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.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Mathematics for statisticians
- Statistics and probability
- Linear & generalized linear models and linear algebra
- Mixed and longitudinal modeling
- Study designs in the Life and Behavioral Sciences
- Bayesian Statistics
- Multivariate analysis and multidimensional data analysis
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 24 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before , International
- Apply before , EEA/EU
-
- Starting
- Apply before , International
- Apply before , EEA/EU
-
Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Natural Sciences Statistics Data Science & Big Data View 45 other Masters in Data Science & Big Data in NetherlandsAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
If you have a bachelor’s degree from a foreign research university with a level similar to Dutch universities, you are eligible to apply under the condition that you have
- basic knowledge of calculus (equivalent to the Dutch: vwo Wiskunde B) and
- accumulated at least 20 EC (or the equivalence thereof) in courses/projects in statistics/ methodology and/or mathematics.
The aforementioned courses/projects must have been concluded with an average mark of at least 7.5/10 (or GPA ≥ 3.4).
Tuition Fee
-
International
18016 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 18016 EUR per year during 24 months. -
EU/EEA
1084 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 1084 EUR per year during 24 months.
- Dutch, EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students: €1,084 per year
- Non-EU/EEA students €18,016 per year
- Second Dutch master’s programme: €13,616 per year
Living costs for Leiden
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.