Programme Overview:
- Duration:
- 1 Years
- Attendance:
- Full Time
- Next Intake:
- 2024/2025 September
- Contact Name:
- Contact Number:
- Fees:
- Fee Information
The goal of the UCD MSc Statistical Data Science is to train the new generation of data scientists, by empowering them with a broad range of foundational and applied skills in statistics and machine learning.
This programme is aimed at students who have an undergraduate degree in statistics or in a related numerate degree, such as economics, finance, mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, among others.
The MSc Statistical Data Science is ideal for students interested in data science careers in industry, business, government, or to those interested in pursuing a subsequent PhD in statistics or related areas.
In this programme, you will learn how to design, use and interpret a variety of statistical modelling tools, combining the fundamental theory of statistics with modern computational techniques. The programme is underpinned by several thematic areas:
- Data Science: in several of our modules, you will tackle on modern real-world problems, using a variety of advanced techniques that are common in statistics and machine learning. Modules examples: Statistical Machine Learning, Data Mining, Advanced Predictive Analytics.
- Computing: you will learn how to design and implement efficient algorithms, through various data science programming languages and software that are commonly used in industry and research. Modules examples: Data Programming, Optimisation, Machine Learning with Python.
- Fundamental theory: you will cover the fundamental aspects of mathematical statistics and learn how this is used in data science to develop new methods and concepts. Modules examples: Mathematical Statistics, Multivariate Analysis, Stochastic Models.
- Communication: you will learn how to study and interpret statistical analyses, and also how to effectively communicate your conclusions. Modules examples: Technical Communication, Applied Statistical Modelling, Dissertation.
You will have the flexibility to choose your modules from a wide range of statistics topics. In addition, you will take a final dissertation module which provides you with the chance to work extensively and individually on a statistical problem, with potential industry applications or research novelty.
Download the UCD Science Graduate Taught Courses brochure (pdf)
Curricular information is subject to change
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
The MSc Statistical Data Science is aimed at students who have an undergraduate degree in statistics or a degree in a discipline related to statistics and with numerate skills. Examples include economics, finance, mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science.
This programme is aimed at students who have an undergraduate numerate degree with a basic background of statistics, and who wish to gain a deeper understanding of statistics and of its key role in data science. The programme trains students in both applied and theoretical statistics, and prepares them well for a career either in industry or in academia. A wide variety of taught modules provide a thorough grounding in statistics; in addition, the students take a supervised research module to develop an individual research project to address a present-day statistical problem. We train 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, model 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.
- Approach data science problems in an analytical, precise and rigorous way.
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the key skills required by a practicing statistician or data scientist, including data collection methods, statistical method development, analysis of statistical output, communication of the results.
- Demonstrate strong proficiency in 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 developed throughout the programme.
- Use the language of logic to reason correctly and make deductions.
- Work independently and be able to pursue a research agenda.
On completion of the MSc Statistical Data Science, you will be able to demonstrate in-depth understanding of statistical concepts, apply advanced statistical reasoning, techniques and models in the analysis of real data, and employ technical computing skills.
Career opportunities exist in a variety of industries including pharmaceutical companies, banking, finance, government departments, risk management and the IT sector. Some past students embarked on a career in academia by proceeding to study for a PhD.
Graduates are currently working for companies such as Google, Western Union, AIB, Norbrook, Ernst & Young, Novartis, Deloitte, Meta and Eaton. Demand for our MSc Statistical Data Science graduates continues to be very strong both in Ireland and abroad.
Modules
The modules listed are for the academic term 2023/2024 and are examples only. All modules are subject to change.
MSc Statistical Data Science (T387) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 9300
nonEU fee per year - € 22530
***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 visit International Scholarships.
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 Statistical Data Science.
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
Graduate Testimonial
Valda Murphy, Project Lead, Novartis
This MSc had a strong theoretical foundation and gave me an education in how to apply statistics. My research project inspired me to go into the area of medical statistics after graduation. The course served as a launch pad for my career in pharmaceutical statistics where I now work as a project lead, overseeing the quantitative aspects of several drugs in development.
The following entry routes are available:
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised