Operational Research and Statistics

Entry requirements

First or upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a discipline which provides some quantitative training (e.g. computer science, economics, engineering, mathematics, physics, statistics).

Months of entry

September

Course content

This programme is an ideal opportunity to get equipped with the analytical, statistical and soft skills necessary for success in industry, business or in the public sector. From day one you will find yourself working on solutions to complex organisational challenges using mathematical modelling, experimental design, statistical analysis, and numerical computation. Opportunities for summer projects in a wide range of industries are an integral part of the programme.

The MSc programme in Operational Research and Statistics provides students with the ideal skill set in mathematical modelling, experimental design, statistical analysis, and numerical computation. This programme also provides soft skills such as communicating results to managers/executives. These prepare students to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities in industry, business or in the public sector.

A highlight of the programme is the three-month summer project: it may be either in Operational Research or Statistics (or the interface between the two). You will have the option to bid for an external project which is usually based at a nearby company and requires working on a real problem of practical importance to that company. You also have the option to work on an internal project which might involve data from external sources. The MSc project consists of an individual investigation and is under the supervision of a member of staff. This project enables students to integrate and consolidate skills learned on the course (and to fulfil deliverables for the sponsoring company in the case of an external project).

In summary, the learning and teaching aims of the programme are:

• To give you knowledge of operational research techniques and applied statistical theory and methods at an advanced level
• To train you for careers as either an operational researcher or as a statistician
• To enable you to develop oral and written communication skills
• To give you experience of applications of operational research and statistical methods