Statistics - MSc

Our Statistics MSc is a flexible Masters degree enabling students from a wide range of backgrounds to both broaden and deepen their understanding of statistics.

The course combines in-depth training in mainstream advanced statistical modelling with a broad range of specialisations, including financial mathematics, clinical trials and risk management.

You’ll also develop your understanding of research methods in statistics from writing styles to programming skills, preparing you for a wide range of careers in different sectors. You’ll apply these skills in an independent research project.

Course highlights

• Our courses are shaped by our leading research in areas such as probability and financial mathematics, modern applied statistics, and analysis.
• Access to modern facilities and computing equipment throughout the school, complemented by social areas, communal problem-solving spaces and quiet study rooms
• Benefit from the school’s close links with organisations like Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics and the Alan Turing Institute
• A diverse and supportive community of mathematicians from all over the world

Course content

The first two semesters of your course will consist of taught modules and in the third semester you will devote your time to a major dissertation.

You’ll learn a range of statistical computing techniques and develop research skills such as academic writing, programming and literature searches.

Options within the course vary from mainstream topics in statistical methodology to allow you to specialise in the areas of statistics that interest you. Specialist areas within the course include biological or financial applications of statistics, or broad-based statistical expertise.

Want to find out more about your modules?

Take a look at the Statistics module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Statistics MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Teaching is by lectures, tutorials, seminars and supervised research projects.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

The taught course is primarily assessed by end-of-semester examinations with a small component of continuous assessment. The semester three project is assessed by a written dissertation and a short oral presentation.

Career opportunities

A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a job.

The University of Leeds is in the top five most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2021 report.

There is a shortage of well-qualified statisticians in the UK and other countries. Numeracy, in general, is an attribute keenly sought after by employers. The emergence of data mining and analysis means that demand for statisticians is growing across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Actuarial, betting and gaming industries
• Charitable organisations
• Commercial, environmental and financial organisations
• Forensic and police investigation
• Government departments
• Market research
• Medical and pharmaceutical organisation

The course is designed specifically to meet this demand.

Many statistical careers require people educated to Masters degree level. This course is designed to build on existing mathematical skills and deepen knowledge of statistics in order for you to access a variety of professions or pursue further research as a PhD student.

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You’ll have access to the wide range of careers resources and support from your Careers Service. You’ll have the chance to attend industry presentations, book appointments with qualified careers consultants and take part in employability workshops and webinars. Our careers fairs provide further opportunities to explore your career options with some of the UKs leading employers.

You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.