MSc Statistics

Taught by internationally recognised experts in the field, we believe that the best statistics start with a real-world challenge and end with a real-world solution. With a perfect blend of mathematical theory and practical application, you will develop an advanced understanding of statistical inference, gaining the modelling skills needed to solve scientific, industrial and social challenges. We provide many opportunities for you to gain practical experience in data analysis, coding algorithms, machine learning approaches and more.

Who is this programme for?

If you’re looking to progress into higher-paid roles in the statistics or data analysis fields, a Master’s degree will equip you with the skills to access a wider job market.

Looking ahead to employability

As researchers, we actively collaborate with external partners, ensuring that our research is relevant and useful. As your lecturers, we bring these experiences to the classroom to give you insights that cannot be obtained from a textbook. We understand that to navigate from the start to the finish of any real-world challenge requires mathematical theory, building algorithms, optimisation, computing, modelling, data analysis and communication. Whilst many programmes focus on either theory or application, we train you in a distinctive blend of both. We believe that this puts you in the best position to secure employment. We also develop your:

• Confidence in your computing expertise through application to data analysis and manipulation, problem-solving and quantitative reasoning
• Critical thinking and statistical modelling skills through individual and group project work
• Communication and collaboration skills through oral and written exercises

What to expect

There are three phases to your learning. You will begin by developing and strengthening your core knowledge and skills in classical and modern statistical methods and inference. Topics covered include frequentist and Bayesian inference, data analysis, generalised linear models, statistical computing and communication.

In phase two you will choose three specialist optional modules from two themes:

Statistical foundations of AI – these modules provide training in the modern statistical algorithms, models and computing which sit at the interface of data science, AI and statistics.

Medical statistics – these modules equip you with the essential training required by the medical and pharmaceutical industries, although they have uses in other areas including social and environmental statistics.

Discover your theme's optional modules.

In phase three you will complete your dissertation. Working under the guidance of an experienced statistical researcher, you will complete an extended project that is tailored to your interests. You might progress your understanding of a topic covered in a taught module, investigate a methodological topic not covered by one of the taught modules, or undertake an extended data analysis.

Three things we would like you to know

• Many of our graduates are now leaders in their fields, securing employment shortly after completing their MSc
• We maintain small class sizes, allowing you to get to know your lecturers, tutors and classmates
• Research produced by Lancaster statisticians has more real-world impact than any other UK mathematical sciences research (REF 2021)