Why study this course?
- Gain a broader skill set for entry into the commercial analysis market
- Covers various theoretical and applied statistical areas at an advanced level
- Put your statistical knowledge into practice
- Be ready to pursue research in statistics
Teaching
A mix of lectures, small group tutorials, one-to-one discussion and practical computer sessions.
Class sizes
Typically from 15 to 50 students.
Dissertation
A three-month project leading to a dissertation.
Assessment
A mix of continuous assessment and exams.
Modules
Modules can be chosen from across the School's undergraduate and postgraduate-level modules. At least three-quarters of your credits must come from postgraduate-level modules.
If you choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Advanced Bayesian Inference
- Advanced Data Analysis: covers modern modelling methods for situations where the data fails to meet the assumptions of common statistical models and simple remedies do not suffice.
- Applied Statistical Modelling using GLMs: covers the main aspects of linear models and generalised linear models, including model specification, various options for model selection, model assessment and tools for diagnosing model faults.
- Independent Study Module
- Knowledge Discovery and Datamining: This module covers many of the methods found under the banner of Datamining, building from a theoretical perspective but ultimately teaching practical application.
- Modelling Wildlife Population Dynamics: introduces students to methods for constructing mathematical models of wildlife population dynamics and of fitting these models to diverse data from wildlife surveys.
- Professional Skills for Mathematical Scientists
- Software for Data Analysis: covers the practical computing aspects of statistical data analysis focusing on widely used packages, including data-wrangling and visualisation.
- Statistical Problem Solving: focuses on problem formulation and scientific reporting to a variety of audiences; it consists of a set of case studies covering a range of application areas.
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During the final three months of the course, students complete a dissertation to be submitted by the end of August.
Dissertations are supervised by members of teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the progress of the dissertation.
What it will lead to
Careers
Graduates from this programme hold positions at leading universities or companies in areas as diverse as business administration, financial markets, biomedical research, fisheries laboratories, wildlife conservation and many more.
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at. Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.
Our Careers Centre can also support you with academic and professional skills development. The University’s Entrepreneurship Centre offers start-up support for those looking to freelance as well as create their own business.
Elevate your career
Recent graduates at Masters level have found employment in large consulting firms and major financial institutions including:
- Quadrant Capital
- Imperial College London
- Quantics Biostatistics
- Beike
Further your education
Many graduates of the programme continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.
Accreditation
Graduates of the MSc programme can apply to the Royal Statistical Society for the professional status of Graduate Statistician (GradStat) without the need for further examination.
Why St Andrews?
The School of Mathematics and Statistics has active seminars in:
- Applied Mathematics
- Pure Mathematics
- Mathematical Biology
- Statistics
Events
There are a number of different research groups held each week in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. These include:
Pure Mathematics
- Pure Mathematics colloquia
- Analysis Group Seminars
Statistics
- Statistics seminars
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling seminars
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“There is close contact between lecturers and students, providing opportunities to ask questions and have discussions. The coding exercises and hands-on work with statistical methods are a great opportunity to learn relevant skills. Postgraduate students come from a huge variety of backgrounds, so you are in touch with people from many disciplines.”
- North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in mathematics, statistics or a closely related subject area.
The qualifications listed are indicative of standard requirements for entry. Some academic Schools may require applicants to achieve higher grades than the standard to be competitive. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University takes a holistic view of every application.
If your qualification does not appear in the list, it may not meet the typical requirements for entry to this programme. You may need a higher-level qualification to be competitive, for example, a Masters degree.
English language requirements
Some applicants may need to provide an English language test score to evidence their English language ability. Find out who needs to provide evidence of English language ability. Details of acceptable tests and scores are provided below.
Test scores are only normally accepted if obtained within two years of the programme start date.
Application requirements
- CV
- personal statement (optional)
- one original signed academic reference
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
Fees and funding
- UK: Tuition fees have yet to be set.
- Rest of the world: Tuition fees have yet to be set.
Application fee
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances.
The Data Lab Scholarship
Fee-paying scholarships are available for students studying the Statistics MSc during the 2026-2027 academic year. The scholarship covers your course fees, which are paid directly to the University. These scholarships are funded by The Data Lab and the Scottish Funding Council, and supported by the University of St Andrews.
To be eligible, you must have accepted an offer to study the Statistics MSc for September 2026 entry. You also need to meet the Scottish Government’s residency conditions, which means you are an ‘ordinary resident’ in Scotland. Visit the SAAS general residence conditions webpage for more information.
If you think you meet the eligibility criteria, or have any questions, please email maths-dopgt@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information and how to apply.
Other financial support
You may be eligible for other scholarships, discounts or support:
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics: ask the School
- Ask University Admissions about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 18 May 2026