The Department of Statistics has opened applications today (5 December 2025) for its Summer Research Internships Programme 2026.
The eight-week programme, running through July and August, offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work with researchers at the University of Oxford. Successful applicants will undertake supervised research projects with academic staff and have daily contact with doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers.
Each intern will receive a bursary of £4,218, with accommodation provided at one of Oxford's colleges for the duration of the internship.
The programme aims to develop research skills, strengthen postgraduate applications, and help address gender imbalances in statistics at doctoral level.
'This is a great opportunity for undergraduate students to get a taste of what it’s like to do research,' said Christina Goldschmidt, Director of Graduate Studies.
Previous intern Estelle McCool, who is now studying for a DPhil in Health Data Science at Oxford, said: ‘This programme gave me the chance to experience working with a supervisor on developing methods and built my confidence on my ability to research independently. The internship made me realise I was capable of studying for a PhD’
'The department was incredibly welcoming throughout the internship,' said Rebecca, a 2025 intern now studying an MSc in Statistics at Lancaster University.
'Spending time with the other interns was such a valuable experience as well, as we were able to discuss our projects together and support each other.'
Research areas are expected to include Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Computational Statistics and Machine Learning, Econometrics and Population Statistics, Probability, and Statistical Genetics and Epidemiology, among others. The final list of available research areas will be confirmed closer to the application deadline.
Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in the field.
Applications should be submitted via the online application form and must include a CV, transcripts, supporting statement, and contact details for two referees. The deadline for applications is Friday 30 January 2026 at 12 noon.
For full eligibility criteria and further details, visit the Department of Statistics Summer Research Internships page.