Statistics and Operational Research, BSc Hons at University of Greenwich

Our statistics and operational research degree provides the knowledge and skills to master the statistical modelling techniques used by professional statisticians and operational research specialists.

On this degree in statistics and operational research, you will learn methods for data collection, analysis, interpretation, statistical estimation, statistical modelling and simulation. If you are an aspiring mathematics teacher, our Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme will enable you to gain classroom experience.

The course is one of our popular suite of mathematics degrees; in the 2019 Guardian University Guide, these were ranked in the top 10 in the UK.

Career options for our graduates include market research, business analysis, forecasting and teaching. The course is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, the UK's chartered professional body for mathematicians.

What you should know about this course

•  Students on the BSc Hons Statistics and Operational Research have the opportunity to develop skills such as logical analysis, deduction, statistical modelling, decision making and data analysis
•  You will learn to identify and analyse relevant data from different sources, improve problem-solving skills and acquire IT skills using specialist mathematical software packages
•  Throughout, you will also learn how to apply mathematical concepts appropriately, relevant statistical methods and operational research techniques, and enhance your communication skills
•  Overall, this degree provides opportunities to improve students’ capacity for statistical modelling, independent thinking, interpreting and presenting scientific findings, and to work as a part of a team
•  Our Mathematical Science degrees are consistently highly ranked for student satisfaction: 1st in London by the Complete University Guide 2019 and 6th in the UK in the 2019 Guardian University League tables for Mathematics.

Careers and placements

Will I have a work placement?

If you register on 'sandwich mode', you can do a one-year full-time paid placement between your second and final years. While on a sandwich placement, you retain your student status and have full support from the university and your tutors as usual. Students are responsible for finding their own placements, though we will support you through the application process.

You can opt to do a 30-credit short placement during your final year. You can either do a Mathematics Work Placement where you work in the industry for one day a week or an Undergraduate Ambassador Scheme (UAS) placement where you work with mathematics teachers in a school or college for one day a week.

Students from Mathematical Sciences have secured placement years at the Department for Work & Pensions, NHS England, NATS, Home Office, HMRC, Department of Health, GSK, Intel and Lloyds Banking Group.

How long is my placement?

Sandwich placements must last for a minimum of 36 weeks full-time, though they can be as long as 13 months. Mathematics Work Placement and UAS placement students work for one day a week for 15 weeks.

What are the financial arrangements?

Sandwich placements are typically paid full-time positions. The salary should reflect the going rate for an entry level role in the relevant industry.

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

Career opportunities for this course are varied. Most industries are always on the lookout for graduates with intellectual, mathematical and numerical skills that can be applied to a wide range of practical situations. 

You may choose to work in a variety of fields such as data science, statistical modelling, operational research, research, internet technology, the pharmaceutical industry, accounting, banking, the Civil Service, teaching, logistics, consultancy, actuarial science, risk management and marketing.

Are internships available?

Students are encouraged to gain relevant work experience if possible, including internships, and can be paid or unpaid. Students are responsible for finding their own internships, though we will support you through the application process.

Do you provide employability services?

Employability activities take place all the time at Greenwich and students are encouraged to take part in as many opportunities as possible. The central Employability and Careers Service provides support for students preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, such as CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops. 

Each School also has its own Employability Officer who provides specific opportunities relevant to your own course. They work closely with professionals in the industry to ensure you are well-prepared for the workplace and have already begun to build your professional network by the time you graduate.