Statistics and Data Science

Overview

How can we model the spread of a virus? How effective do we think a vaccine is? What is the uncertainty of that estimate? 

These are pertinent questions in today's society that you can answer with statistics, but the applications are much broader than that: How does your phone recognize your face? How can an algorithm better diagnose cancer than a doctor? How can you draw conclusions from the expression of thousands of genes? A formal education in Statistics & Data Science will equip you with the skills to answer complicated questions like these, both in industry and academia.

What does this master’s programme entail?

The two-year Statistics and Data Science MSc programme offered by Leiden University is open to students with a variety of backgrounds, both in the applied domains   (e.g. psychology, biology, medicine), and in quantitative domains like  mathematics and statistics. It aims to educate multidisciplinary researchers and professionals that can combine theory and application. The programme consists of a core programme shared by all students, elective courses, and an internship and thesis. The electives allow you to specialize in a research or application domain.

The programme acquired the European Master of Official Statistics (EMOS) label, and is a member of the network of 32 certified European master's programmes in statistics.

Career prospects

With a Master of Science in Statistical Sciences you have good job perspectives: statisticians are highly sought after in various industries such as marketing, banking, government, sports retail and healthcare.

Acquired skills and competence

After graduation you have obtained a thorough knowledge of statistical methods and research designs as used in a broad range of empirical research. You have also developed practical skills such as statistical programming, statistical consultation, and written and oral communication of research results. You will be able to carry out research in the field of quantitative methods for the life sciences and the behavioural sciences. The Data Science specialisation adds skills more focussed on computer science. After graduation you will be able to advise substantive researchers on methodological and statistical issues, and many of them will be expected to continue in a PhD programme.