Hasselt University

Master of Statistics and Data Science (On-campus)

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.

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 specializations.

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.