Probability and Statistics

Master’s Degree Program: Probability and Statistics
Period of study: four semesters
Form of study: part-time
ECTS: 120
Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Marusya Bojkova, PhD
University of Sofia,
Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics,
5 James Bourchier blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria,
Phone: +359 2 8161 543,
e-mail: bojkova@fmi.uni-sofia.bg

The programme is provided for students with real interests in Probability and Statistics. Every candidate should be interviewed by a special committee.

The main goal of the programme is the profound learning of probabilistic and statistical methods and their contemporary applications by using IT. The master programme is the only one in Bulgaria, which corresponds to ”462 Statistics” of the UNESCO International Classification of Educational ISCED (Accepted in EC and in Bulgaria). It gives the opportunity to choose between theoretical or applied orientation.

Graduates are expected to be good professionals in the sphere of Probability and Statistics, to be capable of modelling and studying particular events and processes, taking into account their random nature, and also they have to create and supply completely functional and market-orientated decisions.

Theoretical orientated graduates have the chance to continue their education in a PhD degree with academic career perspectives. The study process in this programme is notable for its high level of the used mathematical techniques, compatible with common degree programmes in Stochastics.

Applied orientated section opens various opportunities for professional realization, as an example the job of an actuary .They analyze, design and direct numerous random events and financial risks. The actuary gives practical solutions of problems related to future random events. They also run the risks connected with all types of insurance.

The qualification “Statistician” gives knowledge and abilities, necessary for an interesting and challenging career. Recently, an increasing demand of qualified statisticians, graduated in Statistics, Mathematics and Informatics, is observed. Here are some examples of future professional realization:

1. Forecasting of the trends in the economy and market, market research of consumer’s behaviour and preferences;
2. Actuarial estimations and financial analysis;
3. Data collection and analysis for the needs of some governmental political decisions and that of state administration, as well;
4. Teaching in schools and universities;
5. Design and analysis of clinical tests, screening of new medicines, studying of the reasons, spreading and effects of some disease;
6. Process control, reliability of the products and production experiment;
7. Consulting in Agriculture, Ecology, Forestry and Industry.