Overview
We welcome applications from those seeking to undertake PhD research degrees.
The PhD in Statistics is a three-year programme aimed at those who have acquired substantial statistical knowledge and experiences and who are ready to embark an independent research project.
The Statistics Group is interested in the development of novel statistical models and methods motivated by applied problems, with particular emphasis on environmental, biomedical and social sciences. Methodological strengths include stochastic modelling and inference, computationally intensive methods, time series analysis, extreme value statistics, methods for the design and analysis of clinical trials, nonparametric regression, functional data analysis and statistical learning. There is a strong emphasis on the interface between theory and application, and the group has close research links with other University departments, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and research institutes, both within the UK and overseas.
Students will work under individual supervision to contribute to research in a chosen area, while research training courses will support additional learning and personal development. Students will also have the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant on our taught programmes; a valuable source of experience and income.
We recommend that potential applicants visit our department website to read the latest information about our research interests, projects and funding opportunities.
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Mathematics and Statistics or in a related subject where there is substantial mathematical and statistical components.
It would also be desirable to have a Master’s Degree (MSc or MSci) in Statistics, Mathematics or Data Science or in related subjects that have substantial components in Mathematical or Statistical Theory/Methodology/Applications with experiences in scientific computing and writing.
Typically, your degree is expected to have covered the following modules:
- Calculus
- Analysis
- Linear Algebra
- Scientific computing
- Probability
- Statistical Inference
We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
Additional Requirements
The first step if you are interested in studying for postgraduate research in Mathematics or Statistics is to contact the relevant PhD admissions tutor.
English Language Requirements
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.
If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.
Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
Fees and funding
| Location | Full Time (per year) | Part Time (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Home | £4,786 | £2,393 |
| International | £26,492 | £13,246 |
-
Additional costs
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2023 and 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
-
Application fees and tuition fee deposits
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
-
What is my fee status?
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
-
Fees in subsequent years
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Scholarships and bursaries
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.
| Scheme | Based on | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Based on {{item.eligibility_basis}} | Amount {{item.amount}} |
We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.
-
Mathematics and Statistics
- Data Science MSc
- Data Science PgCert
- Data Science PgDip
- Health Data Science MSc
- Health Data Science PhD
- Mathematics PhD
- Natural Sciences MSc by Research
- Natural Sciences PhD
- Social Statistics PhD
- Statistics MSc
- Statistics PGDip
- Statistics PhD (Integrated)
- Statistics and Epidemiology PhD
- Statistics and Operational Research MRes
- Statistics and Operational Research (STOR-i) PhD
Find a PhD Supervisor
To begin to develop your PhD proposal, you will first need to find an academic supervisor from one of our research groups. With 100% of our research being rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), Lancaster is one of the UK's top departments for research in mathematics and statistics.
-
Pure Mathematics
We have strong research groups in Algebra and Geometry, Analysis and Probability, Discrete Mathematics and Geometric Rigidity Theory.
-
Statistics
Research in statistics at Lancaster focuses on the interface of methodology and application. We believe that strong interaction with research users is imperative for developing new statistical ideas that are of practical importance.
-
STOR-i Centre for Doctoral Training
STOR-i is a pioneering four year doctoral training programme with a ground-breaking approach to statistics and operational research.
More Information and Opportunities
-
-
Current Funded Opportunities
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2024/2025 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
Why Lancaster?
-
League tables and reputation
A highly-ranked university with a global reputation.
-
Colleges and community
Your college will be your home away from home.
-
Careers and employability
Career support for our students through university and beyond.
-
Student life
Lancaster has so much to offer. On our campus, in our city and in our community, you’ll find your place – whoever you are.
-
Where is Lancaster?
Lancaster is easy to get to and surrounded by natural beauty.
-
The campus and the city
Our campus and the surrounding area is a great place to call home.
-
Your global experience
Build your global community on campus and around the world.
-
Wellbeing and support
Services to help you fulfil your potential at Lancaster.
