COURSE CURRICULUM

The two-year Master in Statistics & Data Science at Leiden University is a comprehensive program worth 120 European Credit Transfer System (EC) points, designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research experience required to excel in the field of data analysis and statistical modelling. The program is structured around a core set of mandatory courses, a selection of electives, and a Master’s Thesis Project, allowing students to gain both a broad foundation and opportunities for specialised focus. Students can enter the program in September or February, although a September start is strongly recommended, particularly for those without a strong mathematics background, as foundational courses such as ‘Mathematics for Statisticians’, ‘Statistics and Probability’, and ‘Statistical Computing with R’ are offered in the first semester.The curriculum consists of a core program of 59 EC, which provides a solid grounding in probability, statistical theory, computational techniques, and advanced modelling. Students also complete 27 EC of electives, which may be selected individually or as part of coherent “Learning Lines” that allow for in-depth exploration of specific application areas or research domains, such as Medical Statistics, Biostatistics and Biometrics, Data Science, Psychometrics and Sociometrics, and Official Statistics (EMOS specialisation). The program concludes with a 34-EC Master’s Thesis Project, in which students formulate a research question, analyse relevant data, and present their findings, integrating the theoretical and practical skills acquired during the program.Educational methods combine lectures, working groups, computer labs, literature study, individual papers, presentations, and collaborative projects to ensure a well-rounded learning experience. Students receive guidance from study advisors or coordinators, who provide support on academic and personal development matters, including study planning, exam arrangements, and overcoming potential challenges. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, public policy, healthcare, and industry, or for pursuing further doctoral studies. By combining strong methodological foundations, practical training, and research experience, the Statistics & Data Science master develops highly skilled professionals capable of generating and interpreting data-driven insights across a wide range of disciplines.