2021 start
MSc

Statistics

School of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science

Learn how to solve practical statistical problems and develop personal skills including presentation and time management.
Postgraduates at desk with computer

Course description

This course is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society

This course will teach you the theories behind a variety of statistical techniques, and how to apply them in scenarios that professional statisticians face every day.

You’ll develop a detailed working knowledge of important statistical techniques and concepts, including linear and generalised linear modelling, Bayesian statistics, time series and machine learning. You’ll learn how to analyse and draw meaningful conclusions from data, and develop your programming skills using the statistical computing software R. This course also includes modules on how to collect data and design experiments, and the role of statistics in clinical trials.

Around one-third of the course is devoted to your dissertation. This may focus on investigating a data set, or a more theoretical or methodological topic. The aim is to give you skills to include on your CV, such as planning and researching a project, data acquisition, problem specification, analysis and reporting your findings. Dissertation topics are often provided by external clients – for example, pharmaceutical companies or sports modelling organisations. Distance learning students often come with projects designed by their employer.

Weishan Shi shares her experiences of studying the MSc Statistics with Medical Applications course in the School of Mathematics and Statistics.

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Modules

Explore core modules

Teaching

There are lectures, tutorials, computing sessions and group work. Most statistics lectures are recorded so you can watch them again later.

Distance learning option

This is taught online with support via email and an online forum. Distance learners also come to the University for residential weeks.

You'll need to be in Sheffield for a few days between late May and early June each year for your exams. You're expected to spend around 20 hours each week on your studies if you're doing the two-year version of the course, and around 12 to 15 hours each week if you're doing the three-year version.

Assessment

Some modules may be continuously assessed through ongoing project work with no examination but most taught modules are assessed by a mixture of examinations and coursework. The assessment of the dissertation module is based entirely on your submitted dissertation.

Duration

  • 1 year full-time
  • 2-3 years part-time by distance learning

Your career

Students graduate with the specialist modelling and analysis skills employers need to interpret the complex datasets that underpin many 21st century professions – from business, manufacturing and marketing to policymaking, science and healthcare.

If you get a second-class degree or better, you automatically qualify for the Royal Statistical Society Graduate Statistician award – a stepping stone to full professional membership of the RSS and Chartered Statistician status.

Yiyang Yan sat on a green chair smiling

"This MSc course has equipped me with not only statistical skills but also professional skills, including teamwork and time management"

Yiyang Yan

Masters student, Statistics MSc

Entry requirements

We usually ask for a 2:1 honours degree, or equivalent, with substantial mathematical and statistical components or a pass at an equivalent level in the Graduate Certificate.

Entry requirements for international students

Not quite ready for a masters course yet?

We also offer a Graduate Certificate in Statistics. This nine-month, part-time course is designed for students who need extra training to qualify for one of our masters degrees. It’s taught by distance learning, so you only need to be in Sheffield for your exams in June.

English language requirements

Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent. 

Other English language qualifications we accept

International pathway programmes

If you’re an international student and don’t meet our entry requirements, we offer a Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering programme through the University of Sheffield International College. The programme develops your knowledge of your chosen subject, introduces you to vital study skills and provides additional support to reach the English language level for the course, should you need it.

Once you complete your Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering and achieve the required grades, you can enter your chosen postgraduate degree at the University of Sheffield.

Xiaowen Gu stood smiling in front of a pin board, smiling

"I think there is a good learning atmosphere and all the teachers and staff are very friendly and responsible"

Xiaowen Gu

Masters student, Statistics MSc

Fees and funding

The University of Sheffield has scholarships available to support masters students. Students on our MSc Statistics course often have the costs of their degree covered by their employer.

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Apply

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.

Apply now

More information

School of Mathematics and Statistics

Contact

postgradmaths-enquiry@shef.ac.uk
+44 114 222 3789

The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.