The BSc Business Statistics is a three-year program that is aimed at mathematically able students who are interested in a career in business or in applying statistical techniques. The Institute of Actuaries has recommended that students who complete this degree program with good performance may gain exemption from up to three of their professional examinations.
The programme philosophy is to develop a firm foundation in mathematical, computing, economic and business skills in year 1. These themes are further developed in compulsory modules during year 2. Students will choose additional modules from an option range to deepen their knowledge of business, economic and computing skills. In year 3, students will be given the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge in mathematics and business whilst undertaking a significant project in applied statistics.
Statisticians are in high demand by employers in most areas of commercial business, government, industry, finance, company administration, research and IT.
In the first year, the programme offers the same modules as found in the BSc Actuarial Science degree. One of the benefits of this is that business statistics students who perform well can apply for exemption from some of the Institute of Actuaries professional examinations. Subject to space on the actuarial science course, top students may alternatively be able to transfer to Actuarial Science.
Contact time
Students have on average 15 hours of contact time per week with teaching staff through lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars, though this may vary depending on module choices. Additionally, students should allocate at least 25 hours per week for study, coursework assignments and projects.
Career opportunities
This degree programme would give students the opportunity to prepare for a well paid and well respected career as a business statistician. A student successfully completing the course should have no trouble in finding a position as a business statistician in the financial sector or could pursue a career in management.
All of our degree courses are designed to give you a flexible structure that enables you to choose subjects that interest you and that are aligned with your career aspirations.
You will be taught by academics at the cutting edge of their respective fields. In the last research assessment exercise 95% of our research was regarded as world-leading or as internationally excellent or recognised.
The School of Computing Sciences has an excellent reputation in teaching having been awarded the top grade of ‘commendable’ in all categories from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
Our undergraduate computing degrees have full Chartered IT Professional (CITP) accreditation (many of the Masters programmes also have the Further Learning Element status)as well as leading to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status from the (BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT).
Our Actuarial Science undergraduate degrees give you the opportunity to gain exemptions from the first eight (CT1-CT8) of the professional examinations set by the Actuarial Profession.
Much of our work is concerned with real-world problems and applications and we have excellent links with industry both for our teaching and research. Several of our degree courses allow you to spend a year on a placement in industry. We also have a range of industry-based speakers who regularly contribute to teaching.
The facilities and student experience in the school are excellent. We have a range of different laboratories for students that cater for the different disciplines taught in the school. We also have a Help Desk that provides support for our students, as well as a student common room and a Staff Student Liaison Committee.
Our teaching is delivered in a variety of ways including lectures, laboratory classes, seminars and group projects. Our laboratory class and seminars are run with a 1-to-16 staff to student ratio ensuring you can obtain good support.
(a) Differentiation and integration. Taylor and MacLaurin series. Applications: curve sketching, areas, arc length. (b) First order, second order constant coefficient ordinary differential equations. Reductions of order. Numerical solutions using MAPLE. Partial derivatives, chain rule. (c) Vectors and complex numbers. Line integrals. Multiple integrals including change of co-ordinates by Jacobians. Green's theorem in the plane. MAPLE integrated throughout. Students must have A-level Mathematics Grade 'C' or above or equivalent.
This module addresses some of the key questions in business economics: How do individuals make decisions? How are the optimal decisions made using marginal analysis? What is the logic behind the internal organisation and structure of firms (vertical integration and diversification)? How does the macroeconomic environment impact on the firm? To answer these questions, it explores some of the central concepts and develops some of the methods used in economic analysis.
This module provides a foundation in the theory and practice of accounting and an introduction to the role, context and language of financial reporting and management accounting. The module assumes no previous study of accounting. It may be taken as a stand alone course for those students following a more general management pathway or to provide a foundation to underpin subsequent specialist studies in accounting.
This module introduces key concepts in set theory, linear algebra and core financial mathematics for actuarial science or business statistics students. THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR STUDENTS ON ACTUARIAL SCIENCES AND BUSINESS STATISTICS ONLY. More...
Probability as a measurement of uncertainty, statistical experiments and Bayes' theorem. Discrete and continuous distributions. Expectation. Applications of probability: Markov chains, reliability theory.
This module gives an introduction to computer systems and to programming using Java. The module assumes no prior knowledge of programming and is aimed at the non-specialist. This module is an alternative pre-requisite for a number of second level CMP modules, including CMPC2M11 and CMPC2G04. More...
Compulsory Study (100 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 100 credits:
THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR ACTUARIAL SCIENCE AND BUSINESS STATISTICS STUDENTS. This is a module designed to give students the opportunity to apply statistical methods in realistic situations. While no advanced knowledge of probability and statistics is required, we expect students to have some background in probability and statistics before taking this module. The aim is to cover 2 topics from a list including: Estimating population abundance, Extremes and quartiles, Bootstrap methods and their application, Sample surveys, Simulations, Subjective statistics, Forecasting and Clustering methods. The topics on offer may vary to cover the interests of those in the class. In addition there will be two fixed topics, one on Regression and one on survival analysis. More...
This module provides a grounding in the mathematical techniques which can be used to model and value cashflows dependent on death, survival, or other uncertain risks. It considers the statistics associated with various life assurance contracts and the calculation of their premiums and reserves. The module closely follows the Actuarial Profession's syllabus for “CT5”, Contingencies, and it is anticipated that successful completion of this module together with the successful completion of the final year module CMP-3AS3, Further Contingencies, will enable students choosing to follow an actuarial career to gain an exemption from CT5. This module is restricted to Actuarial Science students only and is not available to students outside this course. More...
THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR STUDENTS ON U1N323401- ACTUARIAL SCIENCES AND U1G390301 - BUSINESS STATISTICS- Differential Equations: Fourier series. Partial differential equations (PDEs): diffusion equation, wave equation, Laplace's equation. Solution by separation of variables in Cartesian and polar co-ordinates. Ordinary differential equations (ODEs): solution by reduction of order and variation of parameters. Series solution and the method of Frobenius. Legendre's and Bessel's equations: Legendre polynomials, Bessel functions and their recurrence relations.
The general aim of the module is to study the theory and practice of financial accounting and reporting. This includes an examination of current and legal professional requirements as they relate to limited liability companies in the UK. Some international issues, for example in relation to the US and the European Union, are also considered.
This module builds on fundamentals of compound interest introduced in CMPC1F07 to show how the key concepts introduced can be used in practical financial applications for Actuarial Science or Business Statistics students. THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR ACTUARIAL SCIENCE AND BUSINESS STATISTICS STUDENTS. More...
This is a first course in statistics. It introduces the essential ideas of statistics deriving the necessary distribution theory as required. The aim of the course is to discuss the essential concepts in statistics rather than just to give a list of techniques for specific problems. The focus will be on developing ideas in distribution theory and inference based on the likelihood function. In consequence in addition to ideas of sampling and limit laws, it will cover maximum likelihood estimation and inference based on the likelihood ratio. If possible some Bayesian ideas will be introduced. While this course deals with concepts we shall aim to show how these are motivated by real problems More...
Option A Study (20 credits)
Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:
This module provides an introduction to contract and company law. It is designed primarily for students on Accounting related degrees who intend to pursue a career in the accountancy profession. The module should also be of interest to students contemplating a career in business or commerce.
The module critically examines contemporary financial issues from a business perspective. This is achieved through the linking of theoretical explanations of financial debates and phenomenon to real and applied business examples. This programme of study is directed towards developing consistent frameworks from which financial decisions may be made. Further it is proposed that such decisions may be undertaken and justified in light of their alternatives and implications for risk, return, firm strategy and the operating environment.
This module encourages the development and understanding of management and the skills of management that will stand the student in good stead for a future career in business and management. A range of key management skills, including ethical judgement, evaluating and controlling, creative problem solving, designing work, influencing culture, leadership, motivating others, managing change, delegating, managing one-to-one relationships, leading groups and influencing. These skills are practiced with underpinning knowledge and theory provided through the lectures. Use is made of a sophisticated, Internet-based, business simulation game set in a high-tech industry to tie together a series of related decisions and outcomes over time. This game gives students experience of the application of new technology for group decision making. Seminars provide the opportunity to put these skills into use by means of interactive exercises and a group project.
This module covers most aspects of databases, database manipulation and database management systems. The module is mainly based on the relational model, although other models are also discussed. The students will explore the tools and methods for database design as well as the programming of database applications. Part of the practical experience gained will be acquired using a modern commercial relational database management system. Students will also gain programming experience using SQL, and using the Java JDBC interface. A high level language programming module is a pre-requisite. More...
This module develops understanding of the international economy. In Part 1 it considers international trade. We ask who benefits from trade, who it can harm, and relate our insights to the current debate about globalization. In Part 2 we consider currency markets, the central banks, interest rates, exchange rates, and the balance of payments. Part 3 turns to multinational firms, asking why they have grown so fast, and what is their impact.
Compulsory Study (60 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 60 credits:
This module covers three topics in statistical theory. For this year they are Regression and Linear Model, Generalised Models and Non-parametric Methods. The first two topics consider both the theory and practice of statistical model fitting and students will be expected to analyse real data. The third topic is chosen to be a contrasting one. Non-parametric methods are a vital part of the statisticians armoury and cheap computing makes such techniques very powerful. We look at the traditional permutation based methods as well as the empirical distribution function. More...
Major objectives of this module are to enable students to gain experience of independent project work from a technical and an organisational standpoint, to help students develop oral and written communication skills, to familiarise students with research resources and practices common in statistics, and to introduce students to activities that are similar to those that they are likely to encounter in their careers. Each student will be allocated to a supervisor who will offer technical guidance and will advise on presentation of the assessed work. More...
Option A Study (40 credits)
Students will select 40 credits from the following modules:
This module provides an introduction to contract and company law. It is designed primarily for students on Accounting related degrees who intend to pursue a career in the accountancy profession. The module should also be of interest to students contemplating a career in business or commerce.
As business assumes a position of unprecedented power and influence throughout the world, our understanding of its moral significance becomes ever more important. This module explores some of the ethical questions raised by modern business practice. Examples of such questions include: • Should business organisations be held morally responsible for the practical consequences of their actions? • To what extent, if any, is it right for the professions to be self-regulating where matters of ethics are concerned? • Are hostile takeovers morally acceptable? • Does business have a special obligation to preserve the natural environment? Such questions cover two kinds of problems: those specific to particular sectors or areas of commerce and, more broadly, those concerning the relationship between business and society at large. In tackling these two categories of issues, the module draws on philosophical methods and theories in general, as well as the work of particular thinkers such as Aristotle, Mill and Kant. However, no prior knowledge of philosophy is assumed.
The module critically examines contemporary financial issues from a business perspective. This is achieved through the linking of theoretical explanations of financial debates and phenomenon to real and applied business examples. This programme of study is directed towards developing consistent frameworks from which financial decisions may be made. Further it is proposed that such decisions may be undertaken and justified in light of their alternatives and implications for risk, return, firm strategy and the operating environment.
This module encourages the development and understanding of management and the skills of management that will stand the student in good stead for a future career in business and management. A range of key management skills, including ethical judgement, evaluating and controlling, creative problem solving, designing work, influencing culture, leadership, motivating others, managing change, delegating, managing one-to-one relationships, leading groups and influencing. These skills are practiced with underpinning knowledge and theory provided through the lectures. Use is made of a sophisticated, Internet-based, business simulation game set in a high-tech industry to tie together a series of related decisions and outcomes over time. This game gives students experience of the application of new technology for group decision making. Seminars provide the opportunity to put these skills into use by means of interactive exercises and a group project.
This module covers most aspects of databases, database manipulation and database management systems. The module is mainly based on the relational model, although other models are also discussed. The students will explore the tools and methods for database design as well as the programming of database applications. Part of the practical experience gained will be acquired using a modern commercial relational database management system. Students will also gain programming experience using SQL, and using the Java JDBC interface. A high level language programming module is a pre-requisite. More...
This module develops understanding of the international economy. In Part 1 it considers international trade. We ask who benefits from trade, who it can harm, and relate our insights to the current debate about globalization. In Part 2 we consider currency markets, the central banks, interest rates, exchange rates, and the balance of payments. Part 3 turns to multinational firms, asking why they have grown so fast, and what is their impact.
Free Choice Study (20 credits)
Students will select modules worth 20 credits from the course catalogue with the approval of their School
Disclaimer
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.
Entry Requirements
A Level:
ABB (including A in Maths)
International Baccalaureate:
32 points overall inc. 6 in HL Mathematics
Scottish Highers:
AABBB (including Maths)
Scottish Advanced Highers:
ABB (including Maths)
Irish Leaving Certificate:
AABBBB (including Maths)
Access Course:
See below
European Baccalaureate:
75% overall (including Maths)
Students for whom English is a Foreign language
We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:
IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).
If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
Interviews
The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.
Gap Year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.
Special Entry Requirements
Grade A in A-level Mathematics or equivalent.
Intakes
The School's annual intake is in September of each year.
Alternative Qualifications
We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 credits in Mathematics.
GCSE Offer
Students are required to have Mathematics and English Language at minimum of Grade B.
Fees and Funding
Undergraduate University Fees
We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases. Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.
International Students - The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international
How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.
Further Information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:
The BSc Business Statistics is a three-year program that is aimed at mathematically able students who are interested in a career in business or in applying statistical techniques. The Institute of Actuaries has recommended that students who complete this degree program with good performance may gain exemption from up to three of their professional examinations.