Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Course Description:
This program is designed for graduates in the humanities, social, life and health sciences who have a professional interest in the use of statistics. It is also applicable to other graduates who have a need to use statistics in their work but have not had sufficient or current training in applied statistics. It concentrates on practical skills and enables participants to broaden their theoretical and practical knowledge of the advanced areas of statistics. The Master of Science (Applied Statistics) is part of a nested suite of programs that includes the Graduate Certificate of Science (Applied Statistics) and Graduate Diploma of Science (Applied Statistics).
Aims & Objectives:
The master level offers students the opportunity to become proficient in a broader range of units than is covered in the graduate diploma, and to develop research and writing skills. The aims of the program are as for graduate diploma plus the following: proficiency in at least two of the following software packages in addition to SPSS (ACCESS, EXCEL, SAS, STATA, MINITAB, WINASTSA, AMOS, SAS Enterprise Miner) experience in manipulating large data sets data analysis skills in advanced statistical modelling and measurement approaches such as structural equation modelling, Rasch modelling, multi-level modelling, log-linear modelling, neural networks and decision trees good communication, presentational and interpersonal (team-working) skills further developed using assignment work, seminar presentations and class discussion Students will have the opportunity to undertake research that involves an industrial/research project involving practical problems and data of relevance to the student’s work interests. They will therefore gain experience in the areas of problem formulation, data preparation, data analysis and reporting of results in a work situation. statistics, maths, mathematics
Course Structure:
The Master of Science (Applied Statistics) is a nested program. Applicants may enter the program at Level 1 (graduate certificate) and progress through to Level 2 (graduate diploma) and Level 3 (master). Students must obtain prior approval from the program director and/or nominated staff member(s) as to which of the two master options they should take. To complete the master program, students must gain a total of 150 credit points. These include the eight units of study of the graduate diploma. The master degree may be taken either by: (i) Project master: the completion of two project units totalling 25 credit points (HMS790A and HMS790B) and 10 other units of study, at least six from Levels 2 or 3 of which at least two must be from Level 3, or (ii) Non-project master: as for (i) with the two project units replaced with two other Level 3 units. Full-time students undertake four units of study per semester, part-time students undertake two units of study per semester. The class contact hours for each unit of study will normally be three hours per week for one semester, consisting of a combination of lectures and practical work as applicable to the topic. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points. Some units of study are available in an off-campus flexible learning mode (distance education). Off-campus units may be taken by students both within and outside Australia, but are not available to students enrolled as International Students in Australia (ie those with a student visa). Applicants with suitable backgrounds may gain exemptions up to a maximum of 50% of the program, however, in most cases, a maximum of three exemptions (25%) may be granted. Note: International student visa holders are required to study full-time.
Units of Study:
Level 1 HMS770 Statistical Practice 1 or equivalent HMS771 Statistical Practice 2 or equivalent HMS772 Basic Statistical Computing and HMS773 Survey Research Practice or HMS786 Survey Sampling Level 2 HMS780 Multivariate Statistics HMS781 Further Statistical Computing HMS782 Forecasting and HMS786 Survey Sampling or HMS773 Survey Research Practice Level 3 HMS791 Structural Equation Modelling HMS792 Scale Development and Evaluation HMS793 Advanced Topics in Regression HMS794 Statistical Marketing Tools or HMS790A/B Industrial/Research Project and two of the following units HMS791 Structural Equation Modelling HMS792 Scale Development and Evaluation HMS793 Advanced Topics in Regression HMS794 Statistical Marketing Tools
Career Opportunities:
Research officer in a wide variety of areas including government agencies, market research, education, medical and biological sciences, town planning and social research.
Professional recognition:
Students who complete a master program with appropriate experience are eligible to apply for the award of Accredited Statistician. Students who complete the Industrial/Research Project may apply for certification by the Australian Marketing and Social Research Society. Students who have SAS experience may want to write the Base SAS Certification exam.
Graduate Attributes:
The master program aims to produce students with the following attributes: Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas: an in-depth understanding of the techniques used in practical statistical applications in the workplace ability to apply knowledge to basic statistical questions Operate effectively in work and community situations: ability to communicate effectively with clients from a wide variety of backgrounds who need to make use of statistical analysis ability to work effectively as individuals and in teams statistical professionals need good communication skills, requiring an understanding of client’s needs and the ability to interpret the results in terms understandable by them Adaptable and manage change: understanding of the changing and developing methods in the area of statistical analysis able to identify, formulate and solve problems expectation of the need to undertake life-long learning, and the capacity to do so independent learning ability and self-motivation are important attributes for professional statisticians Aware of environments in which they will be contributing: understanding the role of statistical analysis for revealing underlying relationships and behaviours in business and society statistical educators have a professional responsibility to maintain skill levels and keep up-to-date with advances in statistical techniques in order to best prepare students for the workplace Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community: ability to critically understand and contribute to innovations and developments in statistics practice by focusing on the use of statistical analysis in a wide range of disciplines, students are exposed to a broad variety of applications in areas such as market research, business, sports and health
Operate effectively in work and community situations:
Entry Requirements:
A degree from a recognised tertiary institution or approved equivalent. Other applicants with relevant academic and work experience may also be considered.
Recognition of Prior Learning:
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm
Course Fees:
In 2009, tuition fees for this program are based on $1650 per 12.5 credit point unit of study. In the event that a unit of study is derived from another program, the applicable fee will be that of the other program. Where applicable and in accordance with commonwealth legislation, a general service fee will also be payable. All fees are reviewed each year and may increase without notice. HELP The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income-contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. FEE-HELP (previously PELS) is available to eligible fee-paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $83,313 from 1 January 2009). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year. Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount. For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au
Application Procedure:
Applications for mid-year entry will be accepted until Friday 17 July 2009. Applications submission details can be found on the application form and can be downloaded from the website at: www.swinburne.edu.au/hed/postgrad/apply
Information Sessions:
Postgrad City Session Question Everything in the one spot Wednesday 1 July 2009 6.00pm - 8.30pm Melbourne CBD Attend the Swinburne Postgraduate Q&A night in the city to find out more about Mid-year entry for postgrad programs. Register online now www.swinburne.edu.au/citysession
Further information:
Web: Enquire online Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794) Email: postgrad@swinburne.edu.au Website: www.swinburne.edu.au/lss
