Department of Statistics

About the Department

The Department of Statistics is one of the academic units in the College of Social Sciences (CoSS). It was established in 1967 under the former faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and now in the College of Social Sciences. It was established to serve other departments of the mother faculty and other units within the university. In 1971/72 the department enrolled its own first batch of undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Statistics. Later in 1974 the department started to offer Master of Arts in Statistics and the first enrolment in PhD programme was in 1980. Members of staff are occupying offices in several locations whereas many members are located at Yombo 4/5 offices, few of them occupy offices in other buildings.

Departmental Vision

To become a leading center of excellence in training highly competent statisticians across academia and industry who are equipped to harness data and drive transformative innovation in an increasingly data driven world.

The Mission Statement

Our mission is to advance excellence in both theoretical and applied statistics by delivering innovative, high-quality training. We are committed to producing real-time, data-driven insights, integrating advanced modeling techniques, and promoting modern analytical methods that respond to contemporary societal and scientific needs.

Strategic Enablers of the Mission

The mission will be very much facilitated through:

Excellence in Human Capital

A team of highly trained, motivated academic staff with PhD qualifications working in a supportive and enabling environment.

Continuous Professional Development

Well-structured opportunities for both short-term and long-term training to enhance staff capacity.

Global Engagement and Exchange

Strong academic exchange programs and collaborations at national, regional, and international levels.

Modern Teaching and Research Environment

Availability of advanced facilities, digital tools, and innovative teaching technologies.

Innovative Teaching and Learning Approaches

Adoption of blended learning methodologies combining face-to-face, e-learning, and webinars. Integration of external experts, seminars, and professional engagements on emerging statistical topics. Continuous improvement of teaching infrastructure, including human resources, digital technologies, and modern learning spaces.

Research, Collaboration, and Digital Transformation Strengthening institutional networks and partnerships with universities, organizations, and research institutions. Establishing thematic research areas addressing socio-economic challenges to enhance impact and attract funding. Driving digital transformation through modern information systems that support administration, teaching, and research.

Societal Impact and Community Engagement

Promoting applied and development-oriented research to inform policy and practice. Encouraging the effective use of statistical methods to improve decision-making and research impact. Enhancing statistical literacy and data use at the grassroots level, including engagement with local communities and institutions. Improve coordination and communication between the Department of Statistics and local communities to support development planning. Enhance statistical dissemination through meetings, trainings, seminars, newsletters, and public engagement platforms.

Programmes

Undergraduate Programmes
S/N Programme title Mode of delivery Programme status Duration Tuition fee Tanzanian (TSH) per year Non-Tanzanian ($) Per year
1. Bachelor of Science in Statistics Blended Full time 3 years 1,300,000
Postgraduate Programmes
S/N Programme title Mode of delivery Programme status Duration Tuition fee Tanzanian (TSH) per year Non-Tanzanian ($) Per year
1. Master of Science in Statistics Coursework and dissertation Full time 18 months 4,500,000
2. Master of Science in Statistics Thesis Full time 24 months 6,500,000
3 . PhD in Statistics Thesis Full time 36 months 3,000,000

Mode of Study

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate Programmes A. Direct entry (form VI) qualifications: Two principal passes at A’ level, one of which must be in Advanced Mathematics with at least a D grade. B. Equivalent qualifications: Diploma in Statistics, Data Science, Actuarial Sciences, Mathematics, Education (Mathematics) with an average of “B+’’ or higher, or a minimum GPA of 3.5. In addition, an applicant must have a minimum of “C” grade in Basic Mathematics at O-Level.

Postgraduate Programmes
  • Master of Science in Statistics programme
    • The minimum qualification to the programme is a Bachelor’s degree with a score of a lower second class (GPA 3.0) in fields related to Statistics, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Biostatistics and Epidemiology, and Data Science. For non-degree applicants to be considered for admission, they should possess a Postgraduate Diploma in relevant disciplines from recognized institutions by the University of Dar es Salaam and TCU.
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme
    • Requires an applicant to possess at least Lower Second Class degree from the University of Dar es Salaam or any other recognized University by TCU with background of Statistics, Epidemiology and Biostatistics.

Courses Mapping

For course mapping, visit: https://www.udsm.ac.tz/udsm-prospectus

Fee Structure

For fee structure, visit: https://www.udsm.ac.tz/directorate-undergraduate-studies

Important Sites

1. National Bureau of Statistics: https://www.nbs.go.tz/ 2. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Statistics: https://unstats.un.org/ 3. African Union Statistics Division: https://au.int/en/directorates/statistics 4. UNFPA: https://www.unfpa.org/donate/a?form=General&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=unfpa_dlv_gadsp_search_brand_alpha_tier2[en]&utm_content=evergreen-general&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22631343770&gbraid=0AAAAAoaU5jJuL32F056dqTdf4vbABdneK&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm6POBhCrARIsAIG58CJRok9UcoH68n4RJP2dvhttndtlSaH7G51St--STeursv-E12r3YIYaAndEEALw_wcB
Dr. Shadrack Elia Kibona
Acting Head of the Department, Statistics