Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know at what level I should enrol?
If you possess GCE, O'level or GCSE (grade A, B or C) in Mathematics or Statistics and in English (or equivalent qualifications), you may join the course leading to OC examinations. If you possess a pass in the Ordinary Certificate (or equivalent) it is normally advisable to join the course leading to the Higher Certificate examinations plus a good working knowledge of the Calculus and the expansion of infinite series.
Are the courses completely self contained?
No. You will need to buy the textbooks recommended for each course and provide your own stationery, such as pens, graph paper and a calculator. If you are based in a remote area outside the UK, we are happy to supply you with certain textbooks, paper, pens and a suitable solar powered calculator. These are supplied at cost price plus postage. Full details and an order form are provided separately.
What will I be expected to do during my study time?
Each course is made up of a series of study guides. You will be expected to read those study guides thoroughly and to read up on the topic in your favourite text book. Suggestions for finding such a book are listed in the "Welcome" booklet and on the RSS website. Sometimes there will be additional notes to complement the text. You will need to make your own study notes on the reading as you go along.
To complement the textbook and notes each guide contains worked examples to enable you to practise using the new ideas from the reading. Your tutor is available to answer queries and resolve difficulties.
Each study guide has a series of tutorial assignments. This is a set of old examination questions or questions of this standard. You should attempt these problems and send your work to your tutor. It will be used to assess your progress and provide additional help when and where it is needed.
How do I communicate with my tutor?
Most communication will be written and we use email or the fastest mail service available in each case. However, there are occasions when a rapid and straightforward response is needed, e.g. a short list of queries on some reading, difficulty with the solution to a problem. In these cases, e-mail or fax are very effective. We have a 24-hour answerphone and 24-hour fax line where you can leave your message. Your questions will be answered as soon as possible.
What role will my tutor play?
Your tutor will send you the next study guide as soon as you have completed the previous module (or book). Each tutorial assignment will be marked, feedback given and your progress monitored. If it is appropriate, you will be sent additional study material or advice when your marked assignment is returned.
The key to getting the best from your course is frequent communication with your tutor. These interactions are central to successful completion of the course. It is this two way communication which changes a correspondence course into a distance learning package.
How many hours per week should I spend on my studies?
As a very rough guide:
| Ordinary Certificate (2 papers) | 8 hours |
| Higher Certificate | 4 hours per module |
If you have taken some examinations in the previous year, you may find that these times are generous. If you are returning to study after a break of several years you may need more time, especially in the early stages. The most important thing is to have a realistic timetable that takes into account of all your personal circumstances and then stick to it. We will take time at the beginning to help you to do this.
How do I enter for the examinations?
You must register directly with the Royal Statistical Society in London. This is your responsibility. Please make your initial enquiries by January of the year in which you wish to sit the examinations. You are also responsible for paying your membership and examination fees.
Do I have to sit the examinations?
No. You may wish to increase your knowledge and skills as part of continuing professional development without necessarily seeking to obtain a formal qualification. A number of students have done this in the past.
What is the student network?
Students who are studying the same course can often provide very practical help to each other. If you wish, we will put your contact details (phone number, email address, etc.) onto a list which is then sent to other interested students. In some cases only correspondence is possible, but often telephone conversations and on some occasions even meetings (such as the Winter School help in Southampton) to discuss your studies are possible.
What opportunities are there for meeting my fellow students and tutor?
Each year we plan to hold a three-day 'School' in early January in S3RI at the University of Southampton.
The aim of these meetings is to provide an opportunity for students and tutors to meet each other. There will be lectures on topics from the syllabus and time to ask questions individually on the learning material provided. There will be workshops on related topics and computer packages will be available to support the study material.
These meetings have been helpful to those who have attended previously.
There will be an additional charge to cover teaching, room hire, refreshments and materials for the day. A list of hotels can also be provided on request.