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Name of qualification

The master¿s programme leads to the degree Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science. It is a two year programme (120 ECTS credits).

Semester

Autumn and spring. This program is only open for applicants residing in Norway and for Nordic citizens.

Application deadline: 15 April (start August) and 1 November (start January)

Objectives and content

Within the Master's programme in Statistics and Data Science you can choose among the following specializations:

  • Data Analysis
  • Financial Theory and Insurance Mathematics
  • Mathematical Statistics

Please see under each specialization for more details.

Required Learning Outcomes

A candidate who has completed his or her qualifications should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

  • Can acquire and apply a knowledge of basic mathematical and statistical theory such as calculus, linear algebra and statistical methods.
  • Can set up general models for analyzing data with uncertainty using concepts of probability theory.
  • Can use a variety of programming languages for implementation of data science methods.

Skills

The candidate

  • Can adapt general principles for the design of statistical methods to specific problems related to the estimation and testing of unknown parameters.
  • Can discuss general statistical approaches that are appropriate for a given data-driven problem.
  • Can explain the theoretical basis of fundamental statistical analysis methods.
  • Can determine appropriate statistical methods for the analysis of variance and regression models with normally distributed observations, and for similar problems with generalized linear models.
  • Can find relevant research literature for given statistical problems and adapt the theoretical background to situations with different requirements.
  • Can explain the choice of statistical methods for applied problems to people from other disciplines.
  • Can identify appropriate statistical software for analysing given data sets and conduct analyses for rational use of the software.
  • Can use data science methods for real data sets and do predictions.

General competence

The candidate

  • Can present scientific results based on analyses orally and in writing in the context of existing research results to both specialists and non-specialists.
  • Can seek, critically evaluate and apply statistical knowledge.
  • Can work independently and in groups on comprehensive, demanding professional tasks.

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for the Master Programme in Statistics and Data Science you need a bachelor degree in Mathematics, Statistics or the like. You must hold a minimum of 60 ECTS in relevant courses such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, Theoretical Statistics, Statistical methods, and at least one of Stochastic prosesses/statistical inference theory.

Your last Mathematics/Statistics course should not be older than 10 years.

It is important to document the content and learning outcomes of the central mathematics subjects, either with attached course descriptions or with links to web pages where course descriptions can be found.

This programme is only open for applicants residing in Norway and for Nordic citizens.

Bachelor degrees that qualify

  • Usually, a Bachelor degree in Mathematics or Statistics is required for admission.
  • Other bachelor degrees can qualify if you can document at least 60 ECTS relevant courses.

Bachelor degrees that do not qualify

  • Bachelor in Economics or in Administration or similar
  • Engineering degrees

You also need to document:

Compulsory units

A master¿s programme in statistics and data science consists of an individual research project (master¿s thesis) of 60 ECTS credits, and courses or special topics of 60 ECTS credits. Some of the courses are compulsory within the specialisations. You will choose the other courses in agreement with the academic supervisor.

Master thesis credits

The master¿s thesis will be a research based work. This requires that you as a student have obtained sufficient knowledge of the relevant field. In agreement with your academic supervisor, you will choose a master¿s thesis (60 ECTS credits) and make a progression plan containing important milestones for your project. At this programme it is possible to have a 30 study point thesis, extending the course part of the programme to 90 study points.

Teaching and learning methods

In the work with your master¿s thesis you will, in an independent way, make use of methods and scientific working techniques from the subject field in the research of a relevant material. The master¿s programme in statistics aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding of statistical methodics and statistical methods. The subject of the thesis decides which methods that would be used.

Employability

The master program in Statistics and data science educates candidates that are strongly demanded within industry, research, higher education and administration work related to these fields. Knowledge about statistics has become important in many parts of society.