Master's Programme in Statistics - Statistical Modelling and Data Science, 120 credits

Start term: Autumn 2025 (application period closed)

The master's programme in Statistics with a focus on statistical modeling and data science will prepare you for taking a leading role in the analysis and understanding of complex information flows. The programme is a good starting point for a career in Statistics or Data Science in the private or public sector, both nationally and internationally.

Specific entry requirements

A first-cycle qualification of at least 180 credits, of which at least 90 credits are for studies in statistics, alternatively at least 30 credits are for studies in statistics and 60 credits for mathematics, alternatively 60 credits are for studies in statistics including 7.5 credits in statistical theory and 7.5 credits in regression analysis/econometrics. The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English 6" or "English B" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

Tuition fees

EU citizens

If you have citizenship in a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are NOT required to pay application or tuition fees.

Non - EU citizens

Tuition fee, first instalment: 67390 SEK

Total fee: 269560 SEK

The programme is focused on the analysis of data with a foundation in statistical theory and gives you the tools needed to find patterns in large and complex data sets, or for more accurate statistical modeling with the aim of identifying causal relationships. You get a good foundation for a career in data science and as a statistician where you are well equipped to drive the design of statistical surveys and make your own contributions to statistical method development. Perhaps you want to pursue a PhD in statistics? Even then, the programme is something for you!

The programme is offered in English and you study with people from different parts of the world, all with a common focus on a career in Statistics or Data Science. Your teachers also have extensive professional experience and a wide network of contacts, internationally within academia and with employers in Sweden.

As the only university in Sweden – and one of only two universities in the Nordic countries – Örebro University has been awarded the European Master in Official Statistics (EMOS) label by Eurostat. The European Master in Official Statistics is offered as an elective option in the Master’s Programme in Statistics. The option includes a 15 credit internship course at an agency in the official statistics field. The internship and the course work in the EMOS options provide students with the qualifications needed for a career in official statistics – in Sweden or internationally.

The training emphasizes the ability to communicate and collaborate, partly to identify the organization's information needs and the prerequisites for the statistical survey or data analysis, partly to be able to clearly communicate the selected approaches and results.

The programme of study is two years long and leads to a master’s degree (2 years) but there is also an option to exit after one year with a master’s (1 year) degree. The programme is delivered during four semesters each consisting of 30 ECTS credits of course work. During the first fall semester, the foundation is laid with courses in data visualization, programming in languages such as R and Python, database management and courses in mathematics, probability theory and inference theory. The second (spring) semester begins with courses in econometrics and computer-intensive methods and ends with a thesis (15 ECTS credits). In the second year, the fall semester consists of courses in machine learning, Bayesian statistics and survey sampling theory as well as 15 ECTS credits of optional courses. During the fourth semester, there is an opportunity to do an internship, alternatively optional courses are taken. The semester ends with a second thesis (15 ECTS credits).

Programme syllabus Master's Programme in Statistics - Statistical Modelling and Data Science, 120 credits

During semester 1 on the programme, students take the courses Statistics, Mathematics, Second Cycle, 5 credits; Statistics, Data Visualisation, Second Cycle, 5 credits; Statistics, Probability Theory, Second Cycle, 5 credits; Computer Science, Programming for Statisticians, Second Cycle, 5 credits; Statistics, Inference Theory, Second Cycle, 5 credits; and Computer Science, Databases, Second Cycle, 5 credits.

During semester 2, students take the courses Statistics, Econometrics, Second Cycle, 7.5 credits, and Statistics, Computational Statistics, Second Cycle 7.5 credits, as well as Statistics, Independent Project, Second Cycle, 15 credits.

During semester 3, students take the courses Statistics, Bayesian Statistics, Second Cycle, 5 credits; Statistics, Survey Sampling, Second Cycle, 5 credits; Statistics, Machine Learning for Data Science, Second Cycle, 5 credits; as well as 15 credits of optional courses from the university’s range of courses. We recommend students to select courses in statistics on the second cycle, mathematics, informatics, computer science or another field of application.

During semester 4, students take the course Statistics, Work Placement for Statisticians, 15 credits, alternatively 15 credits worth of courses in statistics on the second cycle, courses in mathematics, informatics, computer science or another field of application. This is followed by the course Statistics, Independent Project II, Second Cycle, 15 credits.

Degree of Master of Science (60 credits)
Students who wish to complete their studies with a Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) take the courses and write their thesis as described for semester 1 and 2 above.

Specific entry requirements: A first-cycle qualification of at least 180 credits, of which at least 90 credits are for studies in statistics, alternatively at least 30 credits are for studies in statistics and 60 credits for mathematics, alternatively 60 credits are for studies in statistics including 7.5 credits in statistical theory and 7.5 credits in regression analysis/econometrics. The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English 6" or "English B" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

First semester: Autumn semester 2025

Pace of study: Full Time

Level: Second Cycle

Study places: 5

Selection: Number of credits obtained no later than on the last application date

Study venue: Örebro

School: Örebro University School of Business

Qualifications: Degree of Master of Arts/Science [60 credits], Degree of Master of Arts/Science [120 credits]

Language of instruction: The language of instruction is English.

Head of programme: Stepan Mazur

Application code ORU-M2501

The increasing information availability and data flow increases the job market for statisticians, which for the foreseeable future is very good. The profession is repeatedly ranked high in international comparisons, but the competition for jobs is relatively small - both for newly graduated and established statisticians.

Career opportunities are good, and a statistician can work in a wide variety of fields. Examples of employers are banks, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, companies in the manufacturing industry, gambling companies, marketing and consulting companies and public authorities such as national statistical institutes or international agencies.

You can contact our study advisors with questions regarding subjects, courses, programmes, and the labor market. For example, there may be questions about eligibility, admission scores, the content of the programs and courses, how you plan your studies, degree and more. Our study advisors can also provide information on credit transfer, study breaks and study interruptions. The study advisor is bound by professional secrecy regarding information.

Student Stories

Elsa Nilsson outside in front of the SCB sign.

“Statistics is both fun – and useful in all sectors”

Elsa Nilsson is studying the Master’s programme in Statistics at Örebro University. She is doing her work placement at SCB, Statistics Sweden. “It’s a good opportunity to experience a workplace or industry and maybe discover something you like,” she says.

Oscar Tansbo in front of a sign at Epiroc.

“My internship is exciting and provides valuable lessons.”

Oscar Tansbo is studying the Master’s programme in Statistics at Örebro University and chose to do a work placement at the multinational company, Epiroc. “My placement provides a very positive experience that’s also great to have on my CV,” he says.

Jacob Kasche.

“A master’s degree in statistics makes you more attractive in the job market.”

A master’s degree in statistics opens the door for more advanced tasks at attractive employers. Jacob Kasche is a Methodologist at Statistics Sweden (SCB), where he investigates how big data and AI can be applied to generate improved labour market statistics in the future.
“All the loose ends were tied up in the master’s programme, allowing me to understand the bigger picture.”

Leila Sati

“I have learned so much”

The informality of the Swedish higher education combined with the familiar atmosphere at Örebro University meant that I have learned so much, says Leila Sati from Kazakhstan, a Master’s student in the Applied Statistics programme.

Hugo Sjöqvist outside his work at Karolinska Institute.

"The demand for statisticians is ever-increasing"

Hugo Sjöqvist completed his Master’s in Applied Statistics at Orebro University and currently works as a statistician at Karolinska Institute. "I like being part of a team and feel that my expertise is much appreciated.”

Mohammad Ehtasham Billah receives an award from Gabriella Augustsson, Head of the Department for Promotion of Sweden, Trade and CSR at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

“I’ve learned to apply statistics in practical terms”

Mohammad Ehtasham Billah moved from Bangladesh for the Master’s Programme in Applied Statistics at Örebro University. His studies at Örebro University led to a job as a statistician in the business community.