Statistics - PgDip/MSc

Statistics support many aspects of the modern world, from science and technology to finance and business. They allow us to overcome scientific, industrial and social problems and a Masters-level understanding of them is beneficial in many careers.

Our Royal Statistical Society (RSS) accredited Masters programme combines a blend of theoretical study with real-world application. This means that 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. As a result, after graduation, you will be ideally placed to pursue your career ambitions, and progress in your field.

Based in our purpose built facility, the Postgraduate Statistics Centre (PSC), you will have access to specialist software and equipment, such as our dedicated super computer. These facilities will support you as you engage with one of our specialist statistical pathways. The pathways you can choose from are:

• Environmental Statistics
• Medical Statistics
• Pharmaceutical Statistics

As part of your programme, you will also complete our Statistics in Practice module. Providing a strong foundation for Masters-level study in statistics, you will gain key practical skills using software, including R and SAS. Your scientific writing abilities will also be enhanced as we help you to present rigorous, written mathematical arguments, and develop your understanding of scientific papers. Oral presentations will also allow you to put your public speaking skills into practice, specifically in the context of presenting summaries of papers.

As well as providing the fundamental foundations for other aspects of the programme, this module will also equip you with valuable professional skills and experience that will help you to achieve your career aspirations.

Your learning and research will be further supported through our seminar series. You have the opportunity to attend weekly statistics and probability seminars, to learn about a specialist area of each discipline. Each week the seminars will be delivered by a leading academic, either from Lancaster or a special guest from another institution. You choose which ones you attend, selecting those most appropriate to your study, or areas you have a personal interest in.

Finally, over the course of three months, you will complete a Masters-level dissertation. This project will be supervised by one of our academics and may be in collaboration with an external organisation, such as: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK); AstraZeneca; Wrightington Hospital; Royal Lancaster Infirmary; Leahurst Veterinary Centre; or the Department of the Environment, for example.

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, and will allow you to develop a working understanding of statistical methodology. This experience will be invaluable as your progress into a career.

Assessment

Teaching in our department is delivered through a range of methods to create the best possible learning experience. Alongside traditional lectures, you can expect to benefit from small workshop groups, which are guided by tutors who are active researchers and offer you an opportunity to put what you have learnt in lectures into practice. We also run computer lab sessions focused on developing your skills in specialist mathematical and statistical software.

We utilise a range of assessment methods that are designed to support and encourage you to fully demonstrate your knowledge and ability. The majority of our modules include end of year exams, and you will also undertake research projects, group work and presentations.

Community

Studying in the Mathematics and Statistics Department, you will become part of a friendly and encouraging community. Our students and staff are passionate about the subject area, creating a supportive learning environment.

In addition, our dedicated team of support staff provide an excellent first line support service to ensure you have a positive experience of studying with us. We believe it is important to foster a relaxed, supportive and sociable working environment to ensure you can excel during your time with us. All of our staff are approachable and accommodating, ensuring that you are recognised as an individual and supported appropriately.

The wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise within the Department enables us to understand exactly what is required by and from our students, to ensure they are in the strongest possible position to realise their aspirations and succeed in their chosen career.

In addition, you will also become a part of our fantastic support network. Joining us for our regular ‘coffee mornings,’ you will have the opportunity to speak with and get to know all members of the department in an informal setting.

Career

Statistics graduates are highly employable, having in-depth specialist knowledge and a wealth of skills. Through this degree, you will graduate with a comprehensive skill set, including data analysis and manipulation, logical thinking, problem-solving and quantitative reasoning, as well as advanced knowledge of the discipline. In addition, statistics plays a valuable role in all businesses and enterprises. As a result, statisticians are sought after in a range of industries, such as education, finance, forensics, health, market research, and transport.

The starting salary for many graduate statistical roles is highly competitive, and popular career options include:

• Assistant Statistician
• Data Analyst
• Market Researcher
• Mathematical Modeller
• Statistical Officer
• Teacher

In addition, studying at Masters-level will further enhance your career prospects, opening up opportunities to progress further in your career.

Alternatively, you may wish to undertake postgraduate research study at Lancaster and pursue a career in research and teaching.

Visit the Statistics - PgDip/MSc page on the Lancaster University website for more details!