BSc Probability & Statistics
A focused double-discipline undergraduate programme that builds mastery in both classical probability theory and mathematical statistics. Four specialist tracks — actuarial, financial, computational, and applied — allow students to tailor their degree to their ambitions.
Programme Overview
The BSc Probability & Statistics is the ideal degree for students who love the mathematical depth of probability theory alongside the applied power of statistical science. Year 1 covers classical probability, combinatorics, and introductory statistics. Year 2 advances to measure-theoretic probability, stochastic processes, and statistical inference. Year 3 allows specialisation across four tracks: Actuarial, Financial, Computational, and Applied Probability and Statistics.
The actuarial track aligns closely with IFoA and CAS CT-series exam content, giving students a significant head-start on the path to full actuarial qualification.
What You'll Learn
- Classical Probability: Combinatorics, conditional probability, distributions, generating functions
- Measure-Theoretic Probability: Sigma-algebras, Lebesgue integration, convergence theorems
- Stochastic Processes: Markov chains, Poisson processes, Brownian motion
- Statistical Inference: Point estimation, hypothesis tests, confidence regions
- Monte Carlo Methods: Simulation, variance reduction, MCMC fundamentals
- Random Graphs & Networks: Erdos-Renyi models, scale-free networks, percolation
- Actuarial Probability: Ruin theory, risk models, life tables, and loss distributions
- Statistical Computing: Simulation studies, bootstrap, numerical methods in R
Classical Probability
Foundations of probability: sample spaces, events, conditional probability, Bayes' theorem, and classical distributions.
Mathematical Statistics
Formal statistical theory — estimation, testing, confidence intervals, and sufficiency within the framework of statistical models.
Measure-Theoretic Probability
Probability on abstract spaces — sigma-algebras, random variables as measurable functions, Lebesgue integrals, and L^p spaces.
Stochastic Processes
Markov chains (discrete and continuous), Poisson processes, Brownian motion, and martingales with financial applications.
Random Graphs & Networks
Probabilistic models of networks — Erdos-Renyi, Barabasi-Albert, connectivity thresholds, and spectral graph theory.
Statistical Inference
Likelihood theory, uniformly most powerful tests, the Neyman-Pearson lemma, and non-parametric alternatives.
Monte Carlo Methods
Simulation techniques, importance sampling, stratified sampling, MCMC (Metropolis-Hastings, Gibbs), and variance reduction.
Actuarial Probability
Risk models, ruin theory, survival models, life tables, and loss distributions aligned to IFoA actuarial examination content.
Click any course to view its objective and learning outcomes.
PST 101 Probability Theory I +
Objective
To establish the axiomatic theory of probability.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply Kolmogorov's axioms.
- Compute probabilities of compound and conditional events.
- Use random variables and distribution functions.
- Compute moments and moment generating functions.
- Identify common discrete and continuous distributions.
PST 102 Statistical Inference I +
Objective
To estimate parameters and test hypotheses using frequentist methods.
Learning Outcomes
- Estimate parameters using MLE and method of moments.
- Apply Cramér-Rao bound.
- Conduct Neyman-Pearson hypothesis tests.
- Construct confidence intervals.
- Interpret p-values and errors correctly.
PST 103 Linear Algebra +
Objective
To establish matrix algebra as the foundation for multivariate statistics.
Learning Outcomes
- Solve linear systems via factorisation.
- Compute eigendecomposition and SVD.
- Apply quadratic forms to statistics.
- Use projections in regression theory.
- Implement matrix algorithms.
PST 104 Calculus +
Objective
To master differential and integral calculus needed for probability theory.
Learning Outcomes
- Compute partial derivatives and gradients.
- Apply Lagrange multipliers.
- Use multivariable integration.
- Apply Taylor series.
- Verify convergence of integrals and series.
PST 201 Probability Theory II — Measure-Theoretic +
Objective
To formalise probability through measure theory and Lebesgue integration.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply Borel sets and measurable functions.
- Define expectation as a Lebesgue integral.
- Apply convergence theorems including dominated convergence.
- Prove the strong law of large numbers.
- State and apply martingale concepts.
PST 202 Statistical Inference II +
Objective
To extend inference to likelihood ratio tests and asymptotic theory.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply likelihood ratio tests.
- Use asymptotic distributions of MLE.
- Apply UMP and unbiased tests.
- Use sufficient and complete statistics.
- Apply Bayesian decision theory.
PST 203 Linear Models & Regression +
Objective
To estimate, diagnose and select among linear models.
Learning Outcomes
- Fit OLS regression and interpret coefficients.
- Diagnose violations of assumptions.
- Apply variable selection and regularisation.
- Use generalised linear models.
- Build prediction models with cross-validation.
PST 204 Bayesian Statistics +
Objective
To apply Bayesian reasoning to inference and decision-making.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply Bayes' theorem with conjugate priors.
- Construct posterior distributions.
- Apply MCMC for posterior simulation.
- Apply Bayesian model comparison.
- Discuss the philosophy of Bayesian inference.
PST 301 Stochastic Processes +
Objective
To analyse processes evolving in time including Markov chains and Brownian motion.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse discrete and continuous Markov chains.
- Apply Poisson processes.
- Use Brownian motion in modelling.
- Analyse martingales and stopping times.
- Apply queueing theory.
PST 302 Multivariate Statistics +
Objective
To analyse data with many variables using rigorous statistical methods.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply PCA and factor analysis.
- Use canonical correlation analysis.
- Apply MANOVA and discriminant analysis.
- Apply clustering methods.
- Visualise high-dimensional data.
PST 303 Computational Statistics +
Objective
To use simulation and numerical methods in statistics.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply bootstrap and Monte Carlo methods.
- Implement MCMC algorithms.
- Use EM and variational inference.
- Apply numerical optimisation.
- Build reproducible computational reports.
PST 304 Statistics Capstone Project +
Objective
To pursue an extended applied statistics project under supervision.
Learning Outcomes
- Frame a real-world problem statistically.
- Acquire and clean appropriate data.
- Apply rigorous statistical methods.
- Write a research-style statistical report.
- Present findings to a non-technical audience.
Actuary
Model financial risk for insurance, pensions, and investment firms, progressing through IFoA or CAS qualification examinations.
Risk Analyst
Quantify and manage operational, market, and credit risk at banks, insurance companies, and regulatory bodies.
Statistician
Design studies and analyse data in government, academia, healthcare, or private sector analytics teams.
Data Scientist
Apply probabilistic and statistical modelling skills to large datasets at technology companies and consultancies.
Insurance Mathematician
Model policyholder risk, design premium structures, and develop loss reserving models for insurance companies.
Quantitative Analyst
Develop mathematical models for derivatives pricing, portfolio optimisation, and algorithmic trading strategies.
Why D'Math University
Dual-Discipline Depth
Uniquely combining rigorous probability theory with powerful applied statistics — the strongest foundation for actuarial, finance, and data careers.
Four Specialist Tracks
Actuarial, Financial, Computational, and Applied tracks let you shape your degree around your career goals from Year 2.
IFoA-Aligned Modules
Actuarial probability and statistics modules are designed to provide maximum exemptions from IFoA CT-series examinations.
MSc Progression
Strong academic performers receive guaranteed entry to our MSc Statistics, MSc Biostatistics, or MSc Data Science programmes.
Flexible start dates — choose your track at the end of Year 1