The specific requirements in these differ so the department needs to look at the general skills needed. So we look for a strong theoretical foundation. Statistics graduates need to do much more in statistics than, say, the psychologist. But it is also important to emphasise the applied side, so they do project work, laboratory work and work in teams to solve problems. In some specialist areas there are specialist courses.
Psychology includes one third of a year in statistics.
They use a computer package, emphasise collection, design and interpretation. The need for theoretical background was confirmed by a young employee in the pharmaceutical industry and by others in our workshops. Others said that if students don't learn theory at the university it will not get learned. You may only appreciate the significance of theory after you start work. But also, time and time again there were references to practical work being included in the university courses.