Probability and Statistics (January 2024)
The course gives an introduction to Probability and Statistics.
• Probability - Axioms; basic laws of probability.
• Random variables - - properties; discrete and continuous distributions; central limit theorem.
• Point and interval estimation - - Unbiased and consistent estimators; confidence intervals.
• Hypothesis testing - - Type I and II errors; p-values; normal and t-tests.
• Regression and correlation - Correlation; linear regression; hypothesis tests; confidence intervals.
• Introduction to practical R
Further information can be found in the University's course catalogue:
This online course gives an Introduction to Probability and Statistics and covers both theory and practical aspects using the statistical computer package R to perform several statistical analyses. Candidates should have some prior knowledge of Calculus, Combinatorics, Algebra and basic programming knowledge though no prior knowledge of Probability Theory or Statistics is assumed. Candidate should be educated to a degree level as this course is catering for those seeking postgraduate academic credit. However, professionals with relevant work experience may also apply even if they do not hold a degree qualification.
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English Language Requirements
You must be comfortable studying and learning in English if it is not your first language.
On completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of fundamental concepts of probability and be able to derive basic results from them.
- Explain their reasoning about probability clearly and precisely, using appropriate technical language.
- Apply statistical techniques to simple problems.
- Interpret the output from statistical analyses.
- Use the statistical computer package R to perform a number of statistical analyses.
This is an 11-week online course with live (recorded) sessions, comprising a total of 100 hours of study which includes classes, assessment, and self-study.
Assessment is 100% group coursework
Course fees for 23/24 are £1,065.
All of the funded places for this course have now been filled.
You will receive a certificate of completion after the final assessment date if you have submitted your coursework.
Applications for January 2024 are now open.
We have now filled all the funded places, but you are still welcome to pay for a place.
In order to verify that you meet the entry requirements for this course, you will be required to provide either:
- a degree certificate/transcript for your highest/most relevant academic qualification, or
- a CV and reference from an employer (if employed) or professional associate (if unemployed) outlining your suitability for the course
The degree certificate/transcript or CV should be emailed to upskilling@ed.ac.uk within 24 hours of submitting your application. References should be emailed to the same address (from an institutional/company account if from your employer) within 1 week of submitting your application.
Once complete, your application will be processed in 1-2 weeks.
Applications will close on 7th January 2024.
This course is offered as part of Data Science, Technology and Innovation a flexible, modular, online programme designed to fully equip tomorrow's data professionals with courses available from across The University of Edinburgh in the sciences, medicine, arts and humanities. You can use credits achieved on this course towards postgraduate study on this programme (MSc, PG Diploma or PG Certificate), subject to approval by the Programme Director.
You may also be able to use credits achieved on this course towards other University of Edinburgh postgraduate programmes, subject to approval by the relevant Programme Director:
