Data Science (Statistics) MSc

Develop advanced statistical expertise and in-demand data science skills to drive evidence-based decision-making across industries

The MSc Data Science (Statistics), delivered in collaboration with the School of Mathematics and the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, is a flexible online masters degree designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical experience to work confidently with large and complex datasets. You’ll learn in-demand data skills in data acquisition, preparation, wrangling, modelling, and analysis, as well as strategies for handling missing data and interpreting results for real-world application.

Who is this course for?

Designed for graduates with a strong quantitative background in subjects with substantial elements of mathematics and statistics. It also suits professionals working in data-driven STEM roles who want to develop advanced analytical and statistical skills to progress into business-critical senior roles in areas like healthcare or environmental science.

The MSc Data Science (Statistics) offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers both foundational data science courses and specialised statistical methods. You'll also learn widely used methods to understand, analyse, and interpret data in a range of real-world contexts. Since employers seek candidates who can tell compelling stories with data, your projects in this programme will give you opportunities to combine different presentation methods effectively.

Using research from the Leeds Institute of Data Analytics and others, you’ll work on projects in innovative areas such as AI, health informatics, urban analytics, statistical and mathematical methods, and visualisation and immersive technologies. Experience in these areas will help you prepare for the future of data science.

You’ll work on projects inspired by real-world, cutting-edge research from the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, exploring innovative fields such as artificial intelligence, health informatics, urban analytics, statistical and mathematical modelling, and immersive visualisation technologies.

This flexible online course suits those aiming to develop practical, transferable skills including programming, advanced statistical methods like Bayesian modelling and Monte Carlo estimation, and the ability to analyse complex datasets - from simple random samples to big data with many variables.

Accessible worldwide and designed to fit around your professional and personal commitments, this MSc prepares you for senior roles where the ability to tell compelling stories with data and make evidence-based decisions is essential.

Why study at Leeds

* Gain a Masters in Data Science (Statistics) from a World Top 100 University (QS World Rankings 2027).

* Develop a comprehensive understanding of key statistical methods and their practical applications across industries.

* Build specialist expertise in specialised topics within statistics such as Bayesian modelling, Monte Carlo estimation and dimension reduction.

* Learn to apply statistical tools and techniques tailored for real-world challenges.

* Complete a practical data analysis project that develops transferable skills and showcases independent working ability

* Build proficiency in key programming languages and techniques for data analysis.

* Master strategies for analysing both traditional “simple random sample” and complex “big data” population datasets.

* Work confidently with large, high-dimensional datasets, including those with more variables than observations).

* Understand ethical, legal and governance issues relating to data gathering and analysis, evaluating their impact on decision-making.

* Benefit from research-led teaching drawing on expertise from the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, a leader in data science innovation.

* Study flexibly online, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to advance your career in data science and statistics.