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Mathematical Statistics - Master Programme

Master's programme · 2 years · 120 credits

Two students studying together

Description

Are you interested in learning to build models of reality based on collected data? Do you want to understand how random sequences of events can be described mathematically? A Master’s degree in mathematical statistics is a form of expertise that is much in demand and opens the door to exciting work opportunities in the research world as well as in business and industry.

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.

Computers in the programme

The programme requires that you have access to a computer, preferably a laptop, on which you can install software mainly provided by the University, such as Microsoft 365, CAD/CAM and development environments for Python, Matlab or other computational tools. It can be either a Windows computer or a MacOS. On some courses you may need to buy or rent your own software.

Open for applications

Application opportunities

This programme is open for applications from 15 October 2024 to 15 January 2025.

Contact

Director of Studies

Magnus Wiktorsson

Phone: +46 46-222 86 25

Email: magnus [dot] wiktorsson [at] matstat [dot] lu [dot] se

Requirements and selection

Entry requirements

Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits or the equivalent, including at least 90 credits in mathematics, mathematical statistics, numerical analysis, scientific calculations and computer science, of which at least 45 credits must be in mathematics that include courses in multivariate analysis and linear algebra, at least 30 credits in mathematical statistics and at least 15 credits in numerical analysis, scientific calculations and/or computer science.

Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.


Selection criteria

Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses in science, mathematics and engineering.

English language requirements

Most of Lund University’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the deadline, in order to be considered for admission.

How to prove your English proficiency – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements

Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:

Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se

Apply

Start Autumn Semester 2025

Day-time Lund, full time 100%

In English

Study period

1 September 2025 - 6 June 2027

Application

Last application date 2025-01-15

How to apply

Lund University uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.

When to apply for studies

Step 1: Apply online

  • Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
  • Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
    Visit the University Admissions in Sweden website
  • Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.

Step 2: Submit documents

  • Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
    Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
    Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
     
  • Get all your documents ready:
    - official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
    - official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
    - passport/ID (all applicants) and
    - proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
     
  • Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
  • Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
  • Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.

* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below. 
Svensk student? 
Läs instruktionerna om att söka till ett internationellt masterprogram på lu.se

Programme-specific documents

No programme-specific documents (such as a CV or letters of recommendation) are required when you apply for this programme.
 

 

Watch on YouTube: How to apply for a Master's programme 

Tuition fees

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 340 000

First payment: SEK 85 000

Convert currency – xe.com

Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Application fee

If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.


*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.

Scholarships & funding

Lund University Global Scholarship programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.

ARUA Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarships

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

Information about scholarships from external organisations