Training services
The Statistical Services Centre offers training to a range of audiences - from relatively inexperienced users of statistics through to experienced statisticians.
If you, your staff or your colleagues need help with statistics or general help in dealing with data, we may be able to address your needs. With all our training activities, our aim is to impart the necessary skills to deal with your specific requirements. Our emphasis is always on the practical use of statistics.
Whether in our premises at Reading (where we have purpose-built training
facilities) or at your own site, we will do our best to deliver training
that is relevant to your needs.
Types of training
- Advertised (public) programme of short courses
- Bespoke training
- One-to-one tutorials
- e-learning
- Training needs assessment
- Capacity building for National Statistical Systems.
Advertised (public) programme of short courses
Bespoke training
Clients may also commission courses tailored
for them. These can be run either on-site or in Reading.
The course content, pace, timing and duration
are agreed in partnership with the client. In order to put ideas and methods
into the appropriate context, course materials can include examples based
on the client's own data and, if appropriate, practical work can use the
client's software.
We are able to provide training in a wide
range of statistical topics, including methodological and application
areas. Contact us to discuss the specific areas that you are interested
in.
One-to-one tutorials
Sometimes the needs of a client are so specific that rather than a formal training course, the most effective way to address their needs is a more personalised tutorial. Usually tutorials are organised for a small group of trainees (between 1 and 4) and offer the opportunity to work on something specific or build skills with the help of an experienced statistician. Staff at the SSC are always available to provide this type of tutorial-based training.
e-Learning
Training-needs assessment
We can provide an objective assessment of a your training needs with no obligation to commit to us for the subsequent training.
Capacity building for National Statistical Systems
The SSC has worked in a number of countries, in partnership with national and international organisations, building the capacity of National Statistical Systems to deliver higher quality statistics . We are committed to making a contribution towards better statistics for better decision making and are keen to establish partnerships with national or international organisations to achieve this end.
Added value
During our courses we encourage participants to discuss issues of concern with us. We welcome the opportunity for such talk during breaks and at meal times. If required, our consultancy service can provide post-course statistical support.
At Reading our course facilitators and administrative staff are always available to provide help on social and non-academic matters.
Teaching style
Computers are an integral part of our teaching and we place emphasis on understanding methods and interpretation of results, rather than on the mathematics of statistics. Our aim is to provide course participants with a high standard of training in a friendly and relaxed setting.
We use well-known and popular statistical software on all our courses. A choice of software is often available for practical work.
Enquiries and further information
Please let us know how can we contribute to your training needs. Contact us by email statistics-courses@lists.reading.ac.uk or call us on +44 (0)118 378 8689.
Last updated: 5 January, 2012
