Statistics and Operational Research MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Mathematics and Statistics

Year of entry: 2027

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2027
Part-time
  • MSc | 2 years | Start date: September 2027

Key facts

School

School of Mathematics

College

College of Science and Engineering

Programme website
Study location

King's Buildings campus

Accreditation

Available

Apply now

17 to 19 November 2026: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days

Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply.

Browse sessions and register

About the degree programme

Many important problems in industry and the public sector are not only about understanding data, but about making better decisions. Organisations need people who can analyse evidence, model systems, allocate resources, evaluate trade-offs and improve processes in areas such as logistics, transport, energy, finance and public services.

This programme gives you both sides of that toolkit: rigorous statistics and operational research. You will learn how to build and assess statistical models, quantify uncertainty, simulate complex systems, optimise decisions and communicate evidence clearly. Together, these skills help you move from understanding what the data says to deciding what should happen next.

Operational research is especially valuable in workplaces where decisions must be made under constraints of time, cost, risk and complexity. You will develop practical skills in software including R, JAGS and Arena, together with wider modelling, problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills that are highly valued by employers working with complex systems and data-rich decisions.

Edinburgh offers a strong environment for this training, with a large statistics and operational research community in the School of Mathematics, a wide range of optional courses, and links with external organisations.

In this video our academic staff and students outline what to expect as part of a Masters in the area of Statistics.

Study options

This programme can be studied full-time over 1 year or part-time over 2 years.

Part-time study

If you study part-time, you will take half of the taught credits in your first year, and the other half in your second year. You will complete the final project full-time in the summer at the end of your second year.

Our large course offering means that taught courses have contact times throughout the week, and you are expected to be on campus during these times.

The taught courses are diverse and intellectually stimulating, covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications. The academic staff are incredibly supportive, and the environment among students is friendly and collaborative - everyone is willing to help each other along the way. Living in Edinburgh has also been a highlight - the city’s beauty, culture, and vibrant atmosphere made the experience even more memorable.

Aparna Jayapalan Imparattil MSc Statistics and Operational Research, graduated 2025
Aparna Jayapalan Imparattil, MSc Statistics and Operational Research

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time
Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.

For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.

The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.

Living costs: estimates explained 

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

The University is offering an international scholarship for the most academically gifted postgraduate taught (PGT) masters students applying from India. These awards, which cover £5,000 towards tuition fees for PGT masters students studying on campus will be tenable for the first year of study only.

Value: £5,000
View details: Find out more about the India Merit Scholarships

The College of Science and Engineering is offering an international scholarship for the most academically gifted postgraduate taught (PGT) masters students applying from France, Germany and Spain. These awards, which cover £10,000 towards tuition fees for PGT masters students studying on campus will be tenable for the first year of study only. 

Value: £10,000
View details: Find out more about the European Merit Scholarships

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 degree, or its international equivalent, in a numerate discipline such as mathematics, engineering, computer science, physical or biological sciences, economics or business. 
 
Your degree must have included substantial mathematics content, including calculus (including calculus of several variables), linear algebra, probability, statistics and statistical theory. Detailed information is available from the School of Mathematics website. 
 
You can increase your chances of a successful application by exceeding the minimum programme requirements.

International equivalent qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test (restrictions apply)
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 92 with 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 4.5 with at least 4.5 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

The MSc comprises 180 credits. You will complete 120 taught credits and a 60-credit dissertation project.

Across two taught semesters, you will combine core training in statistics with operational research methods such as optimisation, simulation and mathematical modelling. This combination helps you move from analysing evidence to improving systems and supporting practical decisions.

In the summer, you will complete a dissertation project. This may be industry-based or academic, and gives you the chance to apply statistics and OR to a substantial real-world or research problem.

Compulsory courses

Compulsory courses have previously included:

  • Bayesian Theory
  • Fundamentals of Operational Research
  • Fundamentals of Optimization
  • Generalised Regression Models
  • Methodology, Modelling and Consulting Skills
  • Simulation
  • Statistical Programming
  • Statistical Research Skills

Option courses

Option courses have previously included:

  • Bayesian Data Analysis
  • Biostatistics
  • Credit Scoring
  • Incomplete Data Analysis
  • Integer and Combinatorial Optimization
  • Large Scale Optimization for Data Science
  • Machine Learning in Python
  • Methods for Causal Inference*
  • Multivariate Data Analysis
  • Nonlinear Optimization
  • Operational Research in the Energy Industry
  • Optimization Methods in Finance
  • Optimization Under Uncertainty
  • Python Programming
  • Risk and Logistics
  • Statistical Methodology
  • Stochastic Modelling
  • Targeted Causal Learning
  • Theory of Statistical Inference
  • Time Series
  • Topics in Applied Operational Research

* delivered by the School of Informatics

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time
Part-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Teaching methods include lectures, practical classes, workshops, coursework, independent study and dissertation supervision.

The programme combines mathematical and statistical foundations with applied modelling. You will work with data, formulate suitable models, evaluate their strengths and limitations, and present conclusions for practical decision-making settings.

Assessment

Assessment across the programme includes written examinations, coursework, modelling exercises, practical tasks, reports and the dissertation project.

Dissertation projects

Dissertation projects on this programme can be industry-based or academic. This gives you the chance to apply statistics and operational research to substantial real-world problems in areas such as optimisation, simulation, logistics, energy, transport and public-sector decision-making.

Recent externally linked projects have included examples such as:

  • Médecins Sans Frontières - "Facility Location Model"
  • Sopra Steria - "Location-Routing Optimisation for Electric Vehicle Fleets"
  • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology - "Branch-and-bound for Optimizing Piecewise Linear Functions"
  • Peak - "Optimising Inventory Across the Entire Supply Chain"
  • Optrak - "Can Machine Learning help choice of construction heuristics for prize-collection VRPs"

Learning outcomes

At the end of this programme you will be able to:

  • demonstrate understanding of statistical theory and its applications
  • formulate and apply mathematical models for practical decision-making
  • formulate suitable statistical models for new problems, fit them to real data, and interpret the results appropriately
  • assess the validity of statistical models and recognise their limitations
  • implement computational techniques using software including R and JAGS
  • apply operational research, optimisation and simulation methods to solve practical problems
  • select appropriate statistical or operational research techniques for complex practical problems
  • communicate quantitative findings effectively in written and oral forms
  • work effectively in individual and collaborative problem-solving settings
  • plan and manage analytical work within practical time constraints

Support for your studies

Student Support Team

In the School of Mathematics, we have a dedicated Student Support Team consisting of six staff members.

You will have a Student Adviser who is your first point of contact during your time at the University of Edinburgh, and who is available to help and advise on a range of issues connected to your postgraduate study.

Study support will be provided by academics acting as Cohort Leads, with wider teaching teams, who will work with students to connect you with your programme of study and provide you with more specialist subject support.

Where you will study

Study location

Teaching for School of Mathematics courses will take place at the King's Buildings campus, usually in the James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB).

The MScHub in JCMB is specifically for School of Mathematics MSc students, and offers a dedicated space for studying and socialising, including its own kitchen facilities.

Academic facilities

Full details of the facilities available at King’s Buildings (including libraries, study spaces and catering outlets) are available on the College of Science and Engineering website:

Facilities at King's Buildings

Accreditation

This MSc is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society (RSS). This means the programme is recognised by the RSS for the purpose of eligibility for the professional award of Graduate Statistician.

The accreditation reflects the depth, breadth, quality and statistical foundation of the programme.

Career opportunities

This programme prepares you for roles that need both statistical analysis and decision-making expertise.

Graduates may be well suited to roles such as:

  • Statistician
  • Operational Research Analyst
  • Decision Scientist
  • Quantitative Analyst
  • Risk Analyst
  • Simulation Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Consultant
  • Public-sector Analyst

You will be prepared for work in sectors such as healthcare, government, finance, energy, transport, consulting and technology.

The programme also develops wider professional strengths in problem-solving, communication, teamwork and project-based analysis. These are highly valued by employers working with complex systems and data-rich decisions.

The School of Mathematics Business Development Team can also put students in touch with Edinburgh Innovations, which supports enterprise and entrepreneurship activity.

Edinburgh Innovations

Professional links

The School of Mathematics has connections with industrial partners, organisations, charities and government departments.

As an MSc student in the School, you will have opportunities to engage with external organisations through regular employability events, careers workshops, and the annual analytics challenge, whose recent partners have included Edinburgh Airport and the Data and Marketing Association.

There is also the opportunity to undertake a dissertation project with an external partner.

Recent partners for industry-based dissertations in the Statistics and Operational Research MSc include:

  • Wood Mackenzie
  • Nextail
  • Arup
  • NatWest

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Graduate profiles

You can browse some recent Statistics graduate testimonials on our School website:

Student experience

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 3 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines.

We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications may close earlier than the published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

We may make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis. However, the majority of applications will be held until the advertised deadline.

We aim to make the majority of decisions within eight weeks of the selection deadline.

If we have not made you an offer by a specific selection deadline this means one of two things:

  • your application has been unsuccessful, in which case we will contact you to let you know
  • your application is still being considered, it will be carried forward for consideration in the next selection deadline, and we will be in touch once a decision is made

The final deadline may be extended if any places remain on the programme.

If the final deadline is extended, we encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

Selection deadlines

RoundApplication deadlineDecisions made or applications rolled to the next deadline
115 December1 March
231 March31 May
331 May31 July

When to submit your supporting documents

You must submit all supporting documents by the application deadline, or we will be unable to consider your application. Regardless of when you apply, you have 28 days from submitting your application to supply any supporting documents through the Application Hub, after which we will automatically reject your application.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You must submit one reference with your application.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

Student blogs

Learn about what life is like as a MSc student in the School of Mathematics by hearing from the people that have experienced it first-hand! Our student bloggers come from all across the world, and have studied on a variety of our MSc programmes.

Postgraduate blogs

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Admissions
School of Mathematics
James Clerk Maxwell Building
The King's Buildings Campus
Edinburgh
EH9 3FD

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk

Academic contact

Dr Ioannis Papastathopoulos

Programme Director

Contact details

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