Statistical Science for the Life and Behavioural Sciences
| Specialisation of: | Mathematics |
|---|---|
| Degree: | Master of Science in Mathematics |
| Mode of Study: | Full-time |
| Duration: | 2 years |
| Start date: | Flexible, but preferably in September or February |
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Location: | Leiden |
| Croho/isat code: | 66980 |
The master’s track Statistical Science for the Life Sciences and Behavioural Sciences is organised jointly by groups at different institutes and universities:
- Mathematical Institute, Leiden University
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University
- Department of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Leiden University Medical Center
- Department of Mathematics, VU University Amsterdam
- Biometris – Applied Statistics, Wageningen University and Research centre
Together these institutes have expertise in a wide area of statistical science and its applications, both practical and theoretical. Many of the scientific staff members are involved in other educational tasks, or are specialised in research and statistical consultation.
Career
There is a large demand for applied statisticians at both the Master and the PhD level. Job opportunities can be found in, but are not limited to, biomedical research institutes, Health Care, TNO Institutes, agricultural research institutes and companies, bio-technology companies, pharmaceutical industry, educational testing service (ETS, CITO), social survey institutes (Statistics Netherlands (CBS), Social en Cultural Planning Office (SCP), NFI (National Forensic Institute), marketing companies, banking, food industry, and other industries.
Statistical Science graduates’ skills and competences
The Statistical Science specialisation provides students with a thorough knowledge of:
- Statistical methods and research designs as used in a broad range of empirical research
- Practical skills such as statistical programming, statistical consultation, and written and oral communication of research results.
The graduates will be able to carry out research in the field of quantitative methods for the medical and life sciences and/or the behavioural sciences. They will be able to advise substantive researchers on methodological and statistical issues, and many of them will be expected to continue in a PhD programme.
Whether more attracted to the medical or to the behavioural direction, successful students will gain a thorough understanding of statistical models, their implementation and their interpretation, and develop the ability to invent new models and techniques when needed. Graduates will thus qualify for jobs in a wide range of areas, such as academic medical hospitals, many types of industry (pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, life science in general, oil, etc.), research institutes, financial institutions, government statistics bureaus, educational services (CITO), marketing bureaus. In view of the emphasis on statistics as a science, rather than as merely a collection of techniques, many graduates will also qualify for PhD programmes.
