Oxford – Mathematics and Statistics

Data plays an ever-increasing role in today’s society. Knowledge of how these data function is invaluable. Combining mathematics with modern computational techniques, this course teaches students about the methods and applications of data. The skills required for Maths and Stats - logical thinking, deep analysis, and thorough application - are all widely transferable to and invaluable for the workplace. It’s a very small course with an intake of just 11 each year. It’s also the most competitive course at Oxford with a success rate of just 5%.

Oxford is home to some of the world’s leading statisticians who work in a wide range of branches of statistical science. Thanks to this, students, especially in the third and fourth years, can choose modules that appeal to their interests. These include network analysis, computational biology and graphic models. In the fourth year, students are expected to write a statistics dissertation.

Teaching takes place through lectures and tutorials. There are usually problem sheets for students to complete ahead of the tutorial. The small group sizes of the tutorials mean that they can be tailored for topics on the problem sheet that a student wants to pursue.

Applicants are required to study an A Level (or equivalent) in Maths, and Further Maths (if offered) is recommended.