MSc Statistics

Statistics is one of the most important fields of study in the world. The techniques we use to model and manipulate data guide the political, financial and social decisions that shape our modern society. If you are a logical person and enjoy solving problems, statistics at Essex is for you. Our Department of Mathematical Sciences embraces pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics, and operational research, and our course offers you the opportunity to study statistics alongside other mathematical subjects.

Providing a balance of solid statistical theory and practical application, this course builds your knowledge in all areas of statistics, data analysis and probability. You also have the opportunity to specialise, taking optional modules in topics including: Survey methodology Operations research Applied mathematics Computer science Our interdisciplinary research recognises that mathematics, including what can be very abstract mathematics, is an essential part of research in many other disciplines.

Our department has an international reputation in many areas including semi-group theory, optimisation, probability, applied statistics, bioinformatics and mathematical biology. We are genuinely innovative and student-focused. Our research groups are working on a broad range of collaborative areas tackling real-world issues. Here are a few examples: Our data scientists carefully consider how not to lie, and how not to get lied to with data. Interpreting data correctly is especially important because much of our data science research is applied directly or indirectly to social policies, including health, care and education.

We do practical research with financial data (for example, assessing the risk of collapse of the UK’s banking system) as well as theoretical research in financial instruments such as insurance policies or asset portfolios. We also research how physical processes develop in time and space. Applications of this range from modelling epilepsy to modelling electronic cables. Our optimisation experts work out how to do the same job with less resource, or how to do more with the same resource. Our pure maths group are currently working on two new funded projects entitled ‘Machine learning for recognising tangled 3D objects’ and ‘Searching for gems in the landscape of cyclically presented groups’.

We also do research into mathematical education and use exciting technologies such as electroencephalography or eye tracking to measure exactly what a learner is feeling. Our research aims to encourage the implementation of ‘the four Cs’ of modern education, which are critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.