Master of Statistics and Data Science

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 specialization 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 specializations.

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, research, ...

Safety during COVID-19 pandemic

We have developed a resilient and flexible blended learning format that easily allows moving forward and backward between on-campus and on-line formats. Our lecturers have profound experience in on-line teaching, given that we have been running a distance-learning programme for about 10 years. Depending on the epidemiological situation, in Belgium or in your home country, and at any time in the year, each individual student can participate in the preferred formats and can move from one to another, depending on his/her personal situation. You will be supported towards group work and interactions among you, also when these take place electronically.

Our on-campus programme takes a blended form, with on-campus lectures, project work and contact moments when possible, but also with on-line teaching materials and Q&A sessions when on-campus activities cannot proceed or cannot be attended.

Choose one of 4 specializations to focus your studies

Four specializations are offered: Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Quantitative Epidemiology and Data Science. All specializations provide a solid basis of data science, but the first three put more emphasis on statistics. The Data Science specialization still has a good statistics basis, but offers more courses on other aspects of data science (e.g. data visualization, data management, programming and algorithms, …).

For ICP scholarship students the optional courses are fixed.

First year:

• First semester : Project: Learning from Data – 5 ECTS
• Second semester : Design of Agricultural Experiments – 4 ECTS 

Second year

• First semester : Capita Selecta of Computational Biology – 3 ECTS 

See the study guide for a detailed overview of the courses in each specialization.

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 goes 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 specialized subjects. Each specialization offers a minimum of 27 ECTS of compulsory, specialized subjects. The master 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 that have already acquired a quantitative master (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.

Study on campus

The Master of Statistics and Data Science is fully offered as a two-year on-campus programme. Enrolling for the on-campus programme means you will take classes on the campus, augmented with hybrid teaching, such as scheduled online learning activities.

The on-campus programme can be followed in full time, but also in part time, allowing for a flexible and feasible combination of work and study.

Assessment and Examination

Students of the on-campus programme take their assessments and examinations on campus. Examinations are organized in January and in June, each period lasting three to four weeks. The retake exams take place from mid August til the beginning of September.

International Course programme (ICP) – for students from developing countries

"The need for well-trained (bio-)statisticians and bioinformatics continues to rise worldwide"

The Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR-UOS) offers 10 scholarships each year for our ICP Master’s programme Master of Statistics and Data Science which is adapted to the specific needs and interests of statistics in developing countries.

The ICP Master of Statistics and Data Science offers a 2-year international and multidisciplinary training in statistics. The Master combines a solid study of fundamental methodology such as linear and generalized linear models, Bayesian modeling and multivariate models, with up-to-date training in topics such as clinical trials, public health, longitudinal data, survival analysis, genetics, survey methodology… In addition, there is a high focus on applications in state-of-the-art statistical software packages.

The programme is adapted to the specific needs and interests of statistics in developing countries.

You can choose between 3 specializations:

1. Biostatistics
2. Bioinformatics
3. Quantitative Epidemiology

The specialization Data Science is not included in the ICP scholarship.

> Find out more information about ICP

> Find out if you are eligible for an ICP scholarship

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. 

Assessment and Examination

The exams are also the same as for the on-campus students, except that we organise these exams online for the distance learning students. The policy of online exams will be continued in 2022-23 and probably also in the years thereafter. 

Exams are always organised during the office hours in Belgium (i.e. between 8h00 and 18h00 CET), regardless whether they are online of on-campus.  

Working students

If you are working, part-time or full-time, it is possible to ask for additional support and educational and/or exam facilities which can make it more feasible to combine your job with studying. Students, both on campus and distance learning, who are working are advised to register for a part-time programme to maintain a proper balance between personal life, working and studying.

A good way to estimate how much time you’re going to spend on your studies is by using the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). ECTS credits give an indication of the study load and 1 ECTS represents a study load of 25 to 30 hours (incl. lectures, self-study, projects, exams, …)

An example of a part-time programme of around 30 ECTS credits to start your first year of the master (study load of 750 to 900 hours):

• Concepts of Probability and Statistics (5 ECTS, semester 1);
• Linear Models (5 ECTS, semester 1);
• Data Management/Programming in R/Programming in Python (2 out of 3 courses, depending on the specialization, 8 ECTS in total, semester 1);
• Generalized Linear Models (6 ECTS, semester 2);
• Project: Multivariate and Hierarchical Data (8 ECTS, semester 2).

It is possible to individualize your part-time programme taking into account your academic background, but modifications should respect the chronology of courses. Also take into account the prerequisites of the 2nd year courses.

More information can be found on Studying-and-working at UHasselt.

The Master of Statistics and Data Science has specific admission requirements, related to English language and diploma.

Diploma requirements 

Candidates should hold at least an academic bachelor degree or a diploma of higher education equivalent to an academic bachelor degree (180 ECTS credit points).

Holders of a Belgian academic degree 

Admission is given directly to holders of an academic bachelor or master degree in mathematics, statistics or bio/civil engineering.

Holders of Belgian academic degrees in the disciplines physics, computer sciences, chemistry, biology, life sciences, business engineering, medicine, sociology, psychology, artificial intelligence and biotechnology can apply for the programme. Their applications will be evaluated individually by the Examination Board.

Holders of an international academic degree

Admission of international degree holders will be evaluated individually by the Admission Board.

Holders of an international academic bachelor or master degree in mathematics, statistics, physics, computer sciences, chemistry, biology, life sciences, bio-, business-, civil engineering, medicine, sociology, psychology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology can apply for the programme.
Holders of an international academic bachelor or master degree in another discipline can also apply, provided they have successfully obtained an academic degree with at least one but preferably two courses in introductory statistics, and a sufficient background in mathematical and/or quantitative subjects. 

It is requested to provide for an English version (or translation) of the course description of the already followed statistical, mathematical and other quantitative courses, with for each course a brief description of the objectives, the main topics, the workload and the course materials used. You can also copy that description from the program website of your university.

Holders of an international academic degree are strongly recommended to include the GRE general test result in their application; there are no minimum score requirements for the GRE general test. The institutional code of Hasselt University for the GRE test is 3112.

Language requirements 

Candidates who wish to register in an English master’s programme need to have good English language skills, both written and spoken.

Candidates have to demonstrate sufficient English language skills by a recent test (no more than two years old) on one of three platforms with a corresponding minimum score: 

• the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), with an internet-based score (iBT) of at least 89 on the academic test; 
• the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with an overall band score of at least 6.5 on the academic test;
• the Duolingo English Test, with a test score of at least 120.

Do note that we only accept academic TOEFL English tests, academic IELTS English tests or Duolingo English tests. Hence, we do not accept English language certificates from universities or other organizations.

The English language test can be waived if your English language proficiency is proven otherwise (e.g., if higher education was in English, if English is a national language in your home country).

Candidates with a Flemish academic degree do not have to take an English language test.

Foreknowledge 

We highly recommend you to have a look at the summary of topics in mathematics and statistics (pdf, 205 KB) which are considered as prerequisite knowledge in all or many courses. 

Math for Stats E-summer School

In order to be better prepared for your Master of Statistics and Data Science studies at Hasselt University, we have developed an e-learning module of Mathematics useful for Statisticians (Math for Stats E-summer School ). The e-module takes place over a period of 3 weeks each year in the period August/September. At the end of each week a quiz is made available allowing you to test your mathematical skills. The self-study material contains the key mathematical concepts, examples, exercises and R-software code. During the e-learning module you have the opportunity to ask questions about the mathematical concepts (using a discussion forum).

The purpose of this e-learning module is to refresh and/or enlarge your mathematical and statistical knowledge. The module is fully available online and consists of several self-study documents. In this manner you can study at your own pace. The mathematical topics covered in this e-learning module are very important during your masters study in statistics & data science at our university.

All students that will enroll in the Master of Statistics and Data Science will receive an invitation email to participate in the E-summer School. Students need to be registered on time to be able to participate.

Admission test 

The Admission Board evaluates all applications for the master programme. In case the Admission Board is not fully convinced that an applicant sufficiently masters the foreknowledge to start the programme successfully, the Admission Board can decide to invite the applicant to take an online admission test. 

1. These proctored online admission tests are held once a month, from April through September (except in July). It is important to plan for at least one month from registration to taking test to ensure adequate preparation time. Therefore, registration for the test date of interest should be completed the latest four weeks in advance.
   
   
2. After registering for a test date, applicants will receive access an online learning environment with to study materials, typically within two weeks. These online modules in mathematics and statistics are provided to help applicants refresh relevant skills before the test.
   
   
3. Applicants are allowed two attempts within the same application year. However, note that the last test is organized in the beginning of September to ensure in time completion of the registration process in case of admission. Therefore, the opportunity of a (second) test date cannot be guaranteed in case of late submissions.
   
   
4. When the applicant passes the admission test, the applicant is admitted to the master programme. The access to the course modules and the admission test are free of charge.

For more information about the admission and enrolment procedure, please follow the link below

International students can apply for a scholarship to the Master of Statistics and Data Science.

Master Mind scholarships

Master Mind scholarships for master students (for outstanding students only)

The programme aims to promote the internationalization of the Flemish Higher Education.

Check if you are eligible for a Master Minds scholarship

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 specializations:

1. Biostatistics
2. Bioinformatics
3. Quantitative Epidemiology

The specialization Data Science is not included in the ICP scholarship.

> Find out if you are eligible for an ICP scholarship

Why study at UHasselt?

Students from all over the world come to UHasselt to study the Master of Statistics and Data Science. Hasselt, located in the heart of the EU-region, is known for its hospitality, making international students feel right at home.

Did you know? 

• UHasselt is ranked top 50 at Times Higher Education best universities under 50 years
• UHasselt has 15% international students from 75 different countries

New to Belgium?

Are you new to Belgium and still finding your way?

The Joint Organization of Statistical Scholars helps international students get around on campus and the city of Hasselt.