www.uu.

se 2013/2014
MASTER PROGRAMME IN STATISTICS
120 credits
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Statistics is both a formal science and a
practical approach, and both aspects are
taken into account in the programme.
The goal of the Master Programme in
Statistics is to prepare students well for
skilled jobs, and for continuing graduate
studies.
The programme begins with courses in
Probability and Inference. These will
consolidate and deepen the theoretical
understanding of randomness and how to
draw conclusions from data that contains
random variation.
For students who desire a more theo-
retical training and are interested in
methodology, the programme provides
the opportunity to further deepen the
theoretical knowledge through additional
courses, for example, Asymptotic Theory
and Bayesian Methods.
The theory oriented courses will pro-
vide a strong foundation in basic statisti-
cal theory that is later used in the more
applied courses.
In the applied courses, the student
will learn how to use statistical tech-
niques to deal with important real world
problems. Obtained skills are collecting,
processing and analysing data, interpret-
ing and presenting results and empirical
models.
Since the courses span over several
areas such as biostatistics, econometrics,
and structural equation models, there are
numerous opportunities to specialize,
depending on your interests.
Examples of courses offered are:
Econometrics
Epidemiology
Generalized Linear Models
Non-parametric Methods
Planning and Analysis of Clinical
Trials
Statistical Programming in R
Structural Equation Models
Survival Analysis
Repeated Measurements
For example, the course in economet-
rics deals with statistical methods for
the analysis of economic data and the
estimation of theoretical economic
models.
Based on this analysis, relevant questions
can be answered, e.g. what is the effect of
a tax change, what is the return on edu-
cation, etc. In the course survival analysis,
you will learn how to estimate the effect
of a new medicine on survival time.
The Master Programme in Statistics at Uppsala University gives a solid
foundation in statistical theory and a deeper knowledge in areas such
as econometrics, psychometrics and biostatistics. This provides very
good skills to critically analyse and interpret data from various applica-
tion areas. With a degree from this programme you are well prepared
and in demand for work in both the private and public sectors and for
further studies in research education.
Statistics are used daily in all areas of
society and statistics as a science
involves the study of methods used to
draw conclusions about difficult prob-
lems. Examples of questions that can be
answered with statistical methods are:
What is the impact of new medical
treatments and how strong is their
effect?
How many people are unemployed?
What actions affect unemployment
and to what extent?
Will the repo rate go up or down
within a certain time period?
As a statistician you usually work closely
with subject specialists in a variety of
areas and the statisticians role is to have
knowledge of how data are collected,
analysed and interpreted.
Work as a statistician also includes
method development, which is to
improve existing or develop new meth-
ods. With a masters degree in Statistics,
you get a good base to work with the
above tasks.
Photo: iStockphoto
www.uu.se/master
These methods are moreover the same
as those used to study the effects of
labour market policies with regard to the
time-period an individual is unemployed.
A good example of how useful statistical
methods are in general!
INSTRUCTION
The Master Programme in Statistics is an
international education and is taught in
English. Instruction is mainly in the form
of lectures, seminars and tutorials with
elements of assignments. Examination of
the courses is in the form of written
exams, assignments and seminars. The
grades are Pass and Pass with distinction.
DEGREE
The programme leads to a Master of
Social Science (120 credits) with Statis-
tics as the main field of study.
After one year of study it may also be
possible to obtain a Master of Social
Science (60 credits).
APPLICATION
Admission for the autumn semester.
Application deadline is January 15.
Application through the website
www.universityadmissions.se.
REQUIREMENTS
A Bachelors degree comprising
90 credits from the subject area of
statistics or the equivalent.
Proof of skills in English to a level
corresponding to English B in Swed-
ish secondary school. This is nor-
mally attested by means of an inter-
nationally recognised test with the
following minimum scores:
IELTS: an overall mark of 6.5 and no
section below 5.5
TOEFL: Paper-based: Score of 4.5
(scale 16) in written test and a total
score of 575. Internet-based: Score
of 20 (scale 030) in written test and
a total score of 90
Cambridge: CAE, CPE
SELECTION
Selection will be based on previous
academic studies and degrees with
emphasis on grades in relevant felds
and degree project (if any), a sum-
mary in English (12 pages) of a pre-
vious degree project (if any), and a
statement of intent (12 pages).
FEES AND SCHOLARSHIPS
There is a tuition fee and application
fee for students who are not citizens
of the EU/EEA or Switzerland. For
these students the tuition fee for this
programme is SEK 90 000 per aca-
demic year. The fee for application to
Swedish universities is SEK 900. Upp-
sala University offers scholarships to
cover the tuition fee,
see www.uu.se/scholarships.
The Swedish Institute also admin isters
scholarships,
www.studyinsweden.se/scholarships.
CONTACT
Department of Statistics
Head of Department
Johan Lyhagen
+46 18 471 28 44
johan.lyhagen@statistics.uu.se
Director of Studies
Lisbeth Hansson
+46 18 471 51 62
lisbeth.hansson@statistics.uu.se
First, second and third semester
The study consists of core courses as:
Probability Theory
Inference
Programming
Alongside these courses are offered
more applied courses. Examples of
courses:
Multivariate Analysis
Econometric Theory and Methodology
Time Series Analysis
Structural Equation Models
Generalized Linear Models
Repeated Measurements
Survival Analysis
Fourth semester
Master thesis 30 credits
MASTER PROGRAMME IN STATISTICS 120 credits
CONTENT
CAREER
The Master Programme in Statistics
prepares students for a successful career,
both nationally and internationally.
Statisticians are in demand on the labour
market and through its methodological
breadth, the Master Programme in Statis-
tics offers students very good opportuni-
ties for employment in a variety of areas,
both private and public. Amongst private
employers, positions for statisticians are
often found in the financial sector (banks,
insurance, etc.), biomedical companies,
research companies, opinion polling
organizations and associations, while
qualified statisticians in the public sector
often work as analysts and investigators.
It is also common for statisticians to
work at research institutions. The educa-
tion also provides eligibility for graduate
studies in statistics.