Statistical Data Science Masters/MSc

Start date
September
Duration
1 year full-time
Course Type
Postgraduate, Taught
Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2024/25:
£10,530 - UK students
£27,270 - International Students
Further fee information is available.

Our MSc Statistical Data Science programme uniquely merges statistical theory with state-of-the-art data science techniques, addressing the high demand for professionals skilled in complex data analysis. It focuses on developing proficiency in both statistical methodologies and computational tools.

Scholarships for 2024 entry

The University of Birmingham is proud to offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate programmes. With a scholarship pot worth over £2 million, we are committed to alleviating financial barriers to support you in taking your next steps.

Each scholarship has its own specific deadlines and eligibility criteria. Please familiarise yourself with the information on individual scholarship webpages prior to submitting an application.

Explore our scholarships

In the MSc Statistical Data Science programme, you will engage in an in-depth exploration of both foundational and advanced statistical principles, theories, and concepts, complemented by thorough training in data analysis skills. The curriculum is designed to include a wide range of programming techniques and machine learning methodologies, equipping you with the necessary tools to effectively apply these in real-world scenarios.

Central to the programme is the development of your ability to perform critical analysis of complex problems using a diverse set of methods from statistics and data science. This data-driven approach to problem-solving prepares you to generate innovative insights across various domains, positioning you at the forefront of the statistical data science field. Additionally, the programme emphasizes the enhancement of written presentation skills, ensuring that you can communicate complex statistical concepts clearly and professionally in written form, alongside nurturing an ability to work independently.

By addressing the growing shortage of highly skilled professionals in statistics and data science – a need acutely felt across sectors such as economics, medicine, finance, insurance, and industrial management – this programme aims to produce graduates who are well-prepared to integrate and apply their knowledge of statistics and data science. Our graduates will possess the unique capability to analyze, interpret, and provide well-reasoned solutions to complex challenges, thus making significant contributions to their respective industries.

Why study Statistical Data Science Masters at Birmingham?

  • To understand the mathematical foundation for statistics and data science and carry out critical analysis: This aims to equip you with a robust grasp of the mathematical foundations that form the core of statistics and data science.

  • To critically analyse complex problems, applying fundamental principles to uncover insights and inform decision-making in various contexts.

  • To use programming languages and software packages essential for data analysis, especially those used in machine learning and AI: This involves training you in developing and deploying advanced algorithms for data analysis. Mastery of these tools is crucial for effectively manipulating, analyzing, and visualizing data, allowing for more insightful and accurate interpretations of complex data sets.

  • To model real-world problems in a statistical framework, and tackle them with suitable statistical and data science techniques. This component focuses on the application of statistical and data science methods in diverse real-world settings. It prepares you to adapt and apply your skills to new challenges and environments, ensuring you can provide valuable insights even in areas or situations that are initially unfamiliar to you, thereby showcasing your versatility and real-world problem-solving capabilities.

Meet Holly Holly standing in an atrium

Holly is a MSc student in the School of Mathematics at Birmingham. In her blog, she talks about her experience of studying, covering topics from how the subject is regarded by employers to offering advice to those considering the subject.

Read Holly's blog >> 

Modules

The course consists of 180 credits, two-thirds from taught modules (core modules are compulsory, plus a choice of optional modules) and one-third from your research project.

Core modules

Optional modules

Usally 10 credits of options are to be selected. However, if you have already taken LH Applied Statistics during your undergraduate studies then you will not take the core module LM Statistical Machine Learning, and if you already taken LH Statistical Methods in Finance and Economics during your undergraduate studies then you will not take LM Statistical Modelling.
Instead you choose alternative modules from the options list in order to have a total of 180 credits.
Examples of optional modules are listed below.

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Fees

Annual tuition fee for 2024/25

  • £10,530 - UK students
  • £27,270 - International Students

Are you an international applicant?

All international applicants to this course will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £2,000 on receipt of an offer, to secure their place.

Find out more about the deposit >>.

Postgraduate Loans (PGL) for Masters students

UK and EU students (with settled or pre-settled status) looking to pursue a Masters programme in the UK can apply for a non-means-tested loan from the British government via the Student Loans Company (SLC).

The loan will be paid directly to you, into a UK bank account. It is intended to provide a contribution towards the costs of Masters study and whether the loan is used towards fees, maintenance or other costs is at your own discretion.

Learn more about applying for PGL 

 

Scholarships

We offer a range of postgraduate scholarships for taught programmes and research opportunities to ensure the very best talent is nurtured and supported at postgraduate level.

Scholarships for 2024 entry

The University of Birmingham is proud to offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate programmes. With a scholarship pot worth over £2 million, we are committed to alleviating financial barriers to support you in taking your next steps.

Each scholarship has its own specific deadlines and eligibility criteria. Please familiarise yourself with the information on individual scholarship webpages prior to submitting an application.

Explore our scholarships

 

How To Apply

International applicants requiring visas

Applications to this programme from students who are international for fees will close 1 June 2024. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full, early applications are encouraged.

UK and non-Tier 4 applicants

Applications will close 31 August 2024. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full, early applications are encouraged.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree in Mathematics and/or Statistics or a programme with advanced mathematical and/or statistical components.

This programme is aimed at students who have previously completed an undergraduate degree with significant mathematical or statistical content and who wish to pursue postgraduate studies to a master level.

International Requirements



International Students

English language

For students whose first language is not English, one of the following English language qualifications is required:

 
  • IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band
  • TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component

In this program, you will delve into master's-level coursework that intricately blends advanced theoretical concepts with real-world applications in statistics and data science.

The curriculum is richly augmented with contemporary computational techniques and a deep dive into statistical learning, reflecting the dynamic nature of the data science landscape.

Your academic journey will be further enriched by a hands-on research project, mentored by leading figures in the realms of data science and statistical learning. This combination of advanced coursework and practical research experience is designed to provide comprehensive training in quantitative analysis, set within the context of data science.

Throughout the program, you will develop robust interdisciplinary research skills and refine your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Graduates with an MSc in Data Science are in high demand across various industries, valued for their proficiency in data analysis, predictive modeling, machine learning, and big data technologies. They play a critical role in fields like finance, healthcare, technology, and government, where data-driven insights are key to decision-making.

In healthcare and pharmaceuticals, they contribute to advancing medical research and drug development through sophisticated data analytics. The finance and insurance sectors rely on their ability to analyze risk and predict trends, while tech companies and startups seek their expertise for developing algorithms and optimizing data usage.

Their versatile skill set opens doors to diverse and exciting career paths, from data analysis and business intelligence to artificial intelligence and machine learning roles.

The increasing reliance on data across sectors ensures not only a variety of job opportunities but also the potential for lucrative careers, highlighting the essential role and high employability of data scientists in shaping the future of a data-centric global economy.

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.