct at the time of going to print but is subject to change at any time without notice. Last updated October 2016.