A master’s or postgraduate degree in statistics or mathematics is the minimum requirement for most jobs. Individuals with a degree in statistics have better chances for jobs in a variety of areas.
What does a mathematics background really mean?
A mathematics background typically means you have either of the following:
- A-level mathematics (or equivalent)
- Degree (or equivalent) in a mathematics related subject
I don’t have a background in mathematics – what do I do now?
For undergraduate courses, discuss your situation with the Admissions Tutor. The university might well be able to help you. For example:
- Your degree comes with a Foundation Year where you might be able to take some mathematics units from that alongside your normal studies.
- Take an intensive course immediately before the start of the normal academic year.
- Take a computer-based learning course towards a certification.
There are many possibilities of this kind. You can be sure that the university will do its best to help you.
However, if all else fails, you may take A level mathematics (or equivalent), either before starting or alongside your university studies.
For an MSc degree, the situation is more difficult because a higher level of mathematical knowledge is required. But again, discuss your situation with your university. There may be some flexibility, particularly for MSc conversion courses designed for graduates from other disciplines. There might be special pre-MSc courses to teach you the necessary mathematics. Or it might be possible to ‘sit in’ on appropriate undergraduate course units.
All of this is harder in the distance learning situation, in the sense that face-to-face special courses are obviously not possible. Contact the university as there may have additional distance learning material for preparation towards your studies.
As well as all the above, strong assistance is available in the distance learning mathematics courses provided by the Open University. You might need guidance as to exactly which ones to take, but you can be assured that this is good supporting material.