MPhil/PhD Statistics

This programme offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to a chosen research area. Our core areas of research are data science, social statistics, time series and statistical learning, as well as probability and risk management in insurance and finance.

We enjoy close links with other departments and offer regular seminars and other departmental activities that help create a vibrant environment for study and research. We also have close links with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and industrial partners.

Students will benefit from a thriving, hardworking, friendly and supportive environment in which their interests can be pursued.

We have reserved computing resources (including networked departmental workstations exclusively for the use of research students) and an extensive collection of software – both commercial packages and in-house products for our students. There is a comprehensive assembly of worldwide official statistics. The Department has a dedicated library with statistical journals and books available.

The first year of study includes a selection of PhD courses to consolidate and further mastery of contemporary statistics foundations, while our research students build up a more solid research idea before presenting at an annual PhD presentation event.

From year two onwards, our research students are also encouraged to undertake some teaching, which is a valuable experience and an integral part of training. The department provides funding to facilitate student attendance at appropriate academic conferences wherever possible.

Transferable skills courses

• Compulsory (not examined)

One presentation

Attendance of departmental seminar appropriate to the student's field of study.

Optional (not examined)

London Graduate School in Mathematical Finance PhD Presentation Day

• Poster Presentations

We encourage you to attend and, where the opportunity arises, present a paper or poster at conferences during your PhD programme in relation to your particular research topic.

• Optional (examined)

Courses provided by the Department of Methodology

Training courses

• Optional (examined)

Courses offered by the London Graduate School in Mathematical Finance

Courses offered by the London Taught Course Centre

Optional (examined)

Master's-level courses relevant to research and agreed by supervisor in Department, the School or University of London College

• Compulsory (examined)

Transferable skills courses

• Compulsory (not examined)

Two presentations

Attendance of departmental seminars appropriate to the student's field of study.

• Optional (not examined)

London Graduate School in Mathematical Finance Seminar Day

• Poster Presentations

We encourage you to attend and, where the opportunity arises, present a paper or poster at conferences during your PhD programme in relation to your particular research topic.

• Optional (examined)

Courses provided by the Department of Methodology

Training courses

• Optional (not examined)

Courses offered by the London Graduate School in Mathematical Finance

Courses offered by the London Taught Course Centre

• Optional (examined)

Master’s-level courses relevant to research and agreed by supervisor in Department, the School or University of London College

Transferable skills courses

• Compulsory (not examined)

Two presentations

Attendance of departmental seminars appropriate to the student's field of study.

• Optional (not examined)

London Graduate School in Mathematical Finance Seminar Day

• Poster Presentations

We encourage you to attend and, where the opportunity arises, present a paper or poster at conferences during your PhD programme in relation to your particular research topic.

• Optional (examined)

Courses provided by the Department of Methodology

Training courses

• Optional (not examined)

Courses offered by the London Graduate School in Mathematical Finance

Courses offered by the London Taught Course Centre

• Optional (examined)

Master’s-level courses relevant to research and agreed by supervisor in Department, the School or University of London College

Transferable skills courses

• Compulsory (not examined)

Attendance of departmental seminars appropriate to the student's field of study.

• Optional (not examined)

London Graduate School in Mathematical Finance Seminar Day

• Poster Presentations

We encourage you to attend and, where the opportunity arises, present a paper or poster at conferences during your PhD programme in relation to your particular research topic.

• Optional (examined)

Courses provided by the Department of Methodology

Training courses

• Optional (not examined)

Courses offered by the London Graduate School in Mathematical Finance

Courses offered by the London Taught Course Centre

• Optional (examined)

Master’s-level courses relevant to research and agreed by supervisor in Department, the School or University of London College

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.

Department of Statistics

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of our staff at LSE. For this reason, we recommend that you take a look at our staff research interests before applying.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your form, such as your:

• academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications)
• statement of academic purpose
• references
• CV
• outline research proposal
• sample of written work.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

Most applicants will have little or no prior experience of research and therefore we don't expect a fully-developed research proposal. We re assessing the potential of the applicant for research and the chosen topic. The following is a guideline of what to emphasise in the proposal.

• pose a research question rather than a very broad research topic
• be specific, to aid selectors to assess the suitability of the topic for PhD study
• a statement of how the proposed research builds on earlier research on the topic, with reference to two or three key papers
• demonstrate your understanding of the area and the need for further research
• selectors will look for a sense of the merits of your approach
• most topics will involve an application of the proposed methods to a substantive research question. Give a brief outline of this question and explain how it will benefit from this particular approach
• be specific about the training and skills you have to undertake the proposed research (do not simply list courses attended: this information is already available in the CV and transcripts).

Please note that LSE allows part-time PhD study only under limited circumstances. If you wish to study part-time, you should mention this (and the reasons for it) in your statement of academic purpose, and discuss it at interview if you're shortlisted.

The application deadline for this programme is 22 May 2025.

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.

The fee is likely to rise over the full duration of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with fee levels recommended by the Research Councils.

Learn more about fee status classification.

The fee is likely to rise over the full duration of the programme in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (ie, four per cent each year).

Learn more about fee status classification.

Progression and assessment

Formal assessment is made towards the end of each Spring Term. This assessment is based on statements made by you and the supervisors in the progress report form. You are also required to complete a supplementary report of one to two pages (A4), providing in more detail an outline of your current research.

The review to upgrade to the PhD normally takes place within two years of full-time registration. Progress is assessed by the first and/or second supervisor in consultation with the PhD programme director and another expert in the field of the research you are undertaking. If satisfactory progress has been made, the programme director will recommend that registration be upgraded to PhD status. The department's research committee also monitors the progress of PhD students.

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career. Recent doctoral graduates have also gone into careers in investment banking. See career destinations for some of our former students.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

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.