Overview
As medical data continues to grow, this specialist Master’s degree will equip you with the expertise to analyse and interpret medical data effectively. You’ll learn how to harness this growing resource and tackle complex medical challenges with confidence.
Our Medical Statistics MSc is ideal for anyone looking to build a career in the medical and health sciences industries. You’ll graduate with an advanced understanding of statistical methods and data science.
You’ll also learn how to:
- design efficient clinical studies which give high-quality evidence
- use data to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of new drugs
- apply causal inference methods to ensure robust answers to important health questions
Newcastle University has a long-standing history in medical research, and our expertise are globally recognised.
During your degree, you’ll explore topics such as:
- clinical trials
- epidemiology and causal inference
- health economics and decision theory
For your dissertation project, you’ll work with leading academics who are actively involved in high-profile medical statistics research. They’re well-connected to the medical and health sciences field.
Our leading reputation and strong ties to industry mean you’ll learn from guest speakers from prominent international medical and health sciences companies.
READ LESS
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
MSc – Master of Science
An MSc is a taught Master’s degree. It usually involves the study of a science-related subject.
You’ll usually study an MSc full-time over 12 months.
A Master of Science is typically awarded for the successful completion of 100 credits of taught modules and an 80-credit dissertation or research project.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.
What you’ll learn
Semester 1
Our bespoke modules in Semester 1 will introduce you to forward-thinking topics in data science and statistics. You’ll develop an understanding of:
- statistical methodology
- probabilistic reasoning
You’ll learn practical skills in:
- data management
- data integration
- data handling
Semester 2
You’ll build on your learning from Semester 1 with advanced modules to develop your expertise in a broad range of computational and statistical methods. You’ll also gain a strong foundation in applied statistics in medicine, equipping you to solve complex data analysis problems in medical settings.
Semester 3
In the final phase of your course, you’ll undertake a dissertation project. You’ll work with experts from the Faculty of Medical Sciences or one of our industry partners. You’ll apply your learning to a cutting-edge, real-world medical and health sciences project.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Medical Statistics MSc modules
Compulsory modules
- Graduate Foundations of Statistics and Data Science (30 credits)
- Graduate Foundations of Probability and Mathematical Statistics (30 credits)
- Clinical Trials with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
- Decision Modelling for Health Data Science with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
- Advanced Topics in Medical Statistics and Health Data Science (10 credits)
You must choose one of the following modules:
- Dissertation In Medical Statistics (60 credits)
- Industrial Dissertation in Statistics and Data Science (60 credits)
Optional modules
You must choose 30 credits from the following list of optional modules:
- Clinical Trials with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
- Decision Modelling for Health Data Science with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
- Advanced Topics in Medical Statistics and Health Data Science (10 credits)
- Statistical Foundations of Machine Learning with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
- Experimental Design with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
- Probability Theory with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
- Extreme Value Theory with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
- Sports Modelling with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
- Survival Analysis with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
- Time Series with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
- Stochastic Financial Modelling with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
- Statistical Genetics with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
- Advanced Topics in Statistics and Data Science (10 credits)
How you’ll learn
You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- practical computer lab sessions
- group work
This Master’s will be delivered by experts from the:
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Oral presentation
- Poster
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Additional assessment information
Over the summer semester, you’ll carry out a dissertation project. This is a substantial piece of independent work supervised by an academic in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, or an industrial partner from the medical and health sector.
In your project, you’ll use statistical techniques to address a medical application.
You’ll be assessed through a:
- written interim project plan
- poster presentation
- final written dissertation
Numbas learning software
You’ll have access to a specialist learning software called Numbas. Developed at Newcastle University, it’s now used by mathematicians and statisticians worldwide.
This innovative software allows you to work on interactive code worksheets, so you can test and refine your skills throughout your course.
Specialist software and tool support
You’ll have support from our award-winning Digital Learning Team, who can assist you with the specialised software and tools you need for the programme.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
The Medical Statistics MSc is delivered jointly by the:
The degree is delivered by experts working at the frontier of a wide range of statistical and medical research areas.
You’ll work alongside academics from the following research groups:
- Statistics: World-class research in modern statistics and data science.
- Biostatistics: Over 30 statisticians working in developing and applying innovative methods in clinical trials and observational studies.
- Health Economics: A large group exploring economic evaluation, complex modelling, and valuation of health outcomes in a variety of settings.
Newcastle University is also home to the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). This gives you unique opportunities to collaborate with industry partners across multiple sectors.
Your development
Research skills
You’ll develop your essential research skills, including proposing, executing, and reporting on an extended research project.
You’ll gain a deep understanding of mathematical and statistical theory and how to apply specific computational and statistical tools to real-world data analysis problems.
You’ll also learn to construct and analyse statistical models to address applied data-based questions.
Practical skills
You’ll gain practical skills to:
- critically evaluate research
- store, manipulate, and present data
- apply statistical software for data analysis and interpretation
- communicate data analysis insights to diverse audiences
Your future
Your career
This Medical Statistics MSc can provide a pathway to various careers in:
- public health
- pharmacy
- life sciences
- medical research
Potential roles for graduates with medical statistics expertise include:
- Medical Statistician
- Drug Developer
- Data Scientist
- Clinical Trials Statistician
- Biostatistician
- Epidemiologist
- Public Health Analyst
Further study
For those interested in an academic career, this degree provides a route into PhD level study in a wide range of fields, depending on your choice of optional modules.
As a medical statistics graduate, you can focus on advanced research in statistical methods and their applications in healthcare and medicine. Examples include:
- biostatistics
- trials methodology
- epidemiology
- health data science
- pharmaceutical statistics
- health technologies assessments
- AI and machine learning in healthcare
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Statistics and Operational Research – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
You’ll have access to our facilities in the School of Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics, including our computer cluster and new Learning Lab.
Collaborations with the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) and other industry partners will also enhance your learning experience.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 BSc honours degree, or international equivalent, in mathematical sciences or another quantitative degree with a formal mathematical component. Examples include, but are not limited to, computer sciences, economics, engineering and similar disciplines.
Applicants from a non-standard background and individuals with strong relevant work experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis.
