Statistics with Data Science MSc

In this digital and data-rich era, there is a high demand for statistics graduates from:

• industry
• the public sector
• academia

However, the pool of graduates in this area is small. The recent growth of data science has highlighted the importance of statistics, with data analysis and results interpretation well-integrated into this newly recognised field.

This programme trains the next generation of statisticians to become expert data scientists with knowledge and experience of well-established methodologies and recent advances. The syllabus combines rigorous statistical theory with hands-on practical experience applying statistical models to data from various application areas.

In particular, the programme includes:

• frequentist and Bayesian methods for advanced statistical modelling
• computational statistics
• generalised regression models
• principles of statistically defensible data collection, management and curation

Graduates will be in high demand. We anticipate most students will be employed as statisticians for private and public institutions providing statistical advice and consultancy.

Links with Industry

The School of Mathematics has connections with many of the following:

• industrial partners
• organisations
• charities
• government departments

As an MSc student in the School you will have opportunities to engage with these external organisations through:

• regular employability events
• careers workshops
• our annual analytics challenge (whose recent partners have included Edinburgh Airport and the Data and Marketing Association)

You will also have the opportunity to work on an industry-based, consultancy-style dissertation project.

Recent partners for industry-based consultancy projects in the Statistics with Data Science MSc include:

• Lloyds Banking Group
• AzkoNobel
• Public Health Scotland
• Simply Business

Accreditation

This MSc is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society (RSS). Thus, this programme is recognised by RSS for the purpose of eligibility for the professional award of Graduate Statistician. The accreditation is based on the general depth, breadth, quality and foundation of the programme and its statistical content.

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 degree, or its international equivalent, in a numerate discipline such as mathematics, engineering, computer science, physical or biological sciences, economics or business.

Your degree must have included substantial mathematics content, including calculus (including calculus of several variables), linear algebra, probability, statistics and statistical theory. Detailed information is available from the School of Mathematics website.

You can increase your chances of a successful application by exceeding the minimum programme requirements.

Students from China

This degree is Band B.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the programme you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or Oxford ELLT test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the programme begins, regardless of your nationality. (Revised 14 January 2025 to include Oxford ELLT.)

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Trained statisticians are in high demand both in public and private institutions. This programme will provide graduates with the statistical skills necessary to handle and analyse different forms of data, interpret the results and effectively communicate the conclusions obtained.

Graduates will have a deep knowledge of the underlying statistical principles coupled with practical experience in implementing statistical techniques using standard software across a range of application areas, ensuring they are ideally placed for a range of different job opportunities.

The degree is also excellent preparation for further study in statistics or data science. Students have gone on to study their PhDs at highly-ranked universities including Oxford and Edinburgh.