Overview
Introduction
The MSc in Statistics provides intensive training in statistics applicable to the social sciences, economics and finance.
The aim of the programme is to foster an interest in theoretical and applied statistics and equip you for work as a professional statistician. This degree offers students who enjoy statistics the opportunity to build on their interests and learn how to apply their knowledge in the real world by analysing and critically interpreting data, building statistical models of real situations, and using cutting edge programming tools and software packages.
The compulsory course will provide you with comprehensive coverage of fundamental aspects of probability and statistical methods and principles. It provides the foundations for the optional courses on more advanced statistical modelling, computational methods and advanced probability theory. Options also include specialist courses from the Departments of Methodology, Mathematics, Economics and Social Policy. Below are some indicative pathways:
- Statistics route with a broad area of applications such as economics, research methodology and social sciences
- Route tailored towards computational statistics, machine learning and data science
- Route towards applications of statistics to econometrics and finance
You may also be interested in the 12-month research stream of this programme, MSc in Statistics (Research), which includes a dissertation component. If you're on a Student visa, you'll be unable to transfer to a longer degree programme once you're registered at the School. We recommend that you choose between the 9 month or 12-month degree based on your future career plans before applying for your visa and registering at the School.
Preliminary readings
- R J Larsen and M L Marx Introduction to Mathematical Statistics and Its Applications (5th edition, Pearson 2012)
- W N Venables, D M Smith, and the R Core Team An Introduction to R. Notes on R: A Programming Environment for Data Analysis and Graphics (2016)
Entry requirements
Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, including a substantial amount of statistics and mathematics.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
Overseas
English language requirements
The English language requirement for this programme is Standard. Read more about our English language requirements.
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.
Programme content
Year 1
In addition to the compulsory course, you'll take courses to the value of three units from a range of options. Options include more advanced statistical modelling, computational methods, statistical computing and advanced probability theory, as well as specialist courses from the Departments of Methodology, Mathematics, Economics and Social Policy.
Courses to the value of three units from a range of options
Why study with us
Discover more about our students and department.
Meet the department
The Department of Statistics at LSE is one of the oldest and most distinguished in the UK.
The department has an international reputation for the development of statistical methodology and a long history of pioneering contributions to research and teaching. Many of the world’s most famous and innovative statisticians have been associated with LSE.
Our research spans four main areas – data science, probability in finance and insurance, social statistics, and time series and statistical learning. The department has close links with the Data Science Institute at LSE – an interdisciplinary institute that fosters the study of data science, with a particular emphasis on the social, economic and political contexts.
All aspects of our research were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), submitted jointly with the Department of Mathematics.
The department’s research strengths are reflected in our teaching curriculum. We have a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and doctoral research opportunities – hosted in a vibrant department with a supportive and friendly community of staff and students.
Our alumni enjoy successful careers in diverse areas, such as banking, accounting, finance, statistics, government and business consulting while others pursue postgraduate study or research. Our alumni frequently return to LSE to share their career experiences with current students.
Learn more about our programmes and research.
Why LSE
University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK
Times and The Sunday Times - Good University Guide 20251st in London for the 13th year running
The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 20256th In the world
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024Carbon Neutral In 2021, LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK
Your application
Overview
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.
We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:
- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of academic purpose
- two academic references
- CV.
See further information on supporting documents.
You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.
Personal statement requirements
Your personal statement should state why you want to do the programme applied for and why you have chosen LSE. Brief details of your academic background and aspirations are also useful. If your background is outside of mathematics or statistics then you should provide further explanation of how your experience is relevant to the programme applied for; as well as further details of your current studies.
If you're applying to study on a part-time basis, please ensure that you address the following in your statement of academic purpose:
- your motivations to study part-time
- how you'll balance the demands of studying with part-time work (if applicable)
- confirmation that you have the support of your employer (if applicable).
Your personal statement should be concise and should not exceed 500 words.
If you're applying for more than one choice in the Department of Statistics, it's recommended that you submit two separate personal statements. If the two programmes for which you are applying are very similar and you'd prefer to combine the information in one statement then you may do so; however, please ensure that your statement clearly addresses your motivations for applying for each separate programme.
Please note: The applications, intake and ratio values below include the MSc Statistics (Research).
When to apply
Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.
There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.
Fees and funding
The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.
You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.
Home
Home student fee (2025/26)
For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.
Overseas
Overseas student fee (2025/26)
For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.
Learning and assessment
How you learn
How you're assessed
All taught courses include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Most courses are summatively assessed by a two-hour exam in the Spring Term, although some contain an element of course work.
An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.
Graduate destinations
Overview
Students on this programme have excellent career prospects. Former students have taken up positions in consulting firms, banks and in the public sector. Many go on to take higher degrees.
Further information on graduate destinations for this programme
Top 5 sectors our students work in:
Career support
From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.
Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.
See LSE Careers for further details.