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Statistics and data science, Master's, 2 years

Statistics is a field within mathematics that deals with principles and methods for collecting and analyzing quantitative information, based on models and concepts from probability theory.
  • TuitionNone
  • Years2 Years
  • Intake8
  • Grade requirementsMinimum C
  • LanguageEnglish, Norwegian
  • ECTS120
  • StartAutumn and Spring

Main content

With statistical methods, it is possible to explore datasets to find patterns,  to obtain forecasts, and to estimate uncertainties. In recent times, when large amounts of data are often available, several of these tasks are closely linked to methods in machine learning. In today's society where data is stored and generated all the time, there is a growing need for statisticians.

Career

Candidates have found work in the oil industry, insurance, healthcare, marine research, and teaching and research at universities and colleges.

A master’s degree is a qualification for continued research, for instance by pursuing a PhD.

Structure

The program covers two academic years (four semesters) and starts in both autumn and spring.

The first year you follow courses worth 60 ECTS. Courses, schedules, and study plans depend on your specialization. The second year is devoted to working with your master's thesis, worth 60 ECTS. Alternatively, you can choose a 30 ECTS thesis, and follow courses worth 90 ECTS.

 We offer specializations in: 

  • Data Analysis: The Master’s programme in Data Analysis provides a good knowledge of statistical methods and techniques in data science. Through the programme, the candidate will be educated to become a professional statistician, who is able to draw data-based conclusions and describe uncertainty. Mandatory courses: STAT201 Generalized Linear Models, STAT210 Theory of Statistical inference, and STAT220 Stochastic Processes. Recommended courses: STAT200 Applied Statistics, STAT202 Biostatistics, STAT250 Monte Carlo Methods and Bayesian Statistics, and STAT260 Statistical Learning.
  • Financial Theory and Insurance Mathematics: The Master’s programme / program? in Financial Theory and Insurance Mathematics provides an introduction to the theory and techniques of insurance mathematics and financial theory. Through the specialization, the candidate is trained to be an actuary. An actuary calculates premiums and technical provisions for life and non-life insurance companies. Moreover, an actuary follows up a company's financial investments and risk calculations. The Master's degree in Statistics with this specialization provides actuarial qualifications. Mandatory courses: STAT201 Generalized Linear Models, STAT210 Theory of Statistical Inference,  STAT220 Stochastic Processes, STAT230 Life Insurance Mathematics, STAT231 Non-Life Insurance Mathematics, and STAT240 Finance Theory. Recommended courses: STAT250 Monte Carlo Methods and Bayesian Statistics, STAT260 Statistical Learning.
  • Mathematical Statistics: This specialization provides a thorough knowledge of methods and techniques in mathematical statistics and probability theory. It provides good theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply the theory of the development of statistical methods for solving various problems Mandatory courses: STAT201 Generalized Linear Models, STAT210 Theory of Statistical Inference,  STAT220 Stochastic Processes, and MAT211 Real Analysis.

Student life

Department of Mathematics is in the Science Building on the University’s city center campus. Our social environment is friendly and informal, with students and staff from around the world.

As a master’s student, you will be assigned your own desk in a reading room together with the other MA students.

During the two years of the program, you follow courses or special topics and write a thesis. Some of the courses are mandatory within the specializations, while the other courses are chosen in agreement with your academic supervisor.

The courses are usually based around lectures and groups, around 14 hours per week. Find more details on courses, schedules, and literature here:  https://www.uib.no/en/math/courses

Your master’s thesis is a piece of independent research, where you make use of appropriate methods and scientific working techniques in the research of relevant material. With research-based literature as a starting point, you will get an overview of a specific field, and/or find new angles and results within your chosen field. 

You will work closely with an academic supervisor whose expertise is in the field of your thesis topic. In agreement with your supervisor, you will choose a thesis topic and establish a progression plan containing important milestones for your project.

What will I learn

This program provides a thorough knowledge of methods and techniques in statistics and data science. Through the program, the candidate will be educated to become a professional statistician, who is able to draw data-based conclusions and describe uncertainty.

Analysis and interpretation of large amounts of data and an understanding of what is behind the numbers are key aspects of the program. Since statistical methods are based on mathematics, the program will also provide a good knowledge of mathematical methods.

If you choose the specialization Financial Theory and Insurance Mathematics, you will get actuarial qualifications. An actuary calculates premiums and technical provisions for life and non-life insurance companies. An actuary also follows up a company's financial investments and risk calculations.

A candidate who has completed his or her qualifications in Statistics:

  • Has profound knowledge of Mathematics and Statistics, and is equipped/ready to work as a professional statistician. The candidatecan determine appropriate statistical methods for a range of modelling problems, including basic linear models with normally distributed observations, generalized (non-)linear models. In addition, the candidate possesses knowledge of a broad range of other techniques within statistics and data science.
  • Is able to apply their knowledge in the real world by analyzing and critically interpreting data, building statistical models in real-life situations, and using cutting edge programming tools and software packages.
  • Can present scientific results based on analyses orally and in writing in the context of existing research results to both specialists and non-specialists. Has good practical skills in the use of relevant software tools.

Study period abroad

You can spend your first or second semester as an exchange student at one of our partner universities.

Admission requirements

In order to apply for the Master Program in Statistics, you need a bachelor degree in Mathematics, Statistics or the like. You must hold a minimum of 60 ECTS in relevant courses equivalent to Calculus, Linear Algebra, Theoretical Statistics, Statistical Methods, and at least one of the courses Stochastic Processes and 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 program is only open for applicants residing in Norway and Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA.

How to apply

Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:

Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA (application deadline 1 March)

Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway (application deadline 15 April)

You will also have to meet the program-specific entry requirements.

The program has main admission in fall and supplementary admission in spring (application deadline 1 November), if not all spots have been filled in the fall admission.