Mathematical Statistics - Master Programme

This Master’s programme gives you the opportunity to take a deep dive into the fascinating world of probability and chance. The entire programme is taught in English.

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 on the programme are active researchers. The proportion of teacher-directed learning is high. You practise both oral and written communication and gain good experience of collaboration in groups. The programme’s course structure gives you an excellent opportunity to shape your own profile.

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. 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.

If you plan to continue to research studies after your degree, you should choose courses with high theoretical content, whereas if you are interested in a career in industry, courses covering a wide range of statistical models and methods will be more suitable.

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.

With a Master’s degree in mathematical statistics, you have vast 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 also 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. Expertise in mathematical statistics is also essential for quality development and logistics within industry, and is in demand among organisations in the public sector.

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.

Prerequisites

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.

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 Macintosh computer. On some courses you may need to buy or rent your own software.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 370,000
First payment: SEK 92,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

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

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

African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) 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 Scholarship: Global professionals

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden. 

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.

SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM

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. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries. 

External scholarships