PhD Program in Statistics
Offered By: School of Finance and
Applied Statistics
- 3 years full time, 6 years part time (maximum)
- Commencement at any time subject to coursework and supervision
requirements
- CRICOS 008855K
- Research based program - 100,000 word thesis and preparatory coursework
Introduction
The field of applied statistics offers excellent career prospects for capable
students. The enormous diversity of potential applications makes a career in the
statistical sciences both intellectually challenging and satisfying. Employment
prospects, both in Australia and abroad, are good and continue to improve.
Diverse groups of statisticians and econometricians are brought together at
The Australian National University both from within the University and from
Commonwealth Government institutions including the Australian Bureau of
Statistics (ABS) the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE),
and the Commonwealth Science and Industry Research Organisation (CSIRO), to
provide a range of challenging opportunities for graduate students.
The program draws upon the expertise of academic staff throughout the
University including the staff of the School of Finance and Applied Statistics,
Faculty of Economics and Commerce, The Centre for Mathematics and its
Applications and interested academic staff of other groups such as the Graduate
Program in Demography, the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population
Health, and the Statistical Consulting Unit.
The Graduate Program in Statistics offers two research based degree programs,
a PhD and a MPhil degree (1-2 years, CRICOS 030737K). Research degrees generally range in duration from two
to four years of full-time study for the PhD or one to two years of full-time
study from the MPhil. Part-time study is also possible.
Supervision arrangements are negotiated on an individual basis. The research
interests of members of the Graduate Program in Statistics span an extremely
wide range, including:
- Actuarial Studies
- Biostatistics and Survival Analysis
- Curve Estimation and Image Reconstruction
- Econometric and Financial Modelling
- Likelihood Theory and Asymptotics
- Resampling Methods and the Bootstrap
- Stochastic Processes and their Applications
- Survey Sampling and Design
- Time Series Analysis and Forecasting
- Wavelets
Admission
- Applicants are required to hold a Bachelors with honours or Masters degree
of at least 2A level (75-79%) in statistics or a closely related discipline
- Applicants who do not satisfy the minimum entry standard may enter through
satisfactory completion of a preparatory program.
- Applicants should discuss their proposed program of study and topic for
their research with a staff member before submitting their application.
- Entry to the program is not automatic.
- English language
proficiency requirements must be met.
Application
information including forms.
Program Structure
Coursework (typically Year 1 of PhD program)
The required coursework depends on the candidate's background. Each
candidate is considered individually and coursework requirements are generally
discussed prior to enrolment. Typically coursework may include supervised
reading courses and courses in research techniques and methods.
Any coursework must be completed to a satisfactory level (marks of at least
70%) in order for candidates to progress to the thesis component.
Thesis
The PhD thesis requires the conduct of original research. In the first year,
candidates are required to develop a detailed thesis proposal in consultation
with their supervisory committee.
Review
Students must submit an annual report and an annual review comprising a
seminar presentation and written paper. This review generally coincides with
the annual PhD seminar.
Supervision
Students are assigned a supervisory committee. Advisers may also be
appointed. Students are expected to consult closely with their supervisory
committee, particularly the chairperson. The role of the committee is to
provide students with access to a panel that can assist, advise and provide
support and encouragement for a timely and successful completion.
