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MPhil/PhD in Statistics (2023 Entry)

Statistics students at the University of Warwick

Find out more about our MPhil/PhD in Statistics.

Warwick invites you to join the PhD/MPhil in Statistics. Study at Warwick's Statistics Department, one of the leading research centres for Statistics worldwide, with expertise in a wide range of topics in Statistics, Data Science, Probability and Mathematical Finance. With personalised PhD training, you will conduct specialist work under supervision of one or more faculty members working on the cutting edge of your research field.


Course overview

In collaboration with the Mathematics Institute, the Department of Statistics has created the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Mathematics and Statistics.  

Unlike many CDTs, this is not dedicated to a single topic, but covers the range of research interests of both departments. Our vision is to create a thorough training environment in mathematical sciences, spanning theoretical, methodological, and applied areas. 

The CDT environment provides common training to a cohort of PhD students across the mathematical sciences in addition to the specialised work of the PhD project under the supervision of individual faculty members. CDT students choose their supervisor and research topic during the first year of the programme. Both Departments have separate dedicated training programmes in the first year, designed to optimally prepare you for your PhD project work. PhD training that is not via the CDT and where the student works with a nominated supervisor from day one is available only in cases where this training scheme is required by the student’s funding source. 

Further details of potential PhD projects can be found on individual staff web pages. 

Applicants to the CDT do not need a detailed research proposal. However, it will help to indicate your areas of interest in your personal statement. Applicants who apply for funding from one of the University's scholarship schemes (the Chancellor's International Scholarship or the China Scholarship Council Award) must develop a research proposal in close collaboration with a potential supervisor and are strongly encouraged to contact the department well before applying.

Teaching and learning

The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Mathematics and Statistics is a four-year program that includes a taught component in the first year with modules aimed specifically at research students. These modules are assessed by coursework and oral examination. PhD students also have the option to follow modules from our Master’s courses to refine their knowledge in areas appropriate to their future research plans. All first-year students have an Academic Advisor who will help them tailor the training in the first year to fit their background and interests.

An important part of the research training is the first-year project, which will be conducted from the start of term three until the end of August. You can choose your project from a long list of proposals by potential project supervisors in a wide range of topics. Often this project will be the prelude to the actual PhD research.

You may participate in the Academy for PhD Training in Statistics (APTS), a UK-wide network that offers residential intensive taught courses four times per year. Alternative training is also offered to you if you work in Probability or Mathematical Finance.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Statistics, Mathematics or a science with sufficiently high mathematical content.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

  • Band A
  • IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in all components).

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Warwick Statistics Department is one of the largest and most energetic research environments in the UK. It boasts many internationally recognised researchers eager to engage new bright students and collaborators so that they can contribute to their programmes of investigation.

Research within the department can be conveniently divided into three areas, which are somewhat distinct but present a lot of synergies:

Find a supervisor

Applicants are not expected to identify a PhD supervisor before applying.

You are expected to join the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematics and Statistics which commences with two terms of taught modules. Once you are embedded in the department and have seen the range of opportunities on offer, you will choose your first-year project with a project supervisor. Usually, this will naturally lead on to a PhD project with the same supervisor and you will commence your PhD project work in earnest at the start of year two.

An exception to this rule occurs when the PhD is funded by a competitive scholarship that requires a supervisor to be identified and a project to be developed at the time of application (e.g. The Chancellor's International Scholarship or the China Scholarship Council Award). In this case we recommend that you provide a list of 2-4 potential supervisors as part of your personal statement. It will help to look carefully through the list of active research interests in the Department. The admissions tutors may match you with a supervisor, based on the areas of interest in your personal statement, to support you in the development of a project proposal for the scholarship application.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Taught course fees  Research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Department content block about careers

Statistics at Warwick

Statistics and probability theory are key to understanding data and underlying processes involving risk and uncertainty.

We also explore applications in a wide array of areas and develop impact of our research in many scientific fields within sciences, social sciences, medicine, engineering, management science, finance, commerce and others.

Founded in October 1972, Warwick Statistics is internationally renowned for its wide-ranging and world-leading research and its innovative undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.

Find out more about us on our website.Link opens in a new window


Our Postgraduate courses

Taught course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.

Research course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Postgraduate Open Day

Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.
Please register your interest to be the first to hear when booking opens.

Postgraduate fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.

Find out more

Live chats

Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.

Sign up for Live Chats

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Connect with us

Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.