Warwick invites you to join our MPhil/PhD course in Statistics. Study at Warwick's Statistics Department, one of the leading research centres for Statistics worldwide, covering a wide range of topics in theoretical and methodological Statistics and its interdisciplinary applications, computational Statistics and machine learning, foundations of AI, theoretical and applied Probability, and Mathematical Finance. You will be trained as a well-rounded researcher through the training programme delivered by the Centre of Doctoral Training (CDT) in Statistics. You will conduct cutting edge, innovative research under the supervision of one or more faculty members that are experts in the corresponding research area.
The MPhil/PhD course is Statistics is delivered by the CDT in Statistics. Unlike many CDTs, this is not dedicated to a single topic, but covers the range of research areas within probability and statistics, in theoretical and methodological Statistics and its interdisciplinary applications, computational Statistics and machine learning, foundations of AI, theoretical and applied Probability, and Mathematical Finance. Our vision is to create a thorough training environment that allows you to develop both depth and breadth of knowledge and skills and fosters innovative and interdisciplinary thinking. We have a dedicated training programme in the first year, designed to optimally prepare you for your PhD project work and opportunities for continuing development through the years.
For the CDT in Statistics, first-year training is split into two parts: a common core, aiming to provide you with an overview of research topics and activity in all areas represented within the department as well as to develop fundamental research skills and an optional core, allowing you to choose from a wide range of advanced graduate modules, designed for PhD students. This optimally prepares you for the specialised work of the PhD project under the supervision of individual faculty members. You will choose your supervisor and research topic during the first year of the programme. 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 research interests of faculty members and 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, noting that there is no commitment to stay within that area.
The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in 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.
Term one modules, Milestones in Probability and Statistics (ST920) and Statistical Frontiers (ST921), are core for all students in the Statistics CDT. They are designed to give you an overview of all research areas and activity in the department, while developing skills such as collaborative work and academic writing and presentation. They aim to give you breadth of knowledge and awareness of research questions and methodologies across all areas of Probability and Statistics.
In term two, you will choose a minimum of two modules from Graduate topics in Probability (ST924), Graduate topics in Statistics (ST925), Graduate topics in Computational Stochastics and Machine Learning (ST923) and Graduate topics in Applied Probability and Mathematical Finance (ST922). Each topics module consists of three 10h lecture blocks presenting an advanced graduate topic within the corresponding area, taught by an expert. Topics can vary from year to year. By term 2, you will be expected to have some idea of the research area you want work in and term 2 modules are designed to give you in-depth preparation in that area. It is also possible to take additional training outside the Statistics Department (e.g. Mathematics Department, Doctoral College) or the University (e.g. Academy for PhD Training in Statistics or appropriate Summer Schools), as required.
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. You are also encouraged to discuss and co-create projects with potential supervisors in their research area. Often this project will be the prelude to the actual PhD research.
Entry requirements
2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Statistics, Mathematics or a science with sufficiently high mathematical content.
IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0
Please adjust your country as required:
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page.
We typically ask for two academic references for research courses.
You will be asked to include an email address for your referee(s) when submitting your application and we will contact them for you.
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Research themes
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 five areas, which are somewhat distinct but present a lot of synergies:
Probability
Mathematical Finance
Computational Statistics and Machine Learning
Statistical Methodology and Theory
Applied Statistics
Supervisors and proposals
There are several routes to finding a PhD supervisor at University of Warwick. Searching for a supervisor and submitting a research proposal will look different depending on the opportunity you are applying for. Below you’ll find guidance from the department about what is required for this course.
For more general advice, including top tips for finding and contacting a potential supervisor, and what to include in your research proposal visit the university’s guidance webpages.
Applicants are not expected to identify a PhD supervisor before applying.
You are expected to join the Centre for Doctoral Training in 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. 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.
A research proposal is not needed. Students are strongly encouraged to review the department's guidance and contact the department directly before applying.
Fees and scholarships
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 assessment and some student amenities.
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.
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of research trips in the UK and overseas. In addition, you should consider the more general costs below:
Access to research material that is not available via university resources
Printing and binding a personal copy of your dissertation
Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Go beyond the numbers to unlock the potential of data.
Why study with us?
Here, you’ll uncover how data, risk and uncertainty shape the world around us. From science and medicine, to finance and social research, statistics gives you the tools to understand patterns and probability.
Internationally-recognised for forward-thinking teaching and world-leading statistical research, we’ve been delivering innovative undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes since 1972.
Join one of the world’s most research-active Statistics departments, with global collaborations and particular strengths in foundational statistical theory and methodology, probability, computational statistics, finance and interdisciplinary applications.
Based in our purpose-built Mathematical Sciences Building, the Department of Statistics offers modern teaching and research spaces at the heart of campus. Shared with Mathematics and Computer Science, this hub offers you excellent lecture theatres, collaborative work areas and well-equipped computer laboratories designed to foster analytical learning and collaboration.
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Applications for courses starting in academic year 2026/27 are now open.
For research courses that start in September and October 2027, the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2027.
For courses starting at other times of year we recommend that you submit your application a minimum of 3 months prior to your intended start date.
This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK if required. We will still accept late applications, however cannot guarantee that the application will be processed in time to complete the admissions process if received late or there are a number of conditions to meet.
If applying late please include your degree certificates and transcripts, English proficiency evidence (if needed) and ensure referees can submit references promptly to allow time for CAS and visa processing (if applicable).
This information is applicable for 2027 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our web page 'Important information to consider before making an application' in advance of applying to Warwick.
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