The MSc in Statistical Science is an intensive and demanding course and moves at a rapid pace. A good understanding of the prerequisite topics will be assumed on starting the course. For further details please see the MSc Prerequisites page.
Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a degree course with substantial advanced mathematical and statistical content. Some highly quantitative courses in science, social science (notably economics) or medicine may be appropriate if they meet this criterion.
However, entrance to the course is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0. No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, the main University website has information on some international qualifications. For qualifications not available on the University website you can contact UK ENIC.
For applicants who do not have English as their first language, there are English language requirements at the higher level, although these may be waived if applicants have studied their undergraduate degree in English.
For further details, please see the graduate prospectus entry.
There is usually an Open Day in late October/November each year. Details will follow nearer the time.
There are three deadlines for applications in November, January and March. Please see the graduate prospectus entry for the exact deadlines. All completed applications received by the deadlines are considered together by the admissions panel.
If you need a decision on your application by January, you should apply by the November deadline. You must apply no later than the January deadline for the MSc/PGDip in Statistical Science to be considered for University scholarships.
We would expect to make fewer offers of places for those applying by the March deadline, as most offers are made in the first two deadlines.
A list of colleges which accept students for the MSc in Statistical Science can be found in the graduate prospectus entry. You may choose to either (i) indicate that you have no preference, in which case a college will be selected on your behalf, or (ii) state a college preference. You will not be able to amend your choice after submitting your application. Whether or not you state a college preference will not affect how your department assesses your application and ultimately whether or not they decide to make you an offer.If you are offered a place on a course by a department or faculty then you will be guaranteed a place at a college or hall. Please note, however, that this may not necessarily be your preferred college.
The Jane Street Graduate Scholarships are available for UK Black or Mixed-Black students for a range of courses, including the MSc in Statistical Science.
Details of other funding opportunities for graduate students can be found on the Fees and Funding webpages.
For the MSc/PGDip in Statistical Science you normally must apply no later than the January deadline for most funding from the University.
Graduates of the MSc find employment in financial, economic, governmental, scientific and industrial areas. The MSc can also be a useful stepping stone for doctoral studies, with around a third of students on the course taking this route. The University's Careers Service provides data on the types of careers students follow after graduation.
If you have specific questions about the MSc or PGDip in Statistical Science that are not answered here, please email graduate.admissions@stats.ox.ac.uk.
