| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Statistics (MSc)
Award
Master of Science
Typical Offer
2:1 degree
Duration
1 year
Course Type
Full-time
Campus
Highfield
Next course starts
September 2025
About this course
On this UK master’s degree in statistics, you’ll study statistical theory and methods and how to apply them. The MSc Statistics programme will prepare you for a career in statistics, data science or related fields.
On MSc Statistics, you’ll explore practical problems typically found when collecting and analysing scientific data and improve your communication skills.
These practices will prepare you for a future career as a statistician. Our graduates go on to work in many industries such as, banking, insurance, pharmaceutical and in government bodies.
You’ll study core modules and choose what topics you want to study in depth, we offer modules in statistical theory and real world application of statistics. Optional module topics include:
- machine learning
- flexible regression
- design of experiments
- clinical trials
- introduction to Python
As part of your study you'll use statistical software, time management and basic research skills as well as boost your analytical skills.
This master’s degree in statistics will help you take that next step in developing a career or continue onto PhD study. There is a wide choice of career opportunities for qualified statisticians, for example in banking/insurance, in the pharmaceutical industry, or in government bodies.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
This course is led by Dr Chieh-Hsi Wu. Chieh-Hsi is a lecturer in statistics, and her research interests include statistical modelling.
Related pathways
We offer two pathways on this master’s degree in statistics: our default Methods and Applications pathway, and a Data Science pathway.
Methods and Applications pathway
On our default MSc Statistics pathway, you will:
- study the fundamental theory underlying key statistical methods in the Likelihood and Bayesian Inference module
- gain knowledge of widely used regression models in the Generalised Linear Models module
- acquire essential computational skills for advanced statistical analyses in the Statistical Computing in R and Computationally Intensive Statistical Methods modules
- receive training in communication, especially with non-statisticians, and teamwork in the Research Communication Skills module – equipping you with essential skills for a career in industry and interdisciplinary research projects
Data Science pathway
The Data Science Pathway emphasises computational skills for complex data analysis, while maintaining a strong focus on statistical rigour.
You'll study the same core topics as the Methods and Applications pathway, and you'll also:
- further develop your computational and data analysis skills in the Introduction to Python and Fundamentals of Data Science in R modules
- explore advanced methodologies in the Machine Learning module
We also offer these modules as optional choices on the Methods and Applications pathway.
Optional modules
We offer a wide range of additional optional modules on this course to help you broaden your understanding of statistics, and build on the knowledge and skills you'll acquire through the compulsory modules.
These optional modules include:
- Forecasting
- Design of Experiments
- Flexible Regression
We also offer optional modules which focus on biomedical applications, including:
- Epidemiological Methods
- Statistical Genetics
- Clinical Trials
Entry requirements
You'll need a 2:1 degree which has a high maths content and you must have high grades in mathematical and statistics modules.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
- overall score: 6.5
- reading: 6.0
- writing: 6.0
- speaking: 6.0
- listening: 6.0
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.
Course structure
On the full-time course, your studies will last 12 months from September to the following September. You’ll study taught modules for the first 2 semesters, and complete 2 case studies over the summer.
On MSc Statistics, you’ll learn research skills and attend presentations on transferable skills and employability.
You'll develop independent learning skills and have the opportunity to conduct and gain experience of an in-depth open-ended statistical investigation in two case studies.
Learning and assessment
You'll learn through lectures, seminars, computer workshops, case studies, group work, project work and independent study.
You’ll use specialist computer packages in several modules. Specialist packages include SAS and R, which are the main systems that an applied statistician would be expected to use.
On this MSc you’ll be taught a variety of techniques, methods and approaches of statistics and how to apply them to practical problems.
We’ll assess you through:
- examinations
- coursework
- presentations
- assignments
- dissertation
Dissertation
As part of your course, you’ll need to complete a Statistics Project.
This is an in-depth study of a particular advanced statistical methodology or of the application of one or more methods to real applied problems.
Academic Support
We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers and employability
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Self-management
- Communication
- Problem solving
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
- Education
- Engineering
- Finance
- Banking
- Accountancy
- Government
- Insurance
- IT
- Business consultancy
- Marketing
- Market research
- Health
- Research
- Not-for-profits/charities
Careers directly related to this course:
- Actuarial analyst
- Actuary
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Financial risk analyst
- Investment analyst
- Market researcher
- Operational researcher
- Statistician
Wider career opportunities:
- Business analyst
- Chartered accountant
- Economist
- Financial manager
- Financial trader
- Insurance underwriter
- Machine learning engineer
- Palaeontologist
- Research scientist (maths)
Fees, costs and funding
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £25,400.
Check fees for other versions of this course.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
- accommodation costs
- living costs
- budgeting advice
- fees, charges and expenses regulations
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Southampton Mathematics Postgraduate International Scholarship
A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Mathematics.
Find out more about the Southampton Mathematics Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You may also be asked to provide a degree transcript.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Related courses
- MSc Actuarial Science
- MSc Applied Statistics
- MSc Data and Decision Analytics
- MSc Operational Research
- MSc Operational Research and Finance
- PGCE Mathematics
- MSc Statistics with Applications in Medicine
Program Outline
Careers:
Statistics is key in decision-making in areas of uncertainty, and statisticians champion quantitative reasoning to help organisations make important advances in science and in business and public policy. Our graduates go on to work in many industries such as, banking, insurance, pharmaceutical and in government bodies.
Tuition fees Fees for a year's study: UK students pay £9,250. EU and international students pay £24,200 International students: Monday 29 July 2024, midday UK time UK applicants: Friday 30 August 2024, midday UK time
Entry Requirements:
You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum: IELTS score requirements overall score 5 reading 0 writing 0 speaking 0 listening 0
