Master of Statistics and Data Science (Distance-Learning)
Online
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Aug 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
21 Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 1,181 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* Non-EEA Applicants - June 1 EEA Applicants - August 1 Belgian Citizens - August 15
** 1181.40 (Belgian Non-grant rate student) / 2699.40 EUR (EEA & non-EEA)
Key Summary
Distance learning: Study from home
The Master of Statistics and Data Science is also fully offered as a distance learning (DL) programme. Enrolling for the DL programme means that as a student, you will take the programme from a distance, i.e. from home, workplace or virtually any place with access to the internet. The DL programme can be followed full-time or part-time, allowing for a flexible and feasible combination of work and study.
All study materials are provided to you online (e.g. web lectures and reading materials), together with clear guidance from the lecturers and with online Q&A sessions with the teaching staff. This allows you to organise your study work as you please. However, all homework and project assignments, and the report submission deadlines, are identical to those for the on-campus students. Just as for the on-campus students, you will receive feedback on your assignments.
About the programme
The English two-year programme "Master of Statistics and Data Science" at Hasselt University combines a solid study of principles of statistics and modern data science, with a focus on applications in the life sciences (e.g. clinical trials, epidemiology, public health, genomics, …).
Our approach to teaching
The Master of Statistics and Data Science is quite unique in the sense that (1) it offers a statistics education with a good sense of general data science, and (2) it offers a data science specialisation with a very sound understanding of important statistical concepts and solutions.
In order to meet the needs of a broad population of interested students, five different programme profiles are available: on-campus, distance learning, shortened programme, VLIR UOS ICP and working student, but not all profiles can be combined with all four specialisations.
The Master of Statistics and Data Science is an RSS-accredited programme. In the 33 years of its existence, over a thousand students from all over the world have graduated and started a career in industry, government, and research.
Specialisations
Choose one of the 4 specialisations to focus your studies.
Four specialisations are offered: Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Quantitative Epidemiology and Data Science. All specialisations provide a solid basis of data science, but the first three put more emphasis on statistics. The Data Science specialisation still has a good statistics basis, but offers more courses on other aspects of data science (e.g. data visualisation, data management, programming and algorithms, …).
- Biostatistics
- Bioinformatics
- Quantitative Epidemiology
- Data science
Why study Master of Statistics and Data Science at UHasselt?
- Become an expert in data analysis with direct relevance to societal issues
- Flexible and student-centred education: study on campus, online or combine your studies with work
- Learn from internationally renowned experts in statistics and data science
- Specialisations in: Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Quantitative Epidemiology and Data Science
- Strong demand in the job market
- Accredited by the UK Royal Statistical Society (RSS)
- Get to know Hasselt University
First year
First semester
The introductory phase, situated in the first semester of the first year, provides thorough fundamental knowledge of statistics, data management and programming (R, Python and SAS). Students will become familiar with data structures, statistical analysis, and, first and foremost, statistical concepts and reasoning. Apart from topic-related subjects, such as regression analysis, quite some attention is given to soft skills such as working in groups and reporting.
Second semester
In the second semester of the first year, the focus shifts from univariate models for continuous data to discrete data models and nonparametric approaches, as well as to correlated outcomes, combined with the discovery of associations. Within the second semester 3 subjects are common to all specializations, 2 courses are specific for your specialisation and there is room for 1 optional course.
Second year
The second year offers more specialised subjects. Each specialisation offers a minimum of 27 ECTS of compulsory, specialised subjects. The master's thesis of 24 ECTS is the main study/work subject of the second semester, and can be linked to an internship. Students are also invited to broaden their horizons by taking an optional course from the other specialisations.
Reduced trajectory
Students who have already acquired a quantitative master's (e.g. mathematics, (bio) engineering, ...) or a PhD degree that included a solid initial training in statistics, can receive a substantial number of course exemptions when applying for the programme. The Admission Board decides on these course exemptions after a thorough evaluation of knowledge and skills, resulting in a tailor-made programme for the student. This is available in the on-campus and the distance learning track, and both part-time as well as full-time.
How do ECTS credits work?
The university decree for Flanders is built around a credit point system that is based on the principles of ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). Each year of a full-time degree programme counts 60 credits. Ideally, these credits are equally spread over two semesters, i.e. 30 credits per semester. Given that the expected total study load per year ranges from 1,500 to 1,800 hours for a full-time programme, one credit represents a study load of 25 to 30 hours. Study load includes time spent in class, personal work and exams.
International students can apply for a scholarship for the Master of Statistics and Data Science.
Master Mind scholarships
Master Mind scholarships for master's students (for outstanding students only)
The programme aims to promote the internationalisation of the Flemish Higher Education.
International Course programme (ICP) – for students from developing countries
Each year, 10 exceptional students from developing countries receive a full ICP scholarship for the Master of Statistics and Data Science. The programme is adapted to the specific needs and interests of statistics in developing countries.
You can choose between 3 specialisations:
- Biostatistics
- Bioinformatics
- Quantitative Epidemiology
The specialisation in Data Science is not included in the ICP scholarship.
In the past 30 years, our graduates of the Master of Statistics and Data Science have found interesting jobs in the area of statistics in a wide range of sectors and in locations all over the globe.
Examples include sectors and jobs like:
- Applied and fundamental research at universities and research centres in scientific, pharmaceutical, biotechnical and medical disciplines (PhD, research associate, scientist, ...);
- Governmental authorities and non-governmental organisations focusing on public, international and global health, environment, genetics, agriculture, sustainable development, ...;
- Independent statistics consultant;
- Education (lecturer, teaching assistant…);
- Tech Manager programming;
- Biometrics specialist;
- Senior Statistical Programmer;
- Data Analyst/Scientist.