Statistics Graduate Certificate
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences ,
Faculty of Science
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Start date
September 2026 -
Duration
9 months -
Attendance
Part-time Distance learning
Explore this course:
Apply now for 2026 entry or register your interest to find out about postgraduate study and events at the University of Sheffield.
Course description
Our Statistics Graduate Certificate is designed for graduates who don't have all the background knowledge for a masters degree in statistics. Students who perform well can progress on to our MSc Statistics course.
Statistical skills open all kinds of doors. Through our Statistics Graduate Certificate you’ll start to build the foundational knowledge needed to pursue roles spanning finance and consultancy, healthcare, data science, public administration and research.
Through this nine-month part-time distance learning course, you’ll be introduced to the first-year undergraduate mathematical concepts and methods needed for a masters in statistics, such as linear algebra, multiple integration and differentiation, and the theory of quadratic forms.
You’ll also explore relevant first and second-year probability and statistical theory. You’ll learn basic concepts of statistical inference and rational decision making under uncertainty, how they can be applied practically, and how to implement methodology using appropriate software. In addition to this, you’ll develop your understanding of probability theory and distribution theory.
Progression
An average final mark of approximately 65 per cent on the Graduate Certificate, with at least 60 per cent in each of the three core modules, will usually allow you to progress onto our MSc Statistics course, provided you meet the University's English language requirements.
Modules
Core modules:
- Basic Statistics
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The module is a distance-learning instrument aimed at graduates who wish to undertake a postgraduate Masters course in Statistics but lack the appropriate mathematical and statistical background. It introduces the basic concepts of statistical inference and of rational decision-making under uncertainty, and it demonstrates how they may be applied in a wide range of practical circumstances. Implementation of the methodology with appropriate software forms an integral part of the unit.
20 credits - Probability and Probability Distributions
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The module is a distance-learning instrument aimed at graduates who wish to undertake a postgraduate Masters course in Statistics but lack the appropriate mathematical and statistical background. It introduces the concepts of probability theory and distribution theory needed for such a masters course, and gives training in their use. It covers the laws of probability and of conditional probability, the concepts of random variables and random vectors and their distributions, and the methodology for calculating with them. It also discusses Laws of Large Numbers and Central Limit phenomena
20 credits - Mathematical Methods for Statistics
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The module is a distance-learning instrument aimed at graduates who wish to undertake a postgraduate Masters course in Statistics but lack the appropriate mathematical and statistical background. It introduces the mathematical concepts and methods needed for such a masters course and gives training in their use. It covers ideas and techniques from real analysis and linear algebra, including multiple integration and differentiation and matrix algebra and the theory of quadratic forms.
20 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
Interested in postgraduate taught study? Register your interest in studying at Sheffield or attend an event throughout the year to find out what makes studying at here special.
Duration
Nine months, part-time – you'll need to dedicate around 20 hours a week to your studies
Teaching
You're expected to spend around 20 hours each week on your studies. You'll be taught in a variety of ways, including directed reading from standard textbooks or a fully comprehensive set of course notes.
Tailored course material will also be made available online, including additional notes and video lectures.
You’ll receive examples and exercises to work through, have access to an online forum for each module, and our lecturers will give you feedback and comments on your work.
Assessment
Around 20 per cent of your assessment will be based on coursework, with the rest based on your final examinations.
Your career
Employers hire our graduates because of their ability to analyse problems and reach solutions in a clear, precise and logical way. Our courses are designed to give you the skills that will help you succeed in a range of careers, spanning areas such as:
- finance and banking
- consultancy
- data science
- computing and IT
- public administration and policy
Strong mathematical skills open all kinds of doors, whether you want a job that involves doing lots of complex calculations, or one where you help businesses, charities and policymakers to find the best solutions to real-world problems.
Our graduates have been hired by a variety of employers, such as BAE Systems, Barclays, Dell, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, IBM, Lloyds, PwC, Unilever, the Civil Service and the NHS.
You’ll cover advanced topics and gain extensive research training, which is also great preparation if you’d like to pursue a career in research. Sheffield mathematics graduates have secured PhDs at many of the world's top 100 universities.
School
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is leading the way with groundbreaking research and innovative teaching.
Our mathematicians and statisticians have expertise across pure mathematics, applied mathematics, probability and statistics. We focus on a variety of topics, from the most abstract questions in number theory to the calculations helping to understand climate change.
In the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 96 per cent of our mathematical sciences research was rated in the highest two categories as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Mathematics and statistics students are based in the Hicks Building, which has classrooms, lecture theatres, computer rooms and social spaces.
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:2 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject and at least grade B in A Level mathematics, or equivalent.
Subject requirements
We accept degrees in the following subject areas:
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical Science
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Medicine
- Engineering
We may consider other quantitative degree subjects.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent
Other requirements
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school.
Fees and funding
Alumni discount
Save up to £2,500 on your course fees
Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could save up to £2,500 on your postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.
Apply
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Contact
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.