Program Overview

MSc by Research in Statistics

The MSc by Research in Statistics is a research-based course focused on a specific project, with a thesis contributing to areas like probability, bioinformatics, machine learning, and statistical methodology.

About the Course

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, machine learning, and data science. Oxfords Mathematical Sciences submission came first in the UK on all criteria in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) and in 2016 the department moved to a newly-refurbished building in the centre of Oxford.

Attendance

The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements. Through the course, you will be expected to teach approximately 12 contact hours per year in undergraduate and graduate courses in the department.

Resources to Support Your Study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services. The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK, holding more than 13 million printed items and providing access to e-journals.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Statistics. You will be assigned a supervisor or supervisors, who will have overall responsibility for the direction of your work on behalf of the department.

Assessment

Initially, you will be admitted as a Probationer Research Student. 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.

Graduate Destinations

After the MSc by Research in Statistics, graduates often move into research and academic careers. Others work in data analytics, tech and biotech companies, and the financial sector.

Changes to This Course

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision.

Research Areas

Youll have the opportunity to undertake research within the specialised themes of this course, which include:

• Computational Statistics and Machine Learning
• Econometrics and Population Statistics
• Probability
• Protein Informatics
• Statistical Genetics and Epidemiology
• Statistical Theory and Methodology
• Computational Biology and Bioinformatics

Entry Requirements

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown.

• Degree-level qualifications: As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in an appropriate subject.
• GRE General Test scores: No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
• Other qualifications, evidence of excellence, and relevant experience: Publications are not expected but can be included with the application.
• English language proficiency: This course requires proficiency in English at the University's standard level.

References

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course.

Supporting Documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application, including:

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: A maximum of 1,000 words

Funding

For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.

Costs

Annual Course Fees

The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.

• Home: Ł10,470
• Overseas: Ł34,700

Living Costs

In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

• The range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between Ł1,405 and Ł2,105 for each month spent in Oxford.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the MSc by Research in Statistics:

• Balliol College
• Christ Church
• Corpus Christi College
• Exeter College
• Green Templeton College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Mansfield College
• Merton College
• New College
• Oriel College
• The Queen's College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hugh's College
• St Peter's College
• Somerville College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. If it is important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline, we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance.

Application Fee Waivers

An application fee of Ł20 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• Applicants from low-income countries
• Refugees and displaced persons
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds
• Applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria

Completing Your Application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.

• Proposed field and title of research project
• Proposed supervisor
• Referees: Three overall, academic preferred
• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: A maximum of 1,000 words

After You've Submitted Your Application

Your application (including the supporting documents outlined above) will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.