Program Overview

Program Overview

The MSc Statistics course at the University of Sheffield is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to solve problems across a range of career paths. The program is offered by the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science.

Course Description

The MSc Statistics course will teach students the theories behind a variety of statistical techniques and how to apply them in scenarios that professional statisticians face every day. Statistical skills open all kinds of doors, and through this course, students will develop the knowledge and experience needed for roles spanning finance and consultancy, healthcare, data science, public administration, and research.

Modules

A selection of modules is available each year, including:

• The Statistician's Toolkit
• Bayesian Statistics and Computational Methods
• Machine Learning
• Sampling Theory and Design of Experiments
• Time Series
• Medical Statistics
• Dissertation

Optional modules include:

• Machine Learning and Adaptive Intelligence
• Data Modelling and Machine Intelligence
• Optimisation: Theory, algorithms and applications
• Economic Evaluation
• Epidemiology
• Qualitative Research Design and Analysis
• Systematic Reviews and Critical Appraisal Techniques

Year Structure

The course is structured over one, two, or three years, depending on the mode of study. The modules are distributed across the years, with core modules in the first year and optional modules in the subsequent years.

Teaching and Assessment

Students will be taught through lectures, tutorials, computing sessions, and group work. Assessment will be in a variety of ways, including project work for some modules, examinations, coursework, and a dissertation.

Career Prospects

Employers hire graduates from this program because of their ability to analyze problems and reach solutions in a clear, precise, and logical way. Graduates have been hired by a variety of employers, such as BAE Systems, Barclays, Dell, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, IBM, Lloyds, PwC, Unilever, the Civil Service, and the NHS.

School and Research

The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is leading the way with groundbreaking research and innovative teaching. The school has expertise across pure mathematics, applied mathematics, probability, and statistics.

Entry Requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honors degree in a relevant subject with relevant modules. Applications with employment history in statistical or data science fields are also welcomed, including for distance learning courses.

Fees and Funding

• Home (2026 annual fee): £12,680
• Overseas (2026 annual fee): £29,190

Save on Course Fees

Overseas fee-paying students joining in September 2026 will automatically receive a £3,000 tuition fee discount (subject to eligibility). Sheffield graduates can save up to £2,500 on their postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society.