Program Overview

Programme Overview

The Biostatistics doctoral programme is a full-time study programme that lasts for three to four academic years. The programme is face-to-face and requires students to complete 180-240 credits.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must have a Master's Degree (MS) in biostatistics or related disciplines on cycle 6.2 that includes a research project worth at least 30 ECTS and a first-class grade of 7.25. An exemption may be granted to applicants who have completed 90-120 ECTS studies at level 6.1, with a research project worth fewer than 30 ECTS, provided that they include in their application an account of research experience which the standing committee deems equivalent to a 30 ECTS research project.

The following or equivalent courses are also required preparation for entry:

• STﾆ104G Mathematical Analysis
• STﾆ107G Linear Algebra
• STﾆ203G Probability and Statistics
• Lﾝﾐ202F The Scientific Process
• Lﾝﾐ107F or Lﾝﾐ003M Epidemiology
• Lﾝﾐ105F or Lﾝﾐ004M Biostatistics I
• Lﾝﾐ301F Clinical Prediction Models

In special cases, the Board of Study and the Committee for Doctoral Studies can agree to accept and process an application before course requirements are fully met, and allow the applicant to complete selected courses during the first study semester.

International applicants for whom English is not their first language must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score as proof of English proficiency. Minimum scores accepted are 85 on the TOEFL internet-based test with a minimum score of 18 in each section, a IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each section, or a PTE Academic test of minimum 60.

Programme Requirements

Students must complete 180-240 credits, divided based on academic background: 180 credit research thesis and 60 credits of mandatory courses and electives.

Required Documents with Application

The following documents must accompany an application for this programme:

• CV
• Research proposal
• Reference 1, Name and email
• Reference 2, Name and email
• Supervisor/supervising teacher at the University of Iceland
• Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
• Copy of grant or scholarship application and/or confirmation, if applicable
• Proof of English proficiency

Programme Structure

The programme does not offer specialisations. The structure includes:

• Year unspecified:
  • Fall: Research Ethics, PhD Thesis in biostatistics
  • Spring 1: Ethics of Science and Research, PhD Thesis in biostatistics

Research Ethics (HSP073F)

• Restricted elective course, conditions apply
• 3 ECTS, credits
• Course Description: The intensive course is intended for PhD-students only. It is adapted to the needs of students from different fields of study and is taught in English as a three-day seminar during the first week of classes in August.
• Language of instruction: English
• Distance learning
• Prerequisites: None
• Further information about the course: Available upon request

PhD Thesis in Biostatistics (LTF001L)

• Mandatory (required) course for the programme
• 180 ECTS, credits
• Course Description: The Ph.D. thesis in biostatistics should count for a minimum of 180 credits.
• Language of instruction: Icelandic
• Self-study
• Prerequisites: None
• Further information about the course: Available upon request

Ethics of Science and Research (HSP806F)

• Restricted elective course, conditions apply
• 6 ECTS, credits
• Course Description: The course is intended for postgraduate students only. It is adapted to the needs of students from different fields of study. The course is taught over a six-week period.
• Language of instruction: English
• Face-to-face learning
• Prerequisites: None
• Further information about the course: Available upon request

Centre of Public Health Sciences

The programme belongs to the Centre of Public Health Sciences, which is part of the University of Iceland.