Statistics

The MSc in Statistics at the University of Oxford is a highly esteemed postgraduate programme designed to provide students with a rigorous and comprehensive understanding of statistical theory and its wide-ranging applications. This programme aims to equip graduates with advanced analytical skills and practical experience necessary to address complex real-world problems across various industries, including healthcare, finance, government, and scientific research. The course offers a deep dive into probability theory, statistical inference, computational statistics, and data analysis, fostering both theoretical knowledge and applied expertise. Students benefit from Oxford’s world-class academic environment, engaging with leading researchers and practitioners who are at the forefront of statistical innovation. The programme incorporates a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and independent research projects, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Moreover, students have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as Bayesian statistics, time series analysis, or machine learning, enabling them to tailor their learning to their career interests. Collaboration with external organizations and participation in conferences further enhance the practical and professional development of students. Upon successful completion, graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, or public service, increasingly in demand due to the growing importance of data-driven decision making. The MSc in Statistics at Oxford is recognized globally for its academic excellence and its role in fostering a new generation of statisticians equipped to contribute to scientific advancement and societal progress.

The Department of Statistics in the University of Oxford is a world leader in research in probability, bioinformatics, mathematical genetics and statistical methodology, including computational statistics and machine learning. Oxford’s Mathematical Sciences submission came first in the UK on all criteria in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) and in 2016 the department moved to a newly-refurbished building in the centre of Oxford.

Much of the department's research is either explicitly interdisciplinary or draws its motivation from application areas, ranging from biology and physics to the social sciences. The department is also part of the Oxford Warwick Statistics Programme (OxWaSP), an EPSRC and MRC Centre for Doctoral Training in next-generational statistical science.

You will be assigned a named supervisor or supervisors, who will have overall responsibility for the direction of your work on behalf of the department. You will have the opportunity to interact with fellow students and other members of your research groups, and more widely across the department.  Typically, as a research student you should expect to have meetings with your supervisor or a member of the supervisory team with a frequency of at least once every two weeks averaged across the year. The regularity of these meetings may be subject to variations according to the time of the year, and the stage you are at in your research programme.

There is a formal assessment of progress on the research project at around twelve months. The MSc by Research thesis is expected to be submitted for examination during the second or third year of the programme and there will be a viva voce examination.

You will be expected to acquire transferable skills as part of your training and to prepare a research poster or give a research presentation each year in the department.

Initially, you will be admitted as a Probationer Research Student in the same way as those intending to do a DPhil. Thus it may be possible to switch between the two. The same standards are applied for admission for the two degrees. Few students opt for the MSc by Research, and in most cases the decision is due to limitations on the period for which they have time or funding available.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in an appropriate subject. You will need a strong background in mathematics or statistics.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree of the equivalent.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: Up to two pages
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Standard level

Tuition fees for the Statistics undergraduate program at the University of Oxford vary depending on the student's nationality. For home students, the annual fee is approximately £9,250, which is consistent across most undergraduate degrees at Oxford. For international students, the fees are higher, around £30,000 per year, reflecting the university's funding structure and the cost of delivering education to international students. These fees cover tuition, access to university facilities, libraries, and other academic resources essential for comprehensive learning in Statistics.

In addition to tuition fees, students should budget for living expenses, which include accommodation, food, academic supplies, personal expenses, and travel. The estimated living costs in Oxford are around £1,200 to £1,500 per month, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices, totaling approximately £14,400 to £18,000 annually. The university offers a range of accommodation options, from college-owned housing to private rentals. Costs vary significantly based on location and type.

Financial aid is available for eligible students through various scholarships, bursaries, and grants. The university offers scholarships specifically for international students, as well as need-based financial support for domestic students. Entrance scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, and some colleges provide their own financial assistance programs. In addition, students are encouraged to seek external funding sources, such as government loans, private scholarships, and sponsorships from organizations.

Oxford University participates in government student loan programs for domestic students, providing access to loan facilities that cover tuition and living costs. International students are often encouraged to apply for scholarships and external funding to support their studies.

Students are also advised to consider part-time work opportunities during their studies, which can help supplement their income, although the university maintains that financial support should not be relied upon solely to fund studies.

The university's financial aid policies emphasize accessibility and aim to ensure that talented students can undertake their studies without undue financial burden. Applicants are encouraged to inquire directly with the university's admissions and financial aid offices for the most accurate and detailed information relevant to their circumstances.

The MSc in Statistical Science at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to provide students with a rigorous foundation in statistical theory and practice. This program equips students with advanced analytical skills, enabling them to apply statistical methods to a wide range of fields including medicine, economics, social sciences, and natural sciences. The curriculum covers core topics such as probability theory, statistical inference, regression analysis, Bayesian methods, computational statistics, and data management. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in areas like machine learning, biostatistics, or statistical modeling through optional modules.

The program is typically completed over one year of full-time study, with an option for part-time study in some cases. It combines lectures, tutorials, and project work to foster both theoretical understanding and practical application. Students undertake a research project that allows them to explore a specific area of interest in depth, often collaborating with industry or research institutions. The program is suitable for students with a strong background in mathematics or related disciplines, seeking to advance their quantitative skills for careers in academia, industry, or government.

The Department of Statistics at Oxford has a distinguished faculty with expertise across numerous statistical disciplines. Students benefit from an intellectually stimulating environment, access to state-of-the-art computing facilities, and opportunities for collaboration and networking within the global statistical community. Graduates of the MSc in Statistical Science have gone on to prominent roles in academia, data science, finance, healthcare, government agencies, and tech companies.

Application requirements typically include a university degree in a relevant subject such as mathematics, statistics, or engineering, along with proficiency in English. The selection process assesses academic ability, motivation, and potential for success in advanced statistical study. The university aims to attract diverse, talented students from all over the world, fostering an inclusive academic community dedicated to excellence in research and education.

The University of Oxford is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and historic legacy. The MSc in Statistical Science program reflects the university's commitment to advancing knowledge in data analysis and statistical methodology, equipping students to tackle complex real-world problems through innovative statistical approaches.