A 2:1 in a quantitative discipline
The minimum is an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a quantitative discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
Master's · UCL Statistics
UCL Statistics MSc: quantitative entry, the project and the biostatistics change
UCL's Statistics MSc is run by the Department of Statistical Science and starts in September 2027, full-time over one calendar year or part-time. Its page asks for an upper second-class degree in a quantitative discipline with university-level mathematical methods, linear algebra and introductory probability and statistics. It needs one reference, and the biostatistics route is now a separate award, the MSc in Medical Statistics and Data Science.
2027-28 entry · Official information
What UCL asks for in UCL Statistics MSc
Taken from the UCL graduate course page for the Statistics MSc (Department of Statistical Science, course starts September 2027) 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.
University mathematics and statistics
Knowledge of mathematical methods and linear algebra at university level and familiarity with introductory probability and statistics is required. Relevant professional experience will also be taken into consideration.
Deadlines depend on visa status
Applicants who require a visa apply between 19 October 2026 and 22 March 2027. Applicants who do not require a visa apply between 19 October 2026 and 27 August 2027. Both close at 5pm UK time.
One reference, no guarantee
The course requires one reference. The page says the admissions process is expected to be highly competitive and that reaching the standard entry requirements provides no guarantee of an offer.
Biostatistics is a separate award
The page says the biostatistics pathway has been formalised as a distinct named award, the MSc in Medical Statistics and Data Science. This guide does not cover that course.
Five compulsory modules
The compulsory modules are Statistical Models and Data Analysis, Statistical Design of Investigations, Statistical Computing, Applied Bayesian Methods and the Research Project.
Official sources
Read on 2 November 2026 on the UCL graduate course page for the Statistics MSc (Department of Statistical Science, course starts September 2027), which describes 2027-28 entry. The English language requirements, the country-specific equivalent qualifications, the part-time details, the contact-hours and assessment details, the fee and funding sections, the Medical Statistics and Data Science course page and the application guidance pages were not read and are not stated.
Fit
Which statistics course this is
The course takes a broad-based approach to statistics, and the page says students can specialise through optional modules and a suitable research project.
A mathematics, statistics or quantitative graduate
This matches the entry rule. The page expects university-level mathematical methods and linear algebra, and familiarity with introductory probability and statistics.
An applicant interested in medical statistics
The biostatistics pathway is now a distinct award, the MSc in Medical Statistics and Data Science. Read that course page and compare it before choosing; this guide does not describe it.
An applicant who wants data science or machine learning
UCL lists a separate Data Science MSc in the same department. Compare the entry rules, in particular the programming requirement, before choosing.
Decision
The project and the specialisation
The research project consolidates the taught component. The readings below are Avandy's judgment (heuristic), not UCL's.
The research project
Students normally analyse and interpret data from a real, complex problem. Topics come from a departmental list or from students' own suggestions, and the list usually includes some projects with industrial partners.
Optional modules
Listed options include Statistical Inference, Stochastic Systems, Forecasting, Stochastic Methods in Finance, Medical Statistics 1 and 2 and Optimisation and Operations Research. The page says availability is subject to change.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
Pick the application area before you apply and say so in the statement, because the page ties specialisation to the optional modules and the project.
Application
What the application should show
The page lists what UCL would like to learn when assessing an application.
What UCL would like to learn
Why you want to study Statistics at graduate level, why at UCL, what attracts you to the course, how your academic background meets its demands and where you want to go professionally.
References and limits
One reference is required. An applicant may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses in any application cycle.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
With competition described as high, spend the statement on the mathematics and statistics modules the page asks for, with grades and key topics.
Planning
Planning for the September 2027 start
The page describes a September 2027 start, and the dates above belong to that cycle.
What to do now
Check your degree and your mathematics against the page, choose full-time or part-time and decide whether this course or the Medical Statistics and Data Science MSc fits, and request one reference. Re-read the page before submitting, because UCL says module content and availability can change.
Support
Independent support with course choice and the written application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with University College London 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
Questions applicants ask
What degree does the UCL Statistics MSc ask for?
An upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a quantitative discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
What mathematics do I need?
Knowledge of mathematical methods and linear algebra at university level and familiarity with introductory probability and statistics.
When do applications close?
For applicants who require a visa, at 5pm UK time on 22 March 2027; for those who do not, at 5pm UK time on 27 August 2027.
Can I specialise in biostatistics?
The page says the biostatistics pathway has been formalised as a distinct award, the MSc in Medical Statistics and Data Science.
How many references are needed?
The page says the course requires one reference.
Students and families
Talk to us about the UCL Statistics MSc
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.