Statistics MSc

Lancaster University

Data analysis and statistical models support many aspects of the modern world, from science and technology to finance and business. They allow us to overcome medical, scientific, industrial and social problems and a Master's-level understanding of them is beneficial in many careers.

Our Royal Statistical Society (RSS) accredited Master's programme combines a blend of theoretical study with real-world application. Over the year, you will develop advanced statistical skills and knowledge, while having the opportunity to put what you learn into practice and gain valuable, real-world experience. In addition to acquiring advanced technical knowledge, you will also develop project management and communication skills. Upon graduating, you will be ideally placed to pursue a career as a statistician, confident that you can apply your analytical and programming skills in a diverse range of applications.

A carefully structured approach will enable you to develop and strengthen your essential core skills in both classical and modern statistical methods and inference before progressing to the more advanced and specialist modules. The specialist modules cover a diverse range of statistical topics reflecting both areas of Departmental research expertise and the requirements of leading employers of statisticians. You will be supported in selecting those specialist modules that best reflect your own interests and career aspirations. Students interested in careers in medical statistics can follow a medical pathway consisting of modules in Clinical Trials, Principles of Epidemiology, Multilevel and Longitudinal Data Analysis and Survival and Event History Analysis.

Alongside the technical modules, you will undertake a module to advance key transferable skills in programming and communications. Programming, and the confident use of statistical software, enables the analysis of large and complex data sets, whilst communication is an essential skill for all statisticians, who must be able to engage in dialogue with members of the project team, stakeholders and end-users. You will be based within the Department of Mathematics and Statistics where you will have access to specialist software and equipment. You will have the opportunity to engage with academic staff members, all of whom are active statistical researchers, and to participate in departmental research colloquia and seminars should you choose to do so.

Finally, over the course of three months, you will complete a Master's-level dissertation. A statistical researcher, who will guide and support you throughout the period, will supervise this independent project. They will advise on the direction of the project, as well as contributing guidance on technical aspects of modelling, interpretation of analysis and presentation of the final report. Undertaking this dissertation will allow you to bring together and put into practice the discipline specific skills, knowledge and experience you have gained throughout the year. This will take your understanding of advanced statistics beyond classroom learning allow you to develop a working understanding of statistical methodology and build your confidence in working independently and leading the statistical direction of a project. This experience will be invaluable as you progress into a career.

PGDip

Our PGDip in Statistics follows the same taught course structure as our Royal Statistical Society (RSS) accredited master's programme, but without the dissertation component that comprises the final part of the master's year. As with the master's programme, the PGDip combines a blend of theoretical study with real-world application. You will develop advanced statistical skills and knowledge, while having the opportunity to put what you learn into practice and gain valuable, real-world experience. In addition to acquiring advanced technical knowledge, you will also develop project management and communication skills.