MPhil Statistics

The MPhil Statistics is an advanced research degree within the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science at the University of Essex.

Overview

• Course: Statistics
• Start date: October 2026
• Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
• Duration: 2 - 3 years
• Location: Colchester Campus
• Based in: Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)

The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science has staff members available to act as supervisors across a number of areas within statistics, including:

• Statistical modelling and smoothing
• Bayesian computational statistics
• Nonparametric statistics
• Longitudinal analysis

Students are also invited to contact the School to discuss other potential research areas.

Our Expert Staff

The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science has an international reputation in all areas of Mathematical Sciences, including:

• Statistics
• Operational research
• Applied mathematics
• Pure mathematics
• Actuarial science

MPhil students are encouraged to meet with their supervisor regularly. Joint supervision across other Essex departments and schools is possible, allowing students to have a supervisor based in the School and another in a relevant Department or School.

Specialist Facilities

The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science is based in the University's state-of-the-art STEM Centre. Research students have a dedicated work space and PCs, with access to software such as MATLAB, Gap, SageMath, Python, and R.

All University of Essex research students have access to the innovative and unique scheme, Proficio. Postgraduate research students are automatically enrolled on Proficio, which provides a variety of training courses, and a fund of up to Ł1,000 per MPhil student for attendance on these courses.

The School is part of MAGIC, a consortium of 22 UK universities which share PhD-level mathematics courses, giving students access to a wide array of specialist training opportunities.

Your Future

Studying a research degree in mathematics gives students the opportunity to develop new skills and enhance their CV. It can also be the next step towards a PhD and an academic career.

Graduates have joined organisations like the Met Office, the Ministry of Defence, and companies based in the City of London. There is a high demand for those with a numerate background in all sectors of the economy, so graduates are sought after in the UK and abroad.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A good honours degree or a Masters degree in a relevant subject
• A well-developed research proposal is also essential
• Students may be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance
• Acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department

International & EU Entry Requirements

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

Structure

Course Structure

A research degree gives students the chance to investigate an area or topic in real depth, and develop transferable research skills. During their time in the School, students have opportunities to attend conferences, publish papers, and give talks at departmental research seminars.

MPhil students are usually encouraged to take the taught module, Research Methods, in the first year of study. Students may also attend some other modules on an informal basis.

All students wishing to study for a PhD enrol on a combined MPhil/PhD pathway. This gives MPhil students an opportunity to extend their research to a PhD if it is proceeding well.

Full-time research students have a supervisory board to review their progress every six months (or annually if studying part-time). The board typically involves the supervisor and one other academic.

Assessment

An MPhil takes two years, and typically involves wide reading around the subject area in the first year, then developing and writing up original results over the second year. The resulting thesis is expected to make a contribution to knowledge.

The MPhil is awarded after the successful defence of the thesis in an oral examination (viva), in which the student is interviewed about their research by two examiners, at least one of whom is from outside Essex.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• Ł5,238 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study

International Fee

• Ł20,625 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

Related Courses

• PhD Statistics
  • Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
  • Location: Colchester Campus
• MSc (by Dissertation) Statistics
  • Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
  • Location: Colchester Campus

University of Essex

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Overview:

The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.

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Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Student Support:

A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Careers and Employability:

The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.

Essex Sport:

A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.

Faith:

The university provides support for students of all faiths.

Cost of Living Support:

The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.

Excellent Research:

The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Excellent Student Support:

The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

Beautiful Campus:

The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.

Postgraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.

Short Courses and CPD:

The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.

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Other:

The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.

The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.