MSc in Statistics

The MSc in Statistics aims to provide a bridge for strong students between undergraduate and PhD study, allowing an increase in the depth and breadth of understanding in a range of topics in statistics and probability, and developing overall research perspective and vision before finalising an area of research.

Through a range of core and optional units, the MSc will develop your understanding of appropriate mathematical and statistical theory and equip you with the fundamental skills for the modelling and analysis of statistical problems. The project will provide you with an opportunity to tackle a genuine statistical problem using a variety of theoretical, analytical, methodological and computational techniques.

The MSc in Statistics can be taken as a stand-alone programme, as well as by students already committed to PhD study who will take the MSc as the first year of a 1+3 year MSc/PhD programme.

The programme consists of two terms of taught study on a range of core and optional units, followed by a substantial research project.

The programme consists of two terms of taught study on a range of core and optional units, followed by a substantial research project.

Core units

The taught component is built around the following core units:

• Advanced Time Series
• Graphical Modelling
• Monte Carlo Methods
• Nonparametric Regression
• Stochastic Processes
• Stochastic Optimisation

Optional units

There is a wide range of optional units, but if you intend to continue on the PhD degree, your choices will normally be expected to include the following:

• Statistical Asymptotics
• Statistical Computing
• Statistical Inference
• Statistical Modelling

Research Project (June to September)

As an integral part of the MRes programme, students are required to complete a project and submit a dissertation. The project gives students the opportunity to carry out a substantial investigation on a topic of their choice and counts for one third of the total assessment. For an indication of staff research interests, please see the prospectus entry for PhD in Mathematics.