MSc Statistics

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

The MSc in Statistics is specifically designed to provide students with a solid theoretical and applied statistical knowledge so that they can be employed either as an applied statistician or a statistical researcher on completion of the degree.

There are opportunities for MSc in Statistics graduates in industry, government, IT, economics and finance. On completion of this MSc in Statistics, you will have skills such as the ability to demonstrate in-depth understanding of statistical concepts, apply basic statistical reasoning, techniques and models in the analysis of real data and employ technical computing skills.

Download the UCD Science Graduate Taught Courses brochure (pdf)

Ranked in the top 200 in the world in the QS World University Ranking, and is the only statistics group in Ireland to appear in this ranking.
The UCD MSc in Statistics is fully accredited by the Royal Statistical Society.
Wide range of possible taught modules available.
Exposure to popular statistical softwares.

Careers & Employability

Career prospects on completion of the MSc in Statistics are excellent. Many graduates pursue careers in the pharmaceutical industry and career opportunities also exist in banking, finance and risk management. There is also an increase in demand for statisticians from the IT sector. In addition, many government departments employ statisticians. Some past students embarked on a career in academia by proceeding to study to for a PhD in Statistics. Former students are currently working for companies such as Google, Western Union, AIB, Norbrook, EY, O2, SPSS. Demand for graduates continues to be strong both in Ireland and abroad.

Curricular information is subject to change

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Who should apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

The MSc in Statistics is aimed at students who have an undergraduate degree in Statistics or a degree in a discipline related to Statistics and with numerate skills. Compulsory modules are intended to ensure that all students have appropriate basic statistical skills, knowledge and experience, while optional modules provide depth and exposure to the diverse range of statistical applications and methods.

Vision and Values Statement

This programme is aimed at students who have an undergraduate degree which has a strong focus on statistics and/or mathematics, and who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. The programme trains students in both applied and theoretical statistics, and prepares them well for a career either in industry or in academia. The taught modules in the programme provide a thorough grounding in statistics; the (supervised) research project introduces the students to the area of statistical research. We expect our students to become autonomous learners and researchers capable of setting their own research agenda. They will be capable of solving relevant problems in the language of statistics. Our graduates will be in demand by employers and academic research institutes for their ability to use the tools they have learned to explain, describe and predict. We value students who are motivated to find the underlying causes and reasons for observations and patterns. We aim to provide a teaching and learning environment that develops confidence and independence through a wide variety of interactive formats, both inside and outside the classroom.

Programme Outcomes

Approach problems in an analytical, precise and rigorous way
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the key skills required by a practicing statistician, including data collection methods, statistical method development, analysis of statistical output
Demonstrate strong proficiency in mathematical and computational methods, including computer programming and scientific visualization
Give oral presentations of technical mathematical material at a level appropriate for the audience
Model real-world problems in a statistical framework
Prepare a written report on technical statistical content in clear and precise language
Undertake excellent research at an appropriate level, using the statistical research skills learnt in the programme
Use the language of logic to reason correctly and make deductions
Work independently and be able to pursue a research agenda

What modules can I take?

View All Modules Here

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

MSc Statistics (T020) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 8370
nonEU fee per year - € 20440

MSc Statistics (T069) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 4570
nonEU fee per year - € 13200

***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

Entry Requirements

This programme is intended for applicants who hold a degree in Statistics or a cognate subject area. An upper second class honours, or international equivalent is required.
Those who have been awarded an upper second class honours or higher in the Higher Diploma in Statistics are eligible for the programme.
Alternatively students may qualify for enrolment for the four semester MA in Statistics which brings them to the same level as the MSc in Statistics.
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/

School of Mathematics and Statistics Application Process FAQ

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

Testimonial

Graduate Profile
Stephen Sah, Biostatistician,
Monaghan Mushrooms R&D Department, Ireland

The MSc degree in Statistics in UCD prepared me well for my current job. The combination of classroom work and analysis of real-world data using current statistical tools, make this course exceptional. The lecturers were more than helpful, both inside and outside the classroom, in assisting me whenever I had difficulties with my studies. I chose to study in UCD because of the interesting modules they offered. Now, my plan is to gain as much work experience as possible and hopefully obtain a doctoral degree.