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Statistics PhD

Most students complete this programme in 6 to 8 years part-time

A Statistics PhD allows graduates to participate in scientific research, often with a view to a career in academic or industrial research.

The programme is suitable for students who wish to specialise in any of the areas of Statistics research in the department which are:

  • Computational Statistics: Bayesian nonparametrics, Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, Nonparametric regression.
  • High-dimensional Statistics: Graphical models, Network analysis, Time series analysis.
  • Medical Statistics: Clinical Trials, Missing Data, Survival Analysis.
  • Spatial and Environmental Statistics: Extreme value analysis, Spatial data analysis.
  • Statistical Learning: Changepoint detection, Classification, Clustering.

If you wish to specialise in any of the other areas of research in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, please see the Mathematics PhD.

PhD graduates from the Department of Mathematical Sciences have progressed to a broad selection of careers including prestigious academic positions all over the UK, the rest of Europe and North America, as well as industrial positions in companies such as:

UK Met office, Commerzbank, Barclays Capital, Detica, Liverpool-Victoria Actuarial Division, PfizerAstraZeneca, NHS Medial, Physics, GazProm, Sun Alliance, Smith Institute, Schlumberger, Tessella, Roche, Royal Bank of Scotland, UBC, and BeZero Carbon.

Programme structure

Most students complete this programme in 6 to 8 years. You cannot take less than 4 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 8 years.


You may start this programme at any time. Most students start in September.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Your academic progress and general welfare will be monitored by your supervisor.

Academic milestones

  1. Registration
  2. Induction
  3. Candidature
  4. Confirmation
  5. Research
  6. Writing up
  7. Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
  8. Submission for examination
  9. Examination (Viva Voce)
  10. Examiners report
  11. Final submission of thesis / portfolio
  12. Graduation

Programme content


Learning

  • Doctoral skills online
  • Doctoral skills workshop
  • Research project
  • Supervisory team

Research content

You will be led to the cutting edge of mathematics and statistics research and learn the latest methods and techniques in the field.

Postgraduate students are offered a variety of training courses and are encouraged to attend international scientific meetings. In addition to local courses, both subject specific and with a view to transferable skills, students can benefit from our cooperation with other institutions, in particular the Mathematics Taught Course Centre and the Academy for PhD Training in Statistics.

Professional Development

Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our DoctoralSkills workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Read more about professional development support

Assessment


Assessment methods

  • Thesis
  • Viva Voce

Assessment description

Most research students who ‘do a PhD’ register in the first instance as probationer for the degree of PhD. Candidates are expected to carry out supervised research at the leading edge of their chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis.

The confirmation of the PhD programme (and the end of the probationary period) is subject to students passing an assessment process, which normally involves submission of written work and on oral examination which usually takes place 12 months after the initial registration.

The final stage of the PhD degree is the oral or viva voce examination, in which students are required to defend the thesis to a Board of Examiners.

Entry requirements


Academic requirements

First or upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent in an appropriate subject.

English Language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

References

Two references are required. At least one of these should be an academic reference from the most recent place of study.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Statistics PhD


Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students. If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.

Find out more about student fees

How to pay

Funding options

Find funding for doctoral research

Payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer.

Paying your tuition fees

Application information


  • Programme title
    Statistics PhD
  • Final award
    PhD
  • Mode of study
    Part-time
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Application deadline

    3 months prior to the intended start date (for international applicants) or 2 months prior to the intended start date (for home applicants). For example, for an end of September start, the deadline is 30 June (international) and 31 July (home).

  • Regulator

Applicant profile

See our guide about how to apply for doctoral study.

Selection process

Applicants are usually interviewed in person or via Teams/Skype/Zoom by the potential supervisor, plus another academic in a related discipline (who is sometimes the potential second supervisor). The applicant's MSc thesis, or MMath project will also be taken into account.

Immigration requirements

If you are an international student, you can find out more about the visa requirements for studying in the UK.

For additional support please contact the Student Immigration Service for matters related to student visas and immigration.

Programme enquiries


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