Studiegids

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Year 1

Vak EC Semester 1 Semester 2

Mandatory (semester 1)

Linear & generalized linear models and linear algebra 9
Mathematics for statisticians 3
Statistical computing with R 6
Statistics and Data Science in Practice 3
Statistics and probability 9

Mandatory (semester 2)

Essentials for Data Science 6

Mandatory (2 out of 3 of the courses below)

Bayesian Statistics 6
Mixed and longitudinal modeling 6
Multivariate analysis and multidimensional data analysis 6

Preapproved electives (semester 2)

Survival analysis 6
Survey Methodology 6
Study designs in the Life and Behavioral Sciences 6

Year 2

Vak EC Semester 1 Semester 2

Mandatory (semester 1)

Advanced Statistical Computing 3
Statistical Consulting (Statistical Science) 5
Thesis Project 34

Preapproved Electives (semester 1)

Advances in Data Mining 6
High-dimensional data analysis 6
Introduction to Deep Learning 6
Psychometrics and Structural Equation Modeling 6
Statistical learning 6
Statistical genetics 6
EMOS Core Module 12

More info

The master programme Statistics and Data Science is organised jointly by groups at different institutes and universities:

  • Mathematical Institute, Leiden University

  • Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University

  • Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center

  • Biometris – Applied Statistics, Wageningen University and Research centre

Together these institutes have expertise in a wide area of statistics and data science both practical and theoretical. Many of the scientific staff members are involved in other educational tasks, conduct research on methods, participate in multi disciplinary research projects and perform consultations.

The Statistics and Data Science programme provides students with a thorough introduction to the general philosophy and methodology of statistical modelling and data analysis, with a focus on applications in the life and behavioral sciences. It is open to students with a variety of backgrounds, both in the applied domains (e.g. psychology, biology, medicine), and in quantitative domains like mathematics and statistics. It aims to educate multidisciplinary researchers and professionals that can combine theory and application. Students also gain knowledge of methods and research designs as used in a broad range of empirical research, and practical skills such as statistical programming, statistical consultation, and written and oral communication of research results.

The nominal duration of the programme will be two years (120 ECTS). The study time may be substantially reduced for students with particular prior knowledge.

Statistics and Data Science graduates’ skills and competences

The Statistics and Data Science programme provides the students with a thorough knowledge of

  • Statistical and data science methods and research designs as used in a broad range of empirical research

  • Practical skills such as programming, consultation, and written and oral communication of research results.

The graduates will be able to carry out research in the field of quantitative methods for the medical and life sciences and/or the behavioural sciences. They will be able to advise substantive researchers on methodological and statistical issues, and many of them will be expected to continue in a PhD programme. Whether more attracted to the medical or to the behavioural direction, the successful student will gain a thorough understanding of statistical models, their implementation and their interpretation, and develop the ability to invent new models and techniques when needed. Graduates will thus qualify for jobs in a wide range of areas, such as academic medical hospitals, many types of industry (pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, life science in general, oil, etc.), research institutes, financial institutions, government statistics bureaus, educational services (CITO), marketing bureaus. In view of the emphasis on statistics and datra science as a science, rather than as merely a collection of techniques, many graduates will qualify for a PhD programme as well.

Career Perspectives

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