Student learning statistics on laptop

Experience outstanding online training in theoretical and applied statistics

Key information

Duration: 1 year full-time
Start dateOctober 2022
Location: Online
ECTS: 90 credits

Applications are now closed

Overview

Statistical ideas, tools and methods are used in almost all employment sectors. From banking, finance and government to medical research, the pharmaceutical industry and the digital economy.

This online, one-year, full-time programme provides outstanding training in both theoretical and applied statistics. The variety of optional modules to choose from, allows you to develop your specialist interests, providing depth and exposure to a diverse range of statistical applications and methods.

Building on an advanced core curriculum, you will have the opportunity to specialise, gaining both an in-depth and specialised skill set.

This online course enables you to study our reputable statistics course without the need to come to London. This enables a broader base of the best students to access and participate in an Imperial education. If you can study in London, you may be interested in our on-campus MSc in Statistics

Streams

We offer six streams on this course:

  • Global MSc in Statistics (General)
  • Global MSc in Statistics (Applied Statistics)
  • Global MSc in Statistics (Biostatistics)
  • Global MSc in Statistics (Data Science)
  • Global MSc in Statistics (Statistical Finance)
  • Global MSc in Statistics (Theory and Methods)

The formal qualification received will include the name of the specialist stream. This can be used to indicate to employers or future research supervisors what you have specialised in during your MSc.

A limited number of places exist for each specialist stream. If you are unsuccessful in applying for one of these, you will automatically be considered for the general stream.

Study programme

Core modules in the Autumn term provide you with advanced knowledge in the fundamental areas of probability theory, statistical inference and applied and computational statistics.

A large and diverse set of optional modules, offered in the Spring term, coupled with specialised programme streams, allow you to develop your own interests. This gives you both depth and exposure to a diverse range of statistical applications and methods.

During the Summer term, you'll have the opportunity to work with a member of academic staff on a state-of-the-art research problem that suits your interests and is suitable for your chosen stream.

Careers

By the end of the course, you will have gained a range of transferable skills, including programming, problem-solving, critical thinking, scientific writing, project work and presentation. This allows you to take on prominent roles in a wide array of employment and research sectors.

Structure 

This page reflects the latest version of the curriculum for this year of entry. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

Page last reviewed on 22 October 2021.

Structure

General stream

Core modules

  • Probability for Statistics
  • Fundamentals of Statistical Inference
  • Applied Statistics
  • Computational Statistics
  • Statistics Research Project

Optional modules

You choose five or six optional modules from below to total 30–32.5 ECTS.

You can choose a maximum of two modules each worth 7.5 ECTS. Each module is worth 5 ECTS unless otherwise stated.

Group 1
  • Contemporary Statistical Theory
  • Bayesian Methods
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Machine Learning
  • Introduction to Statistical Finance
  • Advanced Statistical Finance
  • Biomedical Statistics
  • Statistical Genetics and Bioinformatics
  • Big Data
  • Advanced Simulation Methods
  • Data Science
  • Deep Learning with TensorFlow
  • Nonparametric Statistics
  • Stochastic Processes 
  • Survival Models (7.5 ECTS)
  • Time Series Analysis (7.5 ECTS)

Statistics Research Project

You will complete an extensive research project full-time between May and September, with the opportunity to work with a member of academic staff on a state-of-the-art research problem that suits your interests.

Applied Statistics

Core modules

  • Probability for Statistics
  • Fundamentals of Statistical Inference
  • Applied Statistics
  • Computational Statistics
  • Statistics Research Project

Optional modules

You choose at least four modules from Group 1 and the remainder from Group 2 to total 30–32.5 ECTS.

You can choose a maximum of two modules each worth 7.5 ECTS. Each module is worth 5 ECTS unless otherwise stated.

Group 1
  • Advanced Simulation Methods
  • Bayesian Methods
  • Biomedical Statistics
  • Data Science
  • Introduction to Statistical Finance
  • Machine Learning
  • Nonparametric Statistics
Group 2
  • Advanced Statistical Finance
  • Big Data
  • Contemporary Statistical Theory
  • Deep Learning with TensorFlow
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Statistical Genetics and Bioinformatics
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Survival Models (7.5 ECTS)
  • Time Series Analysis (7.5 ECTS)

Statistics Research Project

You will complete an extensive research project full-time between May and September, with the opportunity to work with a member of academic staff on a state-of-the-art research problem that suits your interests.

Biostatistics

Core modules

  • Probability for Statistics
  • Fundamentals of Statistical Inference
  • Applied Statistics
  • Computational Statistics
  • Statistics Research Project
Core Biostatistics modules
  • Biomedical Statistics
  • Statistical Genetics and Bioinformatics

Optional modules

You choose three or four optional modules from below for a total of 20-22.5 ECTS.

You can choose a maximum of two modules each worth 7.5 ECTS. Each module is worth 5 ECTS unless otherwise stated.

Group 1
  • Contemporary Statistical Theory
  • Bayesian Methods
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Machine Learning
  • Introduction to Statistical Finance
  • Advanced Statistical Finance
  • Big Data
  • Advanced Simulation Methods
  • Data Science
  • Deep Learning with TensorFlow
  • Nonparametric Statistics
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Time Series Analysis (7.5 ECTS)
  • Survival Models (7.5 ECTS)

Statistics Research Project

You will complete an extensive research project full-time between May and September, with the opportunity to work with a member of academic staff on a state-of-the-art research problem that suits your interests.

Data Science

Core modules

  • Probability for Statistics
  • Fundamentals of Statistical Inference
  • Applied Statistics
  • Computational Statistics
  • Statistics Research Project
Core Data Science modules
  • Machine Learning
  • Data Science
  • Deep Learning with TensorFlow
  • Big Data

Optional modules

You choose two optional modules from below for a total of 10-12.5 ECTS.

You can choose a maximum of one module worth 7.5 ECTS. Each module is worth 5 ECTS unless otherwise stated.

  • Contemporary Statistical Theory
  • Bayesian Methods
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Introduction to Statistical Finance
  • Advanced Statistical Finance
  • Biomedical Statistics
  • Statistical Genetics and Bioinformatics
  • Advanced Simulation Methods
  • Nonparametric Statistics
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Time Series Analysis (7.5 ECTS)
  • Survival Models (7.5 ECTS)

Statistics Research Project

You will complete an extensive research project full-time between May and September, with the opportunity to work with a member of academic staff on a state-of-the-art research problem that suits your interests.

Statistical Finance

Core modules

  • Probability for Statistics
  • Fundamentals of Statistical Inference
  • Applied Statistics
  • Computational Statistics
  • Statistics Research Project
Core Statistical Finance modules
  • Introduction to Statistical Finance
  • Advanced Statistical Finance
  • Stochastic Processes

Optional modules

You choose any other modules from below for a total of 15-17.5 ECTS.

You can choose a maximum of two modules each worth 7.5 ECTS. Each module is worth 5 ECTS unless otherwise stated.

Group 1
  • Contemporary Statistical Theory
  • Bayesian Methods
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Machine Learning
  • Biomedical Statistics
  • Statistical Genetics and Bioinformatics
  • Big Data
  • Advanced Simulation Methods
  • Data Science
  • Deep Learning with TensorFlow
  • Nonparametric Statistics
  • Time Series Analysis (7.5 ECTS)
  • Survival Models (7.5 ECTS)

Statistics Research Project

You will complete an extensive research project full-time between May and September, with the opportunity to work with a member of academic staff on a state-of-the-art research problem that suits your interests.

Theory and Methods

Core modules

  • Probability for Statistics
  • Fundamentals of Statistical Inference
  • Applied Statistics
  • Computational Statistics
  • Statistics Research Project

Optional modules

You choose at least two modules from Group 1 and the remainder from Group 2 to total 30–32.5 ECTS.

You can choose a maximum of two modules each worth 7.5 ECTS. Each module is worth 5 ECTS unless otherwise stated.

Group 1 
  • Contemporary Statistical Theory
  • Bayesian Methods
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Advanced Simulation Methods
Group 2
  • Machine Learning
  • Introduction to Statistical Finance
  • Advanced Statistical Finance
  • Biomedical Statistics
  • Statistical Genetics and Bioinformatics 
  • Big Data
  • Data Science
  • Deep Learning with TensorFlow
  • Nonparametric Statistics
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Time Series Analysis (7.5 ECTS)
  • Survival Models (7.5 ECTS)

Statistics Research Project

You will complete an extensive research project full-time between May and September, with the opportunity to work with a member of academic staff on a state-of-the-art research problem that suits your interests.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

This course will be delivered as a fully online option. The College’s supported Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard (or equivalent), will be used to deliver the programme.

The programme will be structured by modules, which are the same as the on-campus MSc in Statistics modules.

Methods include:

  • Online lectures
  • Asynchronous videos
  • Office hours
  • Problem classes
  • Practical computational sessions
  • Research seminars
  • Group tutorials

These features allow you to participate in a seamless, flexible, and engaging learning experience and ensure the highest quality online learning environment.

Assessment methods

The format of assessments will vary according to the aims, content and learning outcomes of each module.

Methods include:

  • Assessed coursework/tests
  • Enhanced coursework assessments
  • Oral examinations
  • Written examinations
  • Written project
  • Group assessments

The research project component of the MSc will be assessed via a written thesis (dissertation) and an oral presentation.

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Entry requirements

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in statistics, mathematics, engineering, physics or computer science.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the higher College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

Competence standards

Our competence standards highlight the core skills students should be able to demonstrate by the end of this course.

View the Department of Mathematics's competence standards [pdf]

We believe in providing the widest practicable access to all of our degree programmes and will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support your study. For more information, please contact the Department using the contact details below.

Department of Mathematics

E: mathsmsc@imperial.ac.uk

How to apply

How to apply

Course choices

When you apply, you will be able to choose your stream of choice.

If you are applying for the general stream of this course, we are only able to consider your application if you choose this as your first course choice.

If you are applying for one of the specialisation streams, please select the stream as your first course choice and we will automatically consider you for the general stream if your chosen specialisation is full.

Making an application

Apply online

All applicants must apply online.

Visit our Admissions website for details on the application process.

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can usually choose up to two courses.

Application fee

If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.

The fee applies per application and not per course:

  • £80 for taught Master's applications (excluding MBAs)
  • £135 for MBA applications

There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.

If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver. 

Find out more about the application fee and waiver

ATAS certificate

An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.

Further questions?

Find answers to your questions about admissions. Answers cover COVID-19, English language requirements, visas and more.

Visit the FAQs

Tuition fees and funding

The level of tuition fees you pay is based on your fee status, which we assess based on UK government legislation.

Find out more about fees and funding opportunities.

Tuition fees

Home rate of tuition

2022 entry

£17,500

Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.

Except where otherwise indicated, the fees for students on courses lasting more than one year will increase annually by an amount linked to inflation, including for part-time students on modular programmes. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPI) value in the April of the calendar year in which the academic session starts e.g. the RPI value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.

Fee status

Whether you pay the Home fee depends on your fee status.

Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.

Find out more about how we assess your fee status.

EU/EEA/Swiss students

The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.

EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note, we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' Rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens' Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).

Overseas rate of tuition

2022 entry

£30,000 

Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.

Except where otherwise indicated, the fees for students on courses lasting more than one year will increase annually by an amount linked to inflation, including for part-time students on modular programmes. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPI) value in the April of the calendar year in which the academic session starts e.g. the RPI value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.

Fee status

Whether you pay the Overseas fee depends on your fee status.

Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.

Find out more about how we assess your fee status.

EU/EEA/Swiss students

The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.

EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note, we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' Rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens' Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).

Postgraduate Master's loan

If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.

For 2022-23 entry, the maximum amount is £11,836. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.

Scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students to support you through your studies.

See what opportunities you may be eligible for:

Further information

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