The entire programme is taught in English and it gives you the opportunity to take a deep dive into the fascinating world of probability and chance. As a student, you will acquire solid skills in probability theory, statistical theory and methodology. You will learn a number of different methods enabling the application of mathematical statistics in fields such as biology, medicine, the environment, climate, risk management and economics.

For example, you might analyse genetic links to congenital diseases, or how a slowly changing climate can lead to extreme weather events. Statistical risk management can also be used in models concerning structural safety, and wear and tear in construction, among other areas. You will also have the opportunity to learn to work with financial applications in the form of models for pricing, optimisation of electricity trading, risk management and various forms of financial forecasting.

The Master’s programme is strongly linked to research. All teaching staff members on the programme are researchers and the proportion of teacher-directed learning is high. You practise both oral and written communication and gain good experience of collaborating in groups. The programme’s course structure gives you an excellent opportunity to shape your own profile.

Programme structure

If you plan to continue to research studies after your degree, you should choose courses with a high theoretical content, whereas if you are interested in a career in industry, courses containing a breadth of statistical models and methods will be more suitable. You will study at least 45 second cycle credits in mathematical statistics and complete a degree project worth 30 credits. You can choose the remaining 45 credits as courses in mathematics and numerical analysis. You can also study courses in other subjects, including computer science or, if you are aiming for a career path specialising in a particular area of application, you can choose courses in that subject, for example economics, molecular biology and bioinformatics.

The degree project consists of a small-scale independent research or development assignment based on current research. It can either link to ongoing projects at the department or to research issues in the subject area at companies or other departments within or outside the University.

Career prospects

With a Master’s degree in mathematical statistics, you have excellent opportunities to shape an exciting future career. The programme meets the requirements for research studies. As statistical expertise is hard to come by, there are excellent opportunities to continue with a career outside the academic environment after your degree, as a statistician for example. Advanced statistical methods and analysis are needed and much in demand, for example in the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology companies, insurance companies, banks and the financial sector, for quality enhancement and logistics in industry and in public sector organisations. According to a report by SACO (the Swedish Confederation of Professional Associations) the labour market for mathematicians/statisticians is currently characterised by low competition for jobs, and the situation is not expected to change over the next five years. This applies to both recent graduates and experienced professionals.