Medical statistics is a fundamental scientific component of health research. Medical statisticians interact with biomedical researchers, epidemiologists and public health professionals and contribute to the effective translation of scientific research into patient benefits and clinical decision-making. As new biomedical problems emerge, there are exciting challenges in the application of existing tools and the development of new superior models.
The UCL Medical Statistics degree provides students with a sound background in theoretical statistics as well as practical hands-on experience in designing, analysing and interpreting health studies, including trials and observational studies. The taught component equips students with analytical tools for healthcare economic evaluation, and the research project provides experience in using real clinical datasets.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of a foundation course, six core modules (90 credits) two optional modules (30 credits) and the research dissertation (60 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an individual research project, culminating in a dissertation of approximately 10,000–12,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and classes, some of which are dedicated to practical work. External organisations deliver technical lectures and seminars where possible. Assessment is through written examination and coursework. The research project is assessed through the dissertation and a 15-minute presentation.
Workshops running during the teaching terms provide preparation for this project and cover the communication of statistics, for example, the presentation of statistical graphs and tables.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Statistics (Medical Statistics) MSc
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.
The National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) has identified medical statistics as one of the priority areas in their capacity building strategy and has awarded UCL two studentships annually for this MSc.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
There is an acute shortage of medical statisticians in the UK and employment opportunities are excellent. Recent graduates from this programme have been employed by clinical trials units, the pharmaceutical industry, NHS trusts and universities (e.g. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UCL).
One of the strengths of UCL Statistical Science is the breadth of expertise on offer; the research interests of staff span the full range from foundations to applications, and make important original contributions to the development of statistical science.
UCL is linked with four NHS hospital trusts and hosts three biomedical research centres, four clinical trial units and an Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology. Established links between UCL Statistical Science, the NIHR UCLH/UCL Biomedical Research Centre and the Clinical Trial Units provide high-quality biomedical projects for Master's students and opportunities for excellent postgraduate teaching and medical research.
The MSc Statistics and Applied Probability is suitable for students who wish to broaden and deepen their knowledge in both statistics and applied probability.
The course offers you the opportunity to further your knowledge in both of these areas, which will be beneficial for a professional career in statistics or as a solid basis for research in statistics or applied probability.
Topics include advanced stochastic processes, queueing processes, epidemic models and reliability, as well as most of those listed for the MSc Statistics.
This course is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society
Key facts:
- This course is informed by the work being carried out in the Statistics and Probability research group.
- The School of Mathematical Sciences is one of the largest and strongest mathematics departments in the UK, with over 60 full-time academic staff.
- In the latest independent Research Assessment Exercise, the School ranked 8th in the UK in "research power" across the three subject areas within the School of Mathematical Sciences (Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research).
- This course is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society.
Advanced Stochastic Processes
Applications of Statistics
Computational Statistics
Fundamentals of Statistics
Medical Statistics
Statistics Dissertation
Time Series and Forecasting
Topics in Biomedical Statistics
IELTS: 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any element)
The MSc Statistics offers a modern advanced curriculum in statistics which will enable you to broaden and deepen your understanding of the subject and its applications.
The programme will provide you with specific techniques and skills suitable for a professional career in statistics or as a solid basis for research in the area.
Optional topics typically include generalised linear models, Markov Chain Monte Carlo, the bootstrap, multivariate analysis, spatial statistics, time series and forecasting, multilevel models, stochastic finance, and shape and image analysis.
This course is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society.
Key facts:
- This course is informed by the work being carried out in the Statistics and Probability research group.
- The School of Mathematical Sciences is one of the largest and strongest mathematics departments in the UK, with over 60 full-time academic staff.
- In the latest independent Research Assessment Exercise, the School ranked 8th in the UK in "research power" across the three subject areas within the School of Mathematical Sciences (Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research).
Advanced Stochastic Processes
Applications of Statistics
Computational Statistics
Fundamentals of Statistics
Medical Statistics
Statistics Dissertation
Time Series and Forecasting
Topics in Biomedical Statistics
IELTS: 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any element)
The Oxford Master's in Mathematical Sciences (OMMS), provides a broad and flexible training in mathematical sciences, essential for research and innovation in the 21st century.
This MSc is run jointly by the Mathematical Institute and the Department of Statistics. It spans interdisciplinary applications of mathematics as well as recognizing fundamental questions and themes. Oxford has a world-class reputation in the mathematical sciences, and this master's degree offers students the opportunity to work with an international group of peers, including other mathematical leaders of the future.
This course draws on subjects in mathematics, statistics and computer science: from number theory, geometry and algebra to genetics and cryptography; from probability and mathematical geoscience to data mining and machine learning. You have the opportunity to choose from many different pathways, tailoring the programme to your individual interests and requirements. Examples of pathways include:
You will attend at least six units worth of courses (with one unit corresponding to a 16-hour lecture course supported by classes) in addition to writing a dissertation (worth two units). You will be encouraged to work collaboratively in classes, to develop your understanding of the material. Those wishing to extend themselves further might take one or two additional courses.
The master's offers a substantial opportunity for independent study and research in the form of a dissertation. The dissertation is undertaken under the guidance of a supervisor and will typically involve investigating and writing in a particular area of mathematical sciences, without the requirement (while not excluding the possibility) of obtaining original results. A dissertation gives students the opportunity to develop broader transferable skills in the processes of organizing, communicating, and presenting their work, and will equip students well for further research or for a wide variety of other careers.
The Mathematical Institute is proud to have received an Athena SWAN silver award in 2017, reflecting its commitment to promoting diversity and to creating a working environment in which students and staff alike can achieve their full potential. The Department of Statistics is currently applying for a silver award. The departments offer extensive support to students, from regular skills training and career development sessions to a variety of social events in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
This course runs from the beginning of October through to the end of June. Performance on the master's degree is assessed by invigilated written examinations and mini projects, and by the dissertation.
Statistical science skills are powerful tools that play a valuable role in all pure and applied sciences as well as in finance, law and marketing. The quantitative skills training provided by this MSc can lead to new and exciting opportunities in industry, medicine, government, commerce or research.
The programme takes a broad-based approach to statistics, providing up-to-date training in the major applications and an excellent balance between theory and application. It covers modern ideas in statistics including applied Bayesian methods, generalised linear modelling and object-oriented statistical computing, together with a grounding in traditional statistical theory and methods.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of a foundation module, four core modules (60 credits) four optional modules (60 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project, culminating in a dissertation of approximately 10,000–12,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and classes, some of which are dedicated to practical work. External organisations deliver technical lectures and seminars where possible. Assessment is through written examination and coursework. The research project is assessed through the dissertation and a 15-minute presentation.
Workshops running during the teaching terms provide preparation for this project and cover the communication of statistics e.g. the presentation of statistical graphs and tables.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Statistics MSc
Graduates typically enter professional employment across a broad range of industry sectors or pursue further academic study.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
The Statistics MSc provides skills that are currently highly sought after. Graduates receive advanced training in methods and computational tools for data analysis that companies and research organisations value. For instance, the new directives and laws for risk assessments in the banking and insurance industries, as well as the healthcare sector, require statistical experts trained at graduate level. The large amount of data processing in various industries (known as "data deluge") also necessitates cutting-edge knowledge in statistics. As a result, our recent graduates have been offered positions as research analysts or consultants, and job opportunities in these areas are increasing.
One of the strengths of UCL Statistical Science is the breadth of expertise on offer; the research interests of staff span the full range from foundations to applications, and make important original contributions to the development of statistical science.
London provides an excellent environment in which to study statistical science, being the home of the Royal Statistical Society as well as a base for a large community of statisticians, both academic and non-academic.
Postgraduate degree course in Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Econometrics (MORSE) Masters/MSc:
This programme is both technical and pragmatic. You will acquire the ability to integrate state-of-the-art knowledge of statistics and optimisation to address, analyse and provide a rational appraisal of a given problem in different professional contexts. This is a multidisciplinary field that involves the study of mathematical optimisation techniques, operational research methods, programming and statistics with their applications to economics, finance, medicine, industrial management, natural sciences and others. The programme produces highly qualified students in statistics, operations research and econometrics with applications to economics and business management. The programme provides ideal preparation for a career in economics, health care, finance, banking, insurance, actuarial science, business management, governmental or academic institutions.
To be accepted onto this programme a high standard in a mathematically-based undergraduate degree must have been achieved, equivalent to a UK upper second or first class degree.
In the recent years, mathematical optimization and statistics have experienced significant new developments. With these developments, the system engineering, information science, signal and image processing, statistical error correction and cryptography are being revolutionised.
This has created urgent need, in both academic research and in practical implementation, for a new generation of mathematicians trained to work at the frontiers of mathematical optimization, statistics and their applications to engineering, healthcare, finance and economics.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have recently shown how the modern optimization and statistical methods are successfully applied to engineering design, financial and economical data analysis, meta-analysis, economic equilibrium, network communication, and combinatorial optimization.
Related links
In the Autumn and Spring semesters, you will take masters-level courses in both advanced theory and applications of operational research, optimization and statistics, as well as the courses in modern computational techniques and data analysis.
In the summer you will undertake a research project, working with research leaders in optimization, statistics and econometrics, alongside mathematics and computation. These courses and project will provide relevant training in quantitative analysis together with multidisciplinary research and communication, a transferable skill, for whichever career path the MSc (MORSE) leads you to.
Career opportunities
The course modules and research project will provide you with essential training in quantitative analysis together with multidisciplinary research and communication, a transferable skill which you will find valuable whatever career path you
pursue. Our graduates benefit from a growing global demand for these skills in sectors including economics, medicine, finance, insurance and industrial management.
University Careers Network
Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.
Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge.
If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.
The Probability and Statistics group (4 Professors, 3 Senior Lecturers and 10 Lecturers) in the School of Mathematics have a long-standing reputation and experience of offering one year, high quality taught courses in areas of Statistics leading to the degree of MSc.These courses have aimed to offer a thorough professional training which prepare students to embark on statistical careers in a variety of areas. (There is a shortage of statisticians trained to postgraduate level in the UK and the employment prospects for such people remain good.) They have also provided a very good foundation for further study at PhD level.
Our current MSc programme in Statistics allows students to take one of two different MSc degrees, depending on their interests and career aspirations. There is the main programme in Statistics and one associated pathway in Financial Statistics. Each is built around a common core of five modules and then students study an additional set of three specialist modules to make a total of eight in all.
There are two teaching semesters of 12 weeks each and approximately 15 weeks of project work. Assessment for the taught part is by exams and coursework. Following the successful completion of the taught part of the programme (worth a total of 120 credits) students are then expected to work on a dissertation from June to September which is worth a further 60 credits, making 180 credits in total. Information on the various topics and projects which will be available for dissertation are provided to the students in May from which they are invited to state their preferences.
The taught part of the programme is divided into two 12-week semesters, each followed by a two-week period of examinations. This in turn is followed by a period of approximately 12 weeks of research work over the summer which is supervised by a member of the academic staff and ends with submission of the MSc dissertation in September. In the taught part of the course, full-time students attend weekly lectures and support classes for four modules (4 x 15 credits) in each semester. Students are also able to enrol on a part-time basis if they wish. In this case they study over a two year period and only take two modules per semester, with the dissertation being completed at the end of the second year. Details of the programme structure are given below.
Main MSc Statistics
Semester One:
Semester Two:
This degree is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society.
Financial Statistics Pathway
This comprises a core of five modules which are common to the main programme, plus three specialist modules in financial statistics.
Semester One:
Semester Two:
This degree is also accredited by the Royal Statistical Society.
Accreditation by the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) provides reassurance that our MSc programme produces graduates with the technical skills and subject knowledge required of a statistician. This provides our graduates with a competitive edge in the job market and provides employers with an assurance of quality of our degree.
Dissertation Following the successful completion of the taught part of the programme (worth a total of 120 credits) students are then expected to work on a dissertation from June to September which is worth a further 60 credits, making 180 credits in total. Information on the various topics and projects which will be available for dissertation are provided to the students in May from which they are invited to state their preferences.
The School of Mathematics is the largest in the UK with an outstanding research reputation andfacilities .
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: [email protected]
These programmes will prepare students for a broad range of statistical careers, particularly in the financial, medical, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors of the economy, but also with local and national government agencies, as well as in other areas. They will also provide an excellent foundation for students wishing to pursue advanced postgraduate research in statistics.
This unique Masters in Applied Statistics in Health Sciences provides an opening to a career as an applied statistician, without having previously studied statistics.
The course is run in collaboration with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). Statisticians from APHA, as well as those who have extensive experience in working with the National Health Service in Scotland, will provide lectures based around real-life problems and data from the health sciences.
Although the programme is focused on health, the skill set provided will also equip you with the necessary training to work as an applied statistician in other areas such as insurance, finance and commerce.
The three modules covered in Semester 1 will equip you with fundamental probability and data analysis skills. In Semester 2 there are four modules, each focusing on a different applied element of being a statistician. The course concludes with a research project that will involve the analysis of a real-life data set.
Programme skills set
On the programme you'll acquire:
The Department of Mathematics & Statistics has teaching rooms which provide you with access to modern teaching equipment and computing laboratories that are state-of-the-art with all necessary software available. You'll also have a common room facility, a modern and flexible area which is used for individual and group study work, and also a relaxing social space.
At the heart of the Department of Mathematics & Statistics is the University’s aim of developing useful learning. We're an applied department with many links to industry and government. Most of the academic staff teaching on this course hold joint-appointments with, or are funded by, other organisations, including APHA, Public Health and Intelligence (Health Protection Scotland), Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board and the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology Scotland (MASTS). We bridge the gap between academia and real-life. Our research has societal impact.
Classes are delivered by a number of teaching methods:
Teaching is student-focused, with students encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and development. Classes are supported by web-based materials.
The form of assessment varies for each class. For most classes the assessment involves both coursework and examinations.
There are many exciting career opportunities for graduates in applied statistics. The practical, real-life skills that you'll gain means you'll be much in demand in international organisations. A report by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry identified statistics and data mining as “two key areas in which a 'skills gap' is threatening the UK's biopharmaceutical industry.”
Typical employers of statisticians and data analysts include:
Study Computer Science, Mathematics and Nuclear Education at a world-class university
The Graduate School - work across subject boundaries, with an emphasis on the development and application of practical skills
