Master's Programme in Mathematical Statistics and Machine Learning
One of the many advantages with a background in mathematical statistics, is that your career options are found in the most unexpected and exciting sectors. This programme is an excellent preparation for PhD studies, but our graduates also work with risk analysis in the insurance and financial sector, statistical analysis in medicinal science, climatology and probability calculations in the telecommunication industry. Many employers nowadays also need people who can use statistical learning to deal with large amounts of data, and data science is a common field for our alumni.
Being a collaborator in the Stockholm Mathematics Centre, our department is part of a developing international core for scientific work in mathematics. At Stockholm University, studies in mathematical statistics covers a full range of topics from probability theory to applied statistics and computing. The programme includes traditional measure-theoretic probability theory to provide a solid mathematical foundation as well as a statistical consultancy. Whether you wish to specialise in a more applied or theoretical direction, you are assured high-quality education with active researchers as teachers.
The programme consists of 45 credits of mandatory courses, 45 credits which you choose depending on your field of interest, and a degree project of 30 credits.
The mandatory courses give you an in depth-knowledge in mathematical statistics and the basics of mathematical communication.
Following this, you can choose courses to specialise and prepare for the degree project. Some of the courses (22.5 credits) must be chosen from a list of elective (at least 7.5 credits must be mathematical statistics at master level), and the other 22.5 credits can be chosen freely and used to broaden your experience with courses in another subject or studies abroad.
Mandatory and recommended elective courses are shown below, with the semester when they are given. You may need to choose additional courses so that you take 30 credits each semester.
List of elective courses, and the difference between elective and freely chosen courses
Year 1
First semester
MT7055 Probability Theory and Martingales (mandatory)
MT7049 Statistical Learning (mandatory)
MT7045 Bayesian Methods (elective, odd years)
MT7050 Unsupervised Learning (elective, even years)
MT7051 Reinforcement Learning (elective, even years)
Second semester
MT7042 Statistical Deep Learning (mandatory)
MT5012 Stochastic Processes and Simulation II (mandatory)
Year 2
Third semester
MM7020 Mathematical communication (mandatory, but may be replaced with MT8001 Statistical Consulting Methods if that course is available)
MT5022 Classification and analysis of categorical data (mandatory)
MT7050 Unsupervised Learning (valbar, even years)
MT7045 Bayesian Methods (elective, odd years)
MT7037 Statistical Information Theory (elective, odd years)
MT7051 Reinforcement Learning (elective, even years)
A course in probability may be given, at 25% (this may be MT7040, MT7041 or MT7043, all elective)
Fourth semester
Independent project
The final part of your studies comprises a degree project where you independently get to plan, carry out and report a research project under the supervision of one of our researchers.
MT9013 Mathematical Statistics, Degree Project, 30 credits
Examples of previous degree projects (Swedish page, but many titles are in English)
You apply to this programme via Universityadmissions.se.
The programme is open for application both during the first admissions round (15 October to 15 January) and the second admissions round (15 March to 15 April).
The second admissions round is not suitable for international students, especially students from outside the EU/EEA. The final admissions results in the second admissions round are not posted until about a month before the programme begins. This is not enough time to pay tuition fees and apply for a residence permit if you need to do so - and not much time even if all you need to do is move to Stockholm.
Key dates and deadlines at universityadmissions.se
A step-by-step guide how to apply
Find out if you need to pay application and tuition fees
Please note that if you applied in the second admissions round and wish to keep a place you have been offered, you must reply to you offer via Universityadmissions.se within a week or so. If you applied in the first admissions round and are offered a place, you do not need to reply to your offer.
Selection process
The selection of students is based on grades of academic courses and the relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme. The subject of mathematical statistics includes theoretical and applied statistics, probability theory and stochastic processes. All of these components should ideally be represented in previous studies.
Required supporting documentation
You do not need to send in letters of recommendation or motivation, or other documentation beyond what is required according to universityadmissions.se.
On our website you can find general information about our courses and programmes, information for new students (registration, literature etc.) or during your studies (exam rules, student representation, etc.). You can also find information about degrees and exchange studies.
Education at the Department of Mathematics
Scholarships, housing and things to know or do before you arrive
Stockholm University offers some scholarships, and there are also some scholarships through the Swedish Institute (SI, it's a government agency) and various other organisations.
Scholarships and other funding options for master's programmes at Stockholm University
If you are admitted to the programme, you need to pay tuition fees (if applicable) and prepare to move to Stockholm. Here is a page with pre-departure information about tuition, accommodation, insurance, and more:
Student contact at the Department of Mathematics
Programme Director: Daniel Ahlberg
