Overview
The MSc in Statistical Data Science is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) and is excellent preparation for careers in any field requiring a strong statistical background.
The programme, which has recently been updated, trains professional statisticians for posts in industry, government, research and teaching. It provides a suitable preparation for careers in other fields requiring a strong statistical background. Core modules give a thorough grounding in modern statistical methods and there is the opportunity to choose additional topics to study.
Statistical Data Science at Kent provides:
- a programme that gives you the opportunity to develop practical, mathematical and computing skills in statistics, while working on challenging and important problems relevant to a broad range of potential employers
- teaching and supervision by staff who are research-active, with established reputations and who are accessible, supportive and genuinely interested in your work
- advanced and accessible computing and other facilities
- a congenial work atmosphere with pleasant surroundings, where you can socialise and discuss issues with a community of other students.
About the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (SMSAS)
The School has a strong reputation for world-class research and a well-established system of support and training, with a high level of contact between staff and research students. Postgraduate students develop analytical, communication and research skills. Developing computational skills and applying them to mathematical problems forms a significant part of the postgraduate training in the School. We encourage all postgraduate statistics students to take part in statistics seminars and to help in tutorial classes.
The Statistics Group is forward-thinking, with varied research, and received high rankings in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 for research power and quality.
Entry requirements
A minimum of 2.2, with a substantial amount of mathematics at university level.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
International students
Please see our International website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, international fee-paying students cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.
English language entry requirements
The University requires all non-native speakers of English to reach a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree. Certain subjects require a higher level.
For detailed information see our English language requirements web pages.
Need help with English?
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
Form
Course structure
Duration: 1 year full-time
You undertake a substantial project in statistics, supervised by an experienced researcher. Some projects are focused on the analysis of particular complex data sets while others are more concerned with generic methodology.
You gain experience of analysing real data problems through practical classes and exercises. The programme includes training in the computer language R.
Modules
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take modules from other programmes so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.
Compulsory modules currently include
MA858 - Computational Statistics (15 credits)
This applied statistics module focusses on problems that occur in the fields of ecology, biology, genetics and psychology. Motivated by real examples, you will learn how to define and fit stochastic models to the data. In more complex situations this will mean using optimisation routines in MATLAB to obtain maximum likelihood estimates for the parameters. You will also learn how construct, fit and evaluate such stochastic models. Outline Syllabus includes: Function optimisation. Basic likelihood tools. Fundamental features of modelling. Model selection. The EM algorithm. Simulation techniques. Generalised linear models.
MA867 - Project (60 credits)
The module enables students to undertake an independent piece of work in a particular area of statistics, or statistical finance/financial econometrics and to write a coherent account of the material.
There is no specific syllabus for this module.
A list of possible topics, together with names of Staff willing to supervise these projects, will be circulated to students in the autumn term. A broad range of projectsis available, encompassing both practical data analysis and more methodological work, although projects that are primarily theoretical will typically have obvious practical applications. Students then choose a topic after consultation and agreement with the relevant member of staff. This is done early in the spring term and some preliminary work is done during the spring term, leading to a short presentation at the end of that term. The main part of the project is then undertaken after the examinations in May.
MA881 - Probability and Classical Inference (15 credits)
This course introduces (and revises for some students) the essentials of probability and classical (frequentist) statistical inference, which provide the backbone for later modules.
Syllabus: Probability: axioms, marginal, joint and conditional distributions, Bayes theorem, important distributions, generating functions and various modes of convergence. Classical Inference: Sampling
distributions. Point estimation: consistency, Cramer-Rao inequality, efficiency, sufficiency, minimum variance unbiased estimators. Likelihood. Methods of estimation. Hypothesis tests: maximum likelihood-ratio test, Wald and score tests, profile and test-based confidence intervals.
MA882 - Advanced Regression Modelling (15 credits)
Linear model. Least squares. General linear model; simple and multiple regression, polynomial regression. Model selection, residuals, outliers, diagnostics. Analysis of variance. Generalised linear model.
Discrete data analysis. Review of Binomial, Poisson, negative binomial and multinomial distributions. Properties, estimation, hypothesis tests.
Contingency tables. Tests for independence. Measures of association. Logistic models.
Multidimensional tables. Log–linear models; fitting and model selection.
MA883 - Bayesian Statistics (15 credits)
Bayes Theorem for density functions; Conjugate models; Predictive distribution; Bayes estimates; Sampling density functions; Gibbs and Metropolis-Hastings samplers; Winbugs/OpenBUGS; Bayesian hierarchical models; Bayesian model choice; Objective priors; Exchangeability; Choice of priors; Applications of hierarchical models.
MA884 - Principles of Data Collection (15 credits)
Sampling: Simple random sampling. Sampling for proportions and percentages. Estimation of sample size. Stratified sampling. Systematic sampling. Ratio and regression estimates. Cluster sampling. Multi-stage sampling and design effect. Questionnaire design. Response bias and non-response.
General principles of experimental design: blocking, randomization, replication. One-way ANOVA. Two-way ANOVA. Orthogonal and non-orthogonal designs. Factorial designs: confounding, fractional replication. Analysis of covariance.
Design of clinical trials: blinding, placebos, eligibility, ethics, data monitoring and interim analysis. Good clinical practice, the statistical analysis plan, the protocol. Equivalence and noninferiority. Sample size. Phase I, II, III and IV trials. Parallel group trials. Multicentre trials.
In addition, level 7 students will study hierarchical designs: fixed and random effects models; split-plot designs; crossover trials; variance components.
MA942 - Data Science with R (15 credits)
Introduction: Machine learning and data visualisation with R.
Classification and prediction: Generalised linear model (GLM), linear discrimination analysis (LDA), k-nearest neighbors (KNN). R-based worked examples.
Resampling methods: Cross-validation (CV) and bootstrap. R-based worked examples.
Regression tree-based methods: Classification and regression trees (CART), bagging, random forests and boosting. R-based worked examples.
Support vector machines (SVM): Support vector classifier, regression SVM. R-based worked examples.
Machine Learning in Action:
(a) Biomedical and health data analysis;
(b) Bond default data analysis;
(c) Insurance data analysis;
(d) Financial data analysis;
(e) Other big data analysis.
Optional modules may include
MA7510 - Advances in Statistics (15 credits)
Each year three topics will be offered and will reflect recent advances in statistical modelling and statistical methodology. Example topics are:
a) Statistical Ecology: Understanding demographic parameters and how they are used to model population dynamics. Estimating abundance and the effect of heterogeneity. Models for estimating survival probabilities. Multi-site and multi-state models. Classical model-selection. Complex models. Case studies.
b) Survival analysis: Survival data, types of censoring. Failure times and hazard functions; Accelerated failure time model. Parametric models, exponential, piecewise exponential, Weibull. Nonparametric estimates: the Kaplan-Meier estimator, and asymptotic confidence regions. Parametric inference. Survival data with covariates. Proportional hazards. Cox's model and inference. Computer software: R and WinBUGS.
c) Regression models with many variables: Examples of high-dimensional problems; Penalized maximum likelihood; Ridge regression; non-negative garrote; Lasso and adaptive Lasso estimation; LARS algorithm; Oracle property; Elastic Net; Group lasso.
d) Modern nonparametric statistics: Bias-variance trade-off, Kernel density estimation, Kernel smoothing, Locally linear and locally quadratic estimation, basis function methods.
In addition, level 7 students will study advanced applications of these techniques (often using R) in all topics.
MA7529 - Statistical Learning (15 credits)
Multivariate normal distribution, Inference from multivariate normal samples, principal component analysis, mixture models, factor analysis, clustering methods, discrimination and classification, graphical models, the use of appropriate software.
MA885 - Stochastic Processes and Time Series (15 credits)
This module will focus on basic features of stochastic processes and time series analysis. It includes: Markov chains on discrete state spaces, communication classes, transience and recurrence, positive recurrence, stationary distributions. Markov processes on discrete state spaces, exponential distribution, embedded Markov chain, transition graphs, infinitesimal generator, transition probabilities, stationary distributions, skip-free Markov processes. Stationary time series: Stationarity, autocovariance and autocorrelation functions, partial autocorrelation functions, ARMA processes. ARIMA Model Building and Testing: Estimation, Box Jenkins, criteria for choosing between models, diagnostic tests for the residuals of a time series after estimation. Forecasting: Holt-Winters, Box-Jenkins, prediction bounds.
Teaching and assessment
Assessment is through coursework involving: complex theoretical questions, analysis of real-world data using appropriate computing packages over a range of areas of application; written unseen examinations; dissertation.
Programme aims
This programme aims to:
- To give students the depth of technical appreciation and skills appropriate to masters' level students in Statistics.
- To equip students with a comprehensive and systematic understanding of theoretical and practical Statistics.
- To develop students’ capacity for rigorous reasoning and precise expression.
- To develop students’ capabilities to formulate and solve problems relevant to Statistics.
- To develop in students appreciation of recent developments in Statistics, and of the links between the theory of Statistics and their practical application.
- To develop in students a logical, mathematical approach to solving problems.
- To develop in students an enhanced capacity for independent thought and work.
- To ensure students are competent in the use of information technology, and are familiar with computers, together with the relevant software.
- To provide students with opportunities to study advanced topics in Statistics, engage in research at some level, and develop communication and personal skills.
- To provide successful students with the depth of knowledge of the subject sufficient to enter a career as a professional statistician.
- To provide successful students with eligibility for exemptions from examinations of the Royal Statistical Society.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You will gain knowledge and understanding of:
- Systematic understanding of probability and statistics and the range of principles involved.
- Awareness of links between different statistical concepts and methods.
- Advanced information technology skills relevant to statisticians.
- A comprehensive range of methods and techniques appropriate to statistics at the postgraduate level.
- The role of logical mathematical argument and deductive reasoning.
- Appreciation of particular subject areas to which statistics is applied, and the importance of the role of statistics in those areas.
Intellectual skills
You develop intellectual skills in:
- Ability to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the main body of statistical knowledge.
- Ability to demonstrate skill in calculation and manipulation of data.
- Ability to apply a range of statistical concepts and principles in various challenging contexts.
- Ability for logical argument.
- Ability to demonstrate skill in solving complex statistical problems using appropriate and advanced methods.
- Ability in relevant computer skills and usage.
- Ability to work with relatively little guidance.
- Ability to evaluate research work critically.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-specific skills in:
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge of advanced statistical concepts and topics, both explicitly and by applying them to the solution of problems.
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge of statistical modelling techniques and their application.
- Ability to abstract the essentials of problems so as to facilitate modelling, statistical analysis and interpretation.
- Ability to present statistical analyses, including model-fitting, and draw conclusions with clarity and accuracy.
Transferable skills
You will gain the following transferable skills:
- Problem-solving skills; ability to work independently to solve problems involving qualitative or quantitative information.
- Communication skills, including the capacity to report to others on analyses undertaken.
- Computational skills.
- Information-retrieval skills involving a range of resources.
- Information technology skills including scientific word-processing.
- Time-management and organisational skills, as evidenced by the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working.
- Skills needed for continuing professional development.
Fees
The 2020/21 annual tuition fees for this programme are:
- Home/EU full-time £7900
- International full-time £16200
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk
Additional costs
General additional costs
Find out more about general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Funding
Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:
- University and external funds
- Scholarships specific to the academic school delivering this programme.
Which one's right for you?
Some other similar courses you may be interested in.
The Complete University Guide
In The Complete University Guide 2020, the University of Kent was ranked in the top 10 for research intensity. This is a measure of the proportion of staff involved in high-quality research in the university.
Please see the University League Tables 2020 for more information.
Independent rankings
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, research by the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science was ranked 25th in the UK for research power and 100% or our research was judged to be of international quality.
An impressive 92% of our research-active staff submitted to the REF and the School’s environment was judged to be conducive to supporting the development of world-leading research.
Research areas
Biometry and ecological statistics
Specific interests are in biometry, cluster analysis, stochastic population processes, analysis of discrete data, analysis of quantal assay data, overdispersion, and we enjoy good links within the University, including the School of Biosciences and the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology. A recent major joint research project involves modelling the behaviour of yeast prions and builds upon previous work in this area. We also work in collaboration with many external institutions.
Bayesian statistics
Current work includes non-parametric Bayes, inference robustness, modelling with non-normal distributions, model uncertainty, variable selection and functional data analysis.
Bioinformatics, statistical genetics and medical statistics
Research covers bioinformatics (eg DNA microarray data), involving collaboration with the School of Biosciences. Other interests include population genetics, clinical trials and survival analysis.
Nonparametric statistics
Research focuses on empirical likelihood, high-dimensional data analysis, nonlinear dynamic analysis, semi-parametric modelling, survival analysis, risk insurance, functional data analysis, spatial data analysis, longitudinal data analysis, feature selection and wavelets.
Staff research interests
Full details of staff research interests can be found on the School's website.
Dr Diana Cole : Senior Lecturer in Statistics
Branching processes in biology; cell division models; ecological statistics; generalised linear mixed models; identifiability.; parameter redundancy.
View ProfileDr Alfred Kume : Senior Lecturer in Statistics
Shape analysis; directional statistics; image analysis.
View ProfileDr Alexa Laurence : Lecturer in Statistics
Medical statistics and applied statistics.
View ProfileDr Fabrizio Leisen : Senior Lecturer in Statistics
Bayesian nonparametrics; MCMC, Urn models; Markov and Levy processes; Move-to-Front and Move-to-Root allocation rules.
View ProfileDr Owen Lyne : Lecturer in Statistics
Stochastic epidemic models; applied probability; simulation; statistical inference; goodness of fit; branching processes; martingales; medical education.
View ProfileDr Rachel McCrea : Research Associate
Integrated population modelling of dependent data structures.
View ProfileProfessor Byron Morgan : Professor of Applied Statistics
Biometry; cluster analysis; stochastic population processes; psychological applications of statistics; multivariate analysis; simulation; analysis of quantal assay data; medical statistics; ecological statistics; overdispersion; estimation using transforms.
View ProfileDr Xue Wang : Lecturer in Statistics
Bayesian nonparametric methods; copula function with its applications in finance; wavelet estimation methods.
View ProfileProfessor Jian Zhang : Professor of Statistics
Semi and non-parametric statistical modelling; statistical genetics with medical applications; Bayesian modelling; mixture models; neuroimaging.
View ProfileCareers
Students often go into careers as professional statisticians in industry, government, research and teaching but our programmes also prepare you for careers in other fields requiring a strong statistical background. You have the opportunity to attend careers talks from professional statisticians working in industry and to attend networking meetings with employers.
Our graduates have started careers in diverse areas such as the pharmaceutical industry, financial services and sports betting.
Professional recognition
The taught programmes in Statistics and Statistics with Finance provide exemption from the professional examinations of the Royal Statistical Society and qualification for Graduate Statistician status.
Study support
Postgraduate resources
Kent’s Computing Service central facility runs Windows. Within the School, postgraduate students can use a range of UNIX servers and workstations. Packages available include R, SAS, MATLAB, SPSS and MINITAB.
Dynamic publishing culture
Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Annals of Statistics; Biometrics; Biometrika; Journal of Royal Society, Series B; Statistics and Computing. Details of recently published books can be found within our staff research interests.
Global Skills Award
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
Apply now
Learn more about the applications process or begin your application by clicking on a link below.
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Contact us
United Kingdom/EU enquiries
MSc at Canterbury
International student enquiries
T: +44 (0)1227 823254
E: internationalstudent@kent.ac.uk