Statistics

PhD

  • Entry year 2024 or 2025
  • Duration Full time 3 - 4 years, Part time 4 - 7 years

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

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

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.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

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Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 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.

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