Faculty of Science

Degree Programs

Master's in Statistics and Data Science

In the Master's degree program in Statistics and Data Science students are introduced to important models and methods from Probability Theory, Statistics, Financial Mathematics, Actuarial Science, and study aspects of Computer Science that are relevant for Data Science. The methods of Statistics and Data Science are applied in diverse fields and are considered a key technology for scientific research. The students of the Master's degree program get acquainted with recent research in these fields and are guided to work independently on a scientific project.

"I keep saying that the sexy job in the next 10 years will be statisticians, and I'm not kidding.”
Hal Varian, chief economist at Google, 2009.

As a scientific discipline, statistics is concerned with methods to draw inference based on experimental or empirical data, and to quantify the uncertainty of estimates and predictions precisely. The methods and models of probability theory and statistics are rigorously formulated as mathematical theories in order to be able to study their properties and demonstrate their validity independently of specific application examples.

Data collection and modeling is also an important aspect. The increasing digitization and the ever increasing amount of data has posed new challenges in this area. Methods to address these tasks are often collected under the name data science.

In the Master's program in Statistics and Data Science, on the one hand, the most important models and concepts of statistics, probability theory, financial mathematics and actuarial science are introduced. On the other hand, students are also familiarized with the most important methods of Computer Science to handle and analyze large amounts of data. The students get acquainted with recent research in these fields and are guided to work on a scientific project (Master's thesis).

A Bachelor of Science in Mathematics is a prerequisite for the Master's program in Statistics and Data Science. However, students with a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification in a different field may also be admitted to the program in some circumstances. The main requirement is that this degree should contain at least 60 ECTS credit points in Mathematics and sufficient background in Statistics.

Having obtained a Master's degree in Statistics and Data Science with excellent grades, it is possible to enter our research-oriented PhD program.

Master in Statistics and Data Science
©IMSV
Basic information
Degree: Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science, University of Bern
Number of credits: 90 ECTS credits
Degree programs:
  • Mono 90 ECTS credits

 
Option for students pursuing other degrees:

  • Minor 30 ECTS credits
Duration: 3 semesters
Language: English
Beginning of studies: Fall or spring semester

Details of program

The emphasis of this study program is placed on important models and methods from Probability Theory, Statistics, Financial Mathematics and Actuarial Science. Students are also introduced to the important methods of Computer Science relevant to Data Science, and may also take courses from the Master program in Mathematics. The students get acquainted with recent research in these fields and are guided to work on a scientific project (Master thesis).

The Institute of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science offers part-time positions as teaching or consulting assistants to very strong students who are also fluent in German.

Scheme of program

The Master in Statistics and Data Science (as major) corresponds to 90 ECTS points. It consists of the Master module of 60 ECTS and a Master thesis corresponding to 30 ECTS. The study time is 3 semesters.

The courses in this program are held in English.

Sem. Master in Statistics and Data Science (Major, 90 ECTS) according to the plan of studies from December 13th, 2018
7 Master module, 60 ECTS: Lectures of the Master program in the areas Statistics (ST), Probability Theory (WT), Finance and Insurance (FV), Mathematics (MA) and Computer Science (IN), and at least one seminar. At least 20 ECTS have to be attained in Statistics, and at least 10 ECTS in two of the other areas.
8 Master thesis, 30 ECTS
9

Master thesis

For the supervision of MSc theses, all full-time lecturers of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics are eligible. One can not claim supervision by a particular person.

Supervision of a MSc thesis by an external person requires approval by the Director of Studies in Statistics. Probably he/she appoints a co-supervisor from the department.

Deadlines

Special dates

The oral or written exams generally take place two weeks before the start of the following semester. All students have to register for the exams through KSL, where the dates for the registration are fixed. Until about two weeks before the exam, there is the possibility to cancel the registration.

Special dates for exams for exchange students are usually in the last week of the semester. Please consult the lecturer in charge for further information.

Requirements

Individual academic requirements

The following academic qualification is required for admission to the master’s degree program in Statistics and Data Science (mono):

a) Bachelor's degree from a recognized Swiss university in one of the branch of studies Mathematics or Computer Science, with a sufficient share from the field of Stochastics,
b)

Bachelor's degree from a recognized Swiss university in a different branch of studies with at least 60 ECTS credits in one of the branch of studies Mathematics or Computer Science, with a sufficient share from the field of Stochastics, provided that the master's degree can be successfully completed with an additional maximum 60 ECTS credits (admission requirements which must be fulfilled in order to complete the master's degree program),
c) Bachelor's degree from a recognized international university with equivalent qualifications, with a sufficient share from the field of Stochastics, provided that the master's degree can be successfully completed with an additional maximum 60 ECTS credits (admission requirements which must be fulfilled in order to complete the master's degree program).

Please consult the admission requirements for the minor as presented in the plan of studies.

The degree used for assessment purposes may not be more than ten years old.

Swiss bachelor's degrees/programs

from the University of Bern

that allow admission to the desired master's degree program without any assessment:

  • Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Application and admission

Current UniBE students

Apply for a change to the M Sc in Statistics and Data Science, Universität Bern by self-service as part of the re-registration for the next semester.
Renewal of semester registration → Self-service
Recognition of academic achievements
Procedure and timing of the renewal of semester registration

Application with a Swiss degree

Online application
Assessment
Steps from application to registration

Application with an international degree

Online application
CHECKLIST - Documents for your application / Important information
Steps from application to registration

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Graduation

As soon as the requirements set by the study regulations are fulfilled, you can apply for a formal completion of your studies through the Deans office. The information about the completion process you can find here.

After your Master's

There is a large demand for skilled statisticians and actuaries. Career prospects are excellent. Statisticians and data scientists are employed in insurance companies or banks, in public administration, in transport companies but also in the medical or private sector.

After completing your studies (Master or PhD) there are various options for further qualifications, as for example the postgraduate program in actuarial science offered by the Swiss Association of Actuaries (SAV).