Frequently asked questions

Why this course?

The MSc distinguishes itself from other programmes at leading UK Universities through the breadth and the depth of the optional modules available. Following the core modules in term 1, students can choose from more than 15 innovative, elective modules. Almost all modules are specifically designed for the MSc in Statistics.

The number of students on the course is kept small, to ensure an excellent learning environment, and the entire Statistics Section is involved in running the MSc, which allows a very wide choice of summer research projects. The Statistics Section also has strong links to the financial and industrial sectors. These links are a particular benefit in relation to the major project, which can be conducted in conjunction with an external partner.

Why Statistics?

The discipline of statistics offers the opportunities for highly remunerated, intellectual, challenging, and socially beneficial employment in an exceptionally wide range of areas.

Statistical methods are becoming more and more prevalent in business, industry, technology, government, and academia. As such, there is a wide choice of career opportunities for well qualified statisticians and UK employers face difficulties in finding such individuals.

Illustrations of career opportunities are medical research and drug development (the pharmaceutical sector is mandated by law to carry out statistical experiments and employs thousands of statisticians), banking (statistical models play a central role in both personal and investment banking), government (the Government Statistical Service employs some 1200 professional statisticians), and cutting edge web employers (squeezing information from masses of internet data requires sophisticated statistical methodology).

The demand for statistical expertise is growing as automatic electronic data acquisition means that more and more massive databases are being compiled and that industry, business, and government are ever more reliant on automated statistical routines for trolling enormous data archives.

The discipline of statistics itself continues to grow, as new methods and tools are developed, and in many areas a Master’s degree is the qualification of choice, providing a broad and deep foundation in the subject.

Is there a part-time option?

No, there is currently no part-time option. 

How big is the MSc cohort each year?

The cohort size is typically around 50 to 70 students.

When can I apply?

When applications open/close this webpage will be updated - please see the top of the Prospective Students page for the current status

I do not have a Mathematics or a Statistics degree. Can I apply for this course?

We encourage applications from outstanding students from other disciplines who are able to demonstrate:

• strong mathematical ability and
• a well motivated and genuine interest in advanced study in Statistics.

Prior studies involving only elementary courses in mathematics and statistics and the mere use of standard statistical software packages (e.g. SPSS, SAS) are normally not considered to be adequate preparation for this course.

What statistical software is being used?

Most modules on the MSc in Statistics will rely on the R programming language, and python. Good
working knowledge of R will be assumed, and a basic working knowledge of python.

Do I need programming experience?

Most modules on the MSc in Statistics will rely on the R programming language, Rmarkdown, python, and latex. Good working knowledge of R/Rmarkdown and latex will be assumed, and a basic working knowledge of python. Other software such as Stan, TensorFlow or pySpark will be introduced during modules. It is strongly desirable that you have some prior experience of any modern programming language, e.g. R, Java, C/C++, Python, MATLAB, etc.

I completed my studies many years ago and I have been working in industry. Can I apply?

Experienced applicants with relevant industrial experience are highly encouraged to apply. All candidates are subject to the same selection criteria.

I did not receive an offer. Why?

The number of high quality applications we receive greatly exceeds the number of places available on the course. Unfortunately, this means that we have to disappoint a large number of applicants.

Will I receive feedback if my application is unsuccessful?

We will provide limited feedback on request. Please e-mail statsmsc@imperial.ac.uk for this. However, note that many rejections are due to the heavily oversubscribed nature of our MSc course.

Can I apply for a specialisation stream and the general MSc in Statistics?

If you are interested in applying for one of the specialisation streams, please list this stream in your application. If your chosen specialisation stream is full, you will automatically be considered for the MSc in Statistics. It is often also possible to change streams throughout the year.

Can I apply to the MSc in Statistics as a second choice?

Yes. When a first-choice application is made to a different MSc program, it is possible to also apply to the MSc in Statistics course as second choice,  but note it is not possible to apply to one MSc in Statistics stream as first choice and to another stream as second choice.

Can I apply for two specialised streams?

This is not allowed. We recommend that you apply for either your first choice of specialisation stream or for the general MSc in Statistics. Please see details below for switching between streams once the programme has started.

Can I switch streams?

Once you start the programme, you can decide to switch to the general stream or any other stream in Term 1, before the specialisation occurs. One major difference between the streams is the research project topic. It may be possible for you to switch streams after the Autumn term, subject to staff being available to supervise a suitable project topic in the particular steam.

Do you have a set allocation of places per stream?

Yes, the number of places on the specialised streams are limited.

Is there a deadline to reply to my offer?

You must reply to your offer within 28 days of the offer being made, otherwise it will automatically be withdrawn by the Admissions system. Once you accept your offer you will be invoiced to pay a deposit and will have 28 days to complete payment. If the deposit payment has not been made in the allocated time frame, your offer will be withdrawn.