Studies

Statistics is a branch of mathematics concerned with the collection, organisation, analysis, and interpretation of data. Statistical methods make it possible to quantify uncertainty and are therefore used across many fields to support decision-making in complex situations. Typical areas of application include biology, medicine, psychology, sociology, economics, and finance. Furthermore, statistical methods form the foundation of modern artificial intelligence (AI).

Personal interest and aptitude are crucial factors when choosing a degree programme. For a degree in Statistics, an interest in working with data and software, as well as a strong aptitude for mathematics, is essential. Later in their careers, graduates are expected to be willing and able to collaborate effectively with experts from a wide range of disciplines.

As the number of Statistics graduates remains relatively small while their skills are in high demand across many sectors, career prospects are excellent. Typical employers include market and opinion research institutes, technology companies and start-ups, financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms, as well as universities and research institutions. In addition, graduates may pursue careers as independent consultants or specialist advisors.

Graduates of the Bachelor’s degree programme in Statistics and Data Analytics are familiar with the key statistical concepts and methods, as well as their practical applications. They are qualified both for a career in the field and for a relevant Master’s degree programme.

The two extension curricula in the field of statistics, each with 15 ECTS credits, are not intended for students of the Faculty of Economic Sciences.

The extension curriculum Statistic I: Fundamentals is recommended for students with very little prior knowledge of statistics.

The extension curriculum Statistics II: Inference and Data Analysis is recommended for students who have already acquired basic knowledge of statistics, e.g. within the framework of the extension curriculum Fundamentals of Statistics.

The current curriculum came into effect on October 1, 2026.

Graduates of the Master’s Degree Programme in Statistics and Data Analytics acquire advanced knowledge of the theoretical foundations and concepts of statistics, as well as strong problem-solving skills in applied fields such as econometrics, quantitative finance, decision support and biometry.

The PhD Programme in Statistics and Data Analytics is part of the PhD Programmes in Business, Economics and Statistics and is offered by the Department of Statistics and Operations Research.

A predecessor of this programme was launched in 2008 under the name Abraham Wald PhD in Statistics and Operations Research.

The programme is named after Abraham Wald, who studied and taught at the University of Vienna between 1927 and 1938. His pioneering work in statistical decision theory, linear optimization, and approximation theory has had a lasting impact on these fields.