Statistics with Applications in Medicine MSc

Join the University of Southampton, ranked in the World Top 40 and 6th in the UK for Statistics and Operational Research (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021).

This advanced programme in applied statistics is led by statisticians from across the University and the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit. It will provide you with a broad grounding in advanced statistical methods, with a focus on applications in research, the NHS and the pharmaceutical industry. You will also benefit from our close connections with many pharmaceutical companies and medical research organisations.

Flexible study

If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:

• a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years

Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.

Course lead

Your course leader is Professor Wei Liu. His research interests include simultaneous inference, multiple testing and sequential methods. Read Professor Liu’s staff profile to find out more about his work.

Course structure

The full-time master’s course lasts for a full 12 months.

For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll focus on the taught part of your course.

Each semester is made up of a combination of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules that we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.

For the rest of the course, you’ll work independently on your research project and dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning and assessment

Learning

The learning activities for this course include:

• lectures
• computer workshops
• case studies
• project work

Assessment

We’ll assess you through:

• written exams
• presentations
• coursework
• a dissertation

Dissertation

You’ll carry out a research project on a particular area of statistics, and present your findings in a dissertation.

The project, to be agreed with your supervisor, is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show in-depth knowledge of your chosen subject.

Some projects are provided by our pharmaceutical partners, while others are set and supervised by medical statisticians at Southampton General Hospital, allowing you to gain first-hand experience of their work.

You’ll have regular meetings with your supervisor to discuss your progress.

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

Careers

With this degree you’ll be ready to move into a career as a medical statistician or clinical analyst in a variety of settings.

Our graduates have gone on to roles in:

• major pharmaceutical companies
• Medical Research Council
• university-based medical research units
• contract research organisations
• government departments
• the financial sector