Master of Statistics and Data Science
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
EUR 2,530 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
The need for well-trained biostatisticians, bioinformaticians, and epidemiological and public-health scientists is ever-increasing, enhanced by the scientific revolution in molecular biology and genetics, and its impact on health and the environment.
Hasselt University’s Master of Statistics and Data Science with specializations: Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Quantitative Epidemiology and Data Science, keep abreast of such evolutions. The master's program combines a solid study of principles of applied and biostatistics with up-to-date information on topics such as clinical trials, public health, longitudinal data, survival analysis, genetics, survey methodology, etc.
The specialization in Bioinformatics makes it possible to keep an even closer pace with the more specific professional needs and skills required due to the development of novel experimental techniques in molecular biology and
genetics.
Hasselt University’s Master of Statistics acquired accreditation from the prestigious Royal Statistical Society and is currently in the process of applying for renewal of the RSS accreditation.
Graduates from accredited courses will be granted the Society’s professional status of Graduate Statistician on the application. Graduate Statistician is a grade of professional membership of the Society. It provides formal recognition of an individual’s statistical qualifications. Graduate Statisticians will be able to further undertake suitable professional training and experience, normally for at least five years, so as to be eligible to apply for Chartered Statistician status
Strengths of the Master of Statistics: Biostatistics
In the specialization, Biostatistics/Biostatistics ICP sound training in modern statistical methodology, necessary for the design and analysis of biomedical and epidemiological studies, is provided. Core biostatistics courses are Longitudinal Data Analysis, Survival Analysis, and Clinical Trials. The specialization in Biostatistics has a strong research orientation.
The program of students from developing countries, with a scholarship sponsored by the University Development Cooperation Section of the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR-UOS), is adapted to their specific needs and interests in the Biostatistics ICP specialization.
Strengths of the Master of Statistics: Bioinformatics
The rapid evolution of scientific research in genomics and proteomics continuously requires new knowledge and skills. Besides a working knowledge of molecular biology, there is the need for specialized knowledge of, and applied skills in database management, computer programming, statistical techniques, and knowledge discovery & integration.
The Master of Statistics: Bioinformatics prepares graduates in such a way that they:
• Are able to design and analyze experiments aimed at obtaining genomic and proteomic data.
• Possess the necessary knowledge and skills to develop, understand and create bioinformatics software tools and databases.
• Become self-assured, independent, and assertive professionals for whom analyzing an issue, structuring information, working in international and multidisciplinary teams, conducting and chairing discussions, and presenting ideas have become second nature.
Strengths of the Master of Statistics: Epidemiology and Public Health Methodology
The specialization Epidemiology & Public Health Methodology offers a professionally-oriented program with an emphasis on epidemiology, modeling of infectious diseases, and microbial risk assessment.
Career Opportunities
Career Prospects for the Master of Statistics: Biostatistics
Over the years graduates have found positions in:
- biomedical research institutes
- the pharmaceutical industry
- government
- healthcare
- academia (Ph.D.)
Career Prospects for the Master of Statistics: Bioinformatics
Over the years graduates in bioinformatics have found positions in:
- biomedical research institutes
- biotech & pharma industry
- academia (Ph.D.)
Career Prospects for the Master of Statistics: Epidemiology and Public Health Methodology
Over the years graduates have found positions in:
- public health institutes
- food safety agencies
- epidemiology departments
- government
- academia (Ph.D.)
Gallery
Curriculum
First year
The introductory phase provides thorough fundamental knowledge of statistics. Students will become familiar with data, statistical analysis, and, first and foremost, statistical concepts and reasoning. Apart from topic-related subjects, such as regression and analysis of variance, a lot of attention is devoted to group-based project work.
In the first semester, students of Epidemiology & Public Health Methodology and Biostatistics have 5 compulsory subjects, a group project, and one optional subject.
The students of Bioinformatics have 6 compulsory subjects and a group project.
In the second semester, the focus shifts from univariate models for continuous data to discrete data models and nonparametric approaches, as well as to correlated responses, combined with the discovery of associations. Within the second semester 3 subjects, 2 group projects, and an optional subject are common to all specializations.
Additionally, students of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Epidemiology & Public Health Methodology are offered a compulsory subject specific to the specialization and an optional subject. Students of Bioinformatics are offered 1 compulsory subject which is specific to the specialization of Bioinformatics.
Second year
The second year offers more specialized subjects, within each specialization. Contributing components to the master’s dissertation project of Biostatistics, Biostatistics ICP, are three group projects (3+3+3 ECTS) and the individual dissertation project (17 ECTS). Contributing to the master’s dissertation project in Bioinformatics are two individual projects (5+7 ECTS) and the individual dissertation project (17 ECTS).
The master’s dissertation project of the Epidemiology & Public Health Methodology study consists of two group projects (6+3 ECTS) and the individual dissertation project (17 ECTS). For each specialization, this master’s dissertation project is linked with an internship, scheduled in the second semester (May-August).
The university decree for Flanders is built around a credit point system that is based on the principles of ECTS. ECTS is the European Credit Transfer System.
Each year of a full-time degree program counts 60 credits. Ideally, these credits are equally spread over two semesters, i.e. 30 credits per semester. Given that the expected total study load per year ranges from 1,500 to 1,800 hours for a full-time program, 1 credit represents a study load of 25 to 30 hours. Study load includes time spent in class, personal work, and exams.
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
International students can apply for a scholarship to the Master of Statistics and Data Science.
Master Mind scholarships
Master Mind scholarships for master students (for outstanding students only)
The Government of Flanders launched this new scholarship program in 2015, Master Mind Scholarships. For the academic year 2017-2018, it awarded up to 45 scholarships to outstanding Master's students from all countries. The program aims to promote the internationalization of Flemish Higher Education.
International Course Program (ICP) – for students from developing countries
Each year, 10 exceptional students from developing countries receive a full ICP scholarship for the Master of Statistics and Data Science. The program is adapted to the specific needs and interests of statistics in developing countries.
Students and professionals from the 31 VLIR-UOS scholarship countries can apply for a scholarship to attend an ICP. The scholarships are intended for people from the South who hold a responsible position in society.
Application deadlines
- ICP Scholarship: Only for applicants that meet the criteria for VLIR UOS scholarship - February 1
- Master Mind candidates: 15 March 2022