Statistical Science skills are important in all applied sciences (life sciences, medicine and related fields, physical sciences) and are becoming increasingly so in emerging fields that require analysis of complex data such as marketing and finance. There is a constant demand for graduates with these skills in both industry and academia.
The MSc Statistics offers an excellent balance between theory and application and covers traditional theory and methods as well as more modern ideas in statistics such as applied Bayesian methods, generalised linear modelling and object oriented statistical computing. A broad base of training in the important areas of statistical science will allow you to successfully progress into professional employment or research.
The MSc is a flexible programme. By selecting an appropriate combination of optional modules and a suitable project, students can choose to specialise in the following areas: biostatistics, applied stochastic modelling, quantitative decision making, quantitative analysis for industry, financial mathematics.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of a foundation module (non-credit bearing), eight taught modules (120 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).
For further information
about specific course units, including outline syllabuses and reading lists, you may like to
have a look at the current departmental handbook for taught graduate students.
Medical Statistics is a fundamental scientific component of health research. As new and more complex biomedical problems emerge, Medical Statistics faces a challenge in terms of both the novel application of existing methods and the development of new superior methods. Medical statisticians enable the application of the best possible quantitative methods in health research and assist in the reliable translation of research findings to public and patients’ health care.
Our Medical Statistics pathway provides students with a sound background in theoretical statistics as well practical hands on experience in designing, analysing and interpreting health studies. By studying a prescribed set of options from those available within our broader MSc programme and undertaking an appropriate project, students can be formally awarded an MSc Statistics (Medical Statistics).
Full time, the degree will last 12 months (including a summer project).
Part time study is also available over two years. Studying the MSc Statistics on a part time basis means taking the same compulsory and optional modules over two years, but they are as timetabled for full time students (special teaching times are not offered for part time students). It is possible to arrange with the project supervisor to start to work on the research project earlier than after the exams in the second year, but there is no entitlement to a higher overall amount of supervision than full time students.
Teaching is by means of lectures and classes, some of which are dedicated to practical work. There is also the possibility of external organisations delivering technical lectures and seminars. The taught degree programme involves about 200 hours of lectures and classes altogether. Students also attend weekly tutorials.
Students will be assessed on eight taught modules in total, attended after the preliminary Foundation Course. For most courses the final mark is based on an in-course assessment (given 10% weighting) and a two-hour written examination sat in term three (given 90% weighting). However, there are no written examinations for the Statistical Design of Investigations and Statistical Computing modules, which are assessed entirely through coursework.
The Research Project is a consolidation of the MSc’s taught component. Students will normally analyse and interpret data from a real, complex problem, offering the chance to produce viable solutions. Workshops, which provide preparation for this project, will run during the teaching terms. These will cover the communications of statistics such as the presentation of statistical graphs and tables.
Project topics can be selected from a departmental list, or students
can make their own suggestions. The list usually includes some collaborative projects available with
pharmaceutical companies for certain medical statistics/pharmaceutical topics. There may be opportunities for students to undertake other
collaborative MSc projects which involve medical researchers within the UCL Medical School and the NHS Trusts, or an industrial partner.
The MSc Statistics programme has been accredited by the Royal Statistical Society (RSS).
Graduates will automatically be granted the Society’s Graduate Statistician (GradStat) status (a stepping stone to the Chartered Statistician (CStat) professional qualification) on application to the Society.