Master's · Oxford Statistics
Oxford's MSc in Statistical Science is a 12-month, full-time taught course in the Department of Statistics. For 2027-28 entry the page asks for a first-class degree with advanced mathematical and statistical content, seeks no GRE or GMAT, and requires a CV. It shows two deadlines, 13 November 2026 and 27 January 2027, and says the course trains students to choose, implement and communicate the right statistical method.
2027-28 entry · Official information
Taken from the University of Oxford graduate course page for the MSc in Statistical Science and read on 2 November 2026. The page describes 2027-28 entry; confirm every date and rule on the page before you rely on it.
The minimum is a first-class undergraduate degree with honours in a degree course with advanced mathematical and statistical content. For US degrees the page says the minimum overall GPA normally required is 3.7 out of 4.0.
Successful applicants will be expected to have a good understanding of basic parts of mathematics, probability and statistics, and a full list of prerequisite material is on the department's website.
The page says no GRE or GMAT scores are sought and that interviews are not normally held.
A CV is compulsory, and the personal statement of up to 1,000 words should summarise the advanced mathematical and statistical content you have covered or are covering.
The page shows 12:00 midday UK time on Friday 13 November 2026 for applications more likely to receive earlier decisions, and 12:00 midday UK time on Wednesday 27 January 2027 as the final deadline. The expected start date is 4 October 2027.
The course is a taught course with a dissertation based on independent research, worked on mostly between June and early September.
Official sources
Read on 2 November 2026 on the University of Oxford graduate course page for the MSc in Statistical Science, which describes 2027-28 entry. The department's list of prerequisite material, the module lists, the Application Guide, the fee and living-cost sections and the college information were not read and are not stated.
Fit
The page describes the course as training for choosing an appropriate statistical method, implementing it on a computer and communicating the results. The readings below mix Oxford's wording with Avandy's judgment, and the labels say which is which.
These degrees fit the entry rule if they carry advanced mathematical and statistical content. Check the department's prerequisite list for the specific topics.
The rule is about the content of the degree, not its title. If your degree is in economics, physics, engineering or computing, show the advanced mathematics and statistics you covered.
The page emphasises statistical theory, inference, applied and computational methods including machine learning, and mathematically demanding lectures. If your aim is a broad applied course, compare it with other master's courses before choosing.
Decision
The course combines lectures, problems classes, computer-laboratory practicals, report writing and a dissertation.
Training is delivered through mathematically demanding lectures and problems classes. Assessment combines written examinations in May and June, practical coursework set during the year and a dissertation done mostly between June and early September.
The page says the MSc can be a useful stepping stone for doctoral study, with around a third of students taking this route. It does not promise a doctoral place.
Decide early whether you want the MSc as an end in itself or as preparation for a PhD, because it changes which referees, projects and dissertation interests you should emphasise.
Application
The page lists the documents and what the statement is assessed for.
Three referees, at least two of them academic. A professional reference is acceptable as a third only in the exceptional case that the referee can offer comparable information to an academic referee. A CV is compulsory.
Up to 1,000 words, summarising your background as it relates to the MSc and the advanced mathematical and statistical content you have covered or are covering. It is assessed for reasons and motivation, understanding of the broad area, capacity for sustained and intense work, reasoning ability and the ability to absorb ideas at a rapid pace.
List the mathematics and statistics modules by name with the topics covered, because the page asks the statement to summarise that content. Choose the earlier deadline if your documents will be complete, since the page labels it as more likely to receive earlier decisions.
Planning
This page describes the 2027-28 cycle, the cycle now open. The dates and rules here belong to that cycle only.
Compare your transcript with the department's prerequisite list, choose a deadline, brief three referees, prepare the CV and draft the statement. Re-read the page before submitting, because Oxford can change a course page.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the University of Oxford or any of its departments. Support sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the published requirements of each course. No outcome is promised.
Questions
A first-class undergraduate degree with honours in a degree course with advanced mathematical and statistical content.
No. The page says no Graduate Record Examination or GMAT scores are sought.
Yes. The page says a CV or résumé is compulsory for this course.
12:00 midday UK time on Friday 13 November 2026 for applications more likely to receive earlier decisions, and 12:00 midday UK time on Wednesday 27 January 2027 as the final deadline.
The page says it can be a useful stepping stone for doctoral studies, with around a third of students taking this route. It does not guarantee a place.
Students and families
Tell us about your degree, your grades, your relevant experience and the master's courses you are weighing. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare the application.
