The aim of the programme is to foster an interest in theoretical and applied statistics and equip you for work as a professional statistician. This degree offers students who enjoy statistics the opportunity to build on their interests and learn how to apply their knowledge in the real world by analysing and critically interpreting data, building statistical models of real situations, and using cutting edge programming tools and software packages.

The compulsory course will provide you with comprehensive coverage of fundamental aspects of probability and statistical methods and principles. It provides the foundations for the optional courses on more advanced statistical modelling, computational methods and advanced probability theory. Options also include specialist courses from the Departments of Methodology, Mathematics, Economics and Social Policy. Below are some indicative pathways:

• Statistics route with a broad area of applications such as economics, research methodology and social sciences
• Route tailored towards computational statistics, machine learning and data science
• Route towards applications of statistics to econometrics and finance.

Graduates of the programme are awarded Graduate Statistician (GradStat) status by the Royal Statistical Society.

Teaching methods

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only.

Assessment

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Most courses are summatively assessed by a two-hour exam in the summer term, although some contain an element of course work. The dissertation is an independent piece of research on a subject of your choice.

Careers

Students on this programme have excellent career prospects. Former students have taken up positions in consulting firms, banks and in the public sector. Many go on to take higher degrees. Graduates of the MSc are awarded Graduate Statistician (GradStat) status by the Royal Statistical Society.