""
Language skills
required
Programme length
Full time study for two academic years.
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
Overview

  • Do you want to learn about basic statistical research and how it is applied?
  • Do you want to build the skills needed to complete complex academic projects?
  • Would you relish the chance to take on extensive research projects?
  • Do you want a Master's programme that can be tailored to suit your interests?
  • Do you intend to pursue a PhD in statistics or a related subject?

The MS in statistics is a research-based individualised programme of study. Students work closely with their instructors. The programme can be tailored to suit a student's interests by choosing elective courses that are relevant to the thesis research project.

Students learn about basic research in statistics and applied statistics. The programme is centred around an extensive thesis research project.

Programme structure

The programme is 120 ECTS and is organised as two years of full-time study.

The programme is made up of

  • Mandatory courses, 36 ECTS
  • Elective courses, 24 - 54 ECTS
  • Master's thesis, 30-60 ECTS

Students must complete, or have completed as part of previous studies, an introductory course in theoretical statistics, as well as linear algebra, univariate and multivariate analysis.

Organisation of teaching

The programme is taught in Icelandic or English.

Courses are a mix of traditional courses and reading courses. Students may take courses from other faculties and also take part of the programme abroad as exchange students.

Main objectives

The programme aims to ensure that students acquire knowledge and understanding of their chosen specialisation and the skills required to complete complex projects.

The programme aims to prepare students for a range of careers as well as doctoral studies in statistics, mathematics or related subjects.

Other

Completing a Master's degree in statistics allows you to apply for doctoral studies.

  1. A BS degree or equivalent with minimum average grade of 6.5. If not already completed as a part of the BS degree, additional requirements include an introductory course in mathematical statistics along with calculus and linear algebra through multivariate calculus.
  2. All international applicants, whose native language is not English, are required to provide results of the TOEFL (79) or IELTS (6.5) tests as evidence of English proficiency.
  3. Applicants are asked to submit a letter of motivation, 1 page, where they should state the reasons they want to pursue graduate work, their academic goals and a suggestion or outline for a final paper.
  4. Letters of recommendation (2) should be submitted. These should be from faculty members or others who are familiar with your academic work and qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study. Please ask your referees to send their letters of recommendation directly to the University of Iceland electronically by e-mail (PDF file as attachment) to transcript@hi.is.

120 ECTS credits have to be completed for the qualification, organized as a two-year programme. The MS thesis is normally 60 ECTS credits.

The following documents must accompany an application for this programme:
  • CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Reference 1, Name and email
  • Reference 2, Name and email
  • Supervisor/supervising teacher at the University of Iceland
  • Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency

Further information on supporting documents can be found here

Programme structure

Check below to see how the programme is structured.

This programme does not offer specialisations.

Year unspecified | Fall
Theory of linear models (STÆ310M)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
6 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Simple and multiple linear regression, analysis of variance and covariance, inference, variances and covariances of estimators, influence and diagnostic analyses using residual and influence measures, simultaneous inference. General linear models as projections with ANOVA as special case, simultaneous inference of estimable functions. R is used in assignments. Solutions to assignments are returned in LaTeX and PDF format.

In addition selected topics will be visited, e.g. generalized linear models (GLMs), nonlinear regression and/or random/mixed effects models and/or bootstrap methods etc.

Students will present solutions to individually assigned
projects/exercises, each of which is handed in earlier through a web-page.

This course is taught in semesters of even-numbered years.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Online learning
The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
Year unspecified | Fall
Applied Linear Statistical Models (STÆ312M)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
6 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The course focuses on simple and multiple linear regression as well as analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and binomial regression. The course is a natural continuation of a typical introductory course in statistics taught in various departments of the university.

We will discuss methods for estimating parameters in linear models, how to construct confidence intervals and test hypotheses for the parameters, which assumptions need to hold for applying the models and what to do when they are not met.

Students will work on projects using the statistical software R.

 

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Not taught this semester
Year unspecified | Fall
Theoretical Statistics (STÆ313M)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Likelihood, Sufficient Statistic, Sufficiency Principle, Nuisance Parameter, Conditioning Principle, Invariance Principle, Likelihood Theory. Hypothesis Testing, Simple and Composite Hypothesis, The Neyman-Pearson Lemma, Power, UMP-Test, Invariant Tests. Permutation Tests, Rank Tests. Interval Estimation, Confidence Interval, Confidence, Confidence Region. Point Estimation, Bias, Mean Square Error. Assignments are returned using LaTeX and consitute 20% of the final grade.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Online learning
The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
Year unspecified | Fall
Final project (STÆ442L)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
0 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Description missing
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Self-study
Part of the total project/thesis credits
Not taught this semester
Year unspecified | Fall
Bayesian Data Analysis (STÆ529M)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
8 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Goal: To train students in applying methods of Bayesian statistics for analysis of data. Topics: Theory of Bayesian inference, prior distributions, data distributions and posterior distributions. Bayesian inference  for parameters of univariate and multivariate distributions: binomial; normal; Poisson; exponential; multivariate normal; multinomial. Model checking and model comparison: Bayesian p-values; deviance information criterion (DIC). Bayesian computation: Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods; the Gibbs sampler; the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm; convergence diagnostistics. Linear models: normal linear models; hierarchical linear models; generalized linear models. Emphasis on data analysis using software, e.g. Matlab and R.

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
Year unspecified | Fall
Stochastic Processes (STÆ415M)
Free elective course within the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Introduction to stochastic processes with main emphasis on Markov chains.

Subject matter: Hitting time, classification of states, irreducibility, period, recurrence (positive and null), transience, regeneration, coupling, stationarity, time-reversibility, coupling from the past, branching processes, queues, martingales, Brownian motion.

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
Year unspecified | Fall
Time Series Analysis (IÐN113F)
Free elective course within the programme
7,5 ECTS, credits
Course Description

ARMAX and other similar time series models. Non-stationary time series. Correlation and spectral analysis. Parameter estimation, parametric and non-parametric approaches, Least Squares and Maximum Likelihood. Model validation methods. Models with time dependent parameters. Numerical methods for minimization. Outlier detection and interpolation. Introduction to nonlinear time series models. Discrete state space models. Discrete state space models. Extensive use of MATLAB, especially the System Identification Toolbox.

Language of instruction: English
Distance learning
Self-study
Year unspecified | Fall
Thesis skills: project management, writing skills and presentation (VON001F)
Free elective course within the programme
4 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Introduction to the scientific method. Ethics of science and within the university community.
The role of the student, advisors and external examiner. Effective and honest communications.
Conducting a literature review, using bibliographic databases and reference handling. Thesis structure, formulating research questions, writing and argumentation. How scientific writing differs from general purpose writing. Writing a MS study plan and proposal. Practical skills for presenting tables and figures, layout, fonts and colors. Presentation skills. Project management for a thesis, how to divide a large project into smaller tasks, setting a work plan and following a timeline. Life after graduate school and being employable.

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Online learning
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Statistical Consulting (MAS201M)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
6 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Participants in the course will obtain training in practical statistics as used when providing general statistical counselling. The participants will be introduced to actual statistical projects by assisting students in various departments within the university. The participants will report on the projects in class, discuss options for solving the projects and subsequently assist the students with analyses using R and interpretation of results.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Final project (STÆ442L)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
0 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Description missing
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Self-study
Part of the total project/thesis credits
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Applied data analysis (MAS202M)
Free elective course within the programme
6 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The course focuses on statistical analysis using the R environment. It is assumed that students have basic knowledge of statistics and the statistical software R. Students will learn to apply a broad range of statistical methods in R (such as classification methods, resampling methods, linear model selection and tree-based methods). The course on 12 weeks and will be on "flipped" form. This means that no lectures will be given but students will read some material and watch videos before attending classes. Students will then work on assignments during the classes.

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Random Effects Models (STÆ004F)
Free elective course within the programme
8 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The focus of this course is on Bayesian latent Gaussian models (BLGMs) which are a class of Bayesian hierarchical models and applications of these models. The main topics are three types of BLGMs: (i) Bayesian Gaussian—Gaussian models, (ii) BLGMs with a univariate link function, and (iii) BLGMs with a multivariate link function, as well as prior densities for BLGMs and posterior computation for BLGMs. In the first part of the course, the basics of these models is covered and homework assignments will be given on these topics. In the second part of the course, the focus is on a project, in which data are analyzed using BLGMs. Each student can contribute data that she or he wishes to analyze. The material in the course is based on a theoretical background. However, the focus on data analysis is strong, and computation and programming play a large role in the course. Thus, the course will be useful to students in their future projects involving data analysis.

Linear regression models, the multiple normal distribution, hierarchical models, fixed and random effect models, restricted maximum likelihood estimation, best linear unbiased estimators, Bayesian inference, statistical decision theory, Markov chains,  Monte Carlo integration, importance sampling, Markov chain Monte Carlo, Gibbs sampling, the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm.

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Literature Study for the Master's Degree in Statistics (STÆ017F)
Free elective course within the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The supervising committee and the MS-student meet for one semester on a weekly basis to discuss research articles, review articles, and parts of books selected by the committee for that purpose. The reading material shall be related to the student's field of research, but without overlapping with the research project, so as to broaden the horizons of the student. The course is completed with a short thesis on the subject and an oral examination.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Self-study
Not taught this semester
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Introduction to Measure-Theoretic Probability (STÆ418M)
Free elective course within the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Probability based on measure-theory.

Subject matter: Probability, extension theorems, independence, expectation. The Borel-Cantelli theorem and the Kolmogorov 0-1 law. Inequalities and the weak and strong laws of large numbers. Convergence pointwise, in probability, with probability one, in distribtution, and in total variation. Coupling methods. The central limit theorem. Conditional probability and expectation.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
Year unspecified
  • Fall
  • STÆ310M
    Theory of linear models
    Mandatory (required) course
    6
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    6 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Simple and multiple linear regression, analysis of variance and covariance, inference, variances and covariances of estimators, influence and diagnostic analyses using residual and influence measures, simultaneous inference. General linear models as projections with ANOVA as special case, simultaneous inference of estimable functions. R is used in assignments. Solutions to assignments are returned in LaTeX and PDF format.

    In addition selected topics will be visited, e.g. generalized linear models (GLMs), nonlinear regression and/or random/mixed effects models and/or bootstrap methods etc.

    Students will present solutions to individually assigned
    projects/exercises, each of which is handed in earlier through a web-page.

    This course is taught in semesters of even-numbered years.

    Face-to-face learning
    Online learning
    The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
    Prerequisites
  • STÆ312M
    Applied Linear Statistical Models
    Mandatory (required) course
    6
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    6 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course focuses on simple and multiple linear regression as well as analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and binomial regression. The course is a natural continuation of a typical introductory course in statistics taught in various departments of the university.

    We will discuss methods for estimating parameters in linear models, how to construct confidence intervals and test hypotheses for the parameters, which assumptions need to hold for applying the models and what to do when they are not met.

    Students will work on projects using the statistical software R.

     

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • Not taught this semester
    STÆ313M
    Theoretical Statistics
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Likelihood, Sufficient Statistic, Sufficiency Principle, Nuisance Parameter, Conditioning Principle, Invariance Principle, Likelihood Theory. Hypothesis Testing, Simple and Composite Hypothesis, The Neyman-Pearson Lemma, Power, UMP-Test, Invariant Tests. Permutation Tests, Rank Tests. Interval Estimation, Confidence Interval, Confidence, Confidence Region. Point Estimation, Bias, Mean Square Error. Assignments are returned using LaTeX and consitute 20% of the final grade.

    Face-to-face learning
    Online learning
    The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
    Prerequisites
  • STÆ442L
    Final project
    Mandatory (required) course
    0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description
    Description missing
    Self-study
    Prerequisites
    Part of the total project/thesis credits
  • Not taught this semester
    STÆ529M
    Bayesian Data Analysis
    Mandatory (required) course
    8
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    8 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Goal: To train students in applying methods of Bayesian statistics for analysis of data. Topics: Theory of Bayesian inference, prior distributions, data distributions and posterior distributions. Bayesian inference  for parameters of univariate and multivariate distributions: binomial; normal; Poisson; exponential; multivariate normal; multinomial. Model checking and model comparison: Bayesian p-values; deviance information criterion (DIC). Bayesian computation: Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods; the Gibbs sampler; the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm; convergence diagnostistics. Linear models: normal linear models; hierarchical linear models; generalized linear models. Emphasis on data analysis using software, e.g. Matlab and R.

    Face-to-face learning
    The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
    Prerequisites
  • STÆ415M
    Stochastic Processes
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Introduction to stochastic processes with main emphasis on Markov chains.

    Subject matter: Hitting time, classification of states, irreducibility, period, recurrence (positive and null), transience, regeneration, coupling, stationarity, time-reversibility, coupling from the past, branching processes, queues, martingales, Brownian motion.

    Face-to-face learning
    The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
    Prerequisites
  • IÐN113F
    Time Series Analysis
    Elective course
    7,5
    Free elective course within the programme
    7,5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    ARMAX and other similar time series models. Non-stationary time series. Correlation and spectral analysis. Parameter estimation, parametric and non-parametric approaches, Least Squares and Maximum Likelihood. Model validation methods. Models with time dependent parameters. Numerical methods for minimization. Outlier detection and interpolation. Introduction to nonlinear time series models. Discrete state space models. Discrete state space models. Extensive use of MATLAB, especially the System Identification Toolbox.

    Distance learning
    Self-study
    Prerequisites
  • VON001F
    Thesis skills: project management, writing skills and presentation
    Elective course
    4
    Free elective course within the programme
    4 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Introduction to the scientific method. Ethics of science and within the university community.
    The role of the student, advisors and external examiner. Effective and honest communications.
    Conducting a literature review, using bibliographic databases and reference handling. Thesis structure, formulating research questions, writing and argumentation. How scientific writing differs from general purpose writing. Writing a MS study plan and proposal. Practical skills for presenting tables and figures, layout, fonts and colors. Presentation skills. Project management for a thesis, how to divide a large project into smaller tasks, setting a work plan and following a timeline. Life after graduate school and being employable.

    Face-to-face learning
    Online learning
    Prerequisites
  • Spring 2
  • MAS201M
    Statistical Consulting
    Mandatory (required) course
    6
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    6 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Participants in the course will obtain training in practical statistics as used when providing general statistical counselling. The participants will be introduced to actual statistical projects by assisting students in various departments within the university. The participants will report on the projects in class, discuss options for solving the projects and subsequently assist the students with analyses using R and interpretation of results.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • STÆ442L
    Final project
    Mandatory (required) course
    0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description
    Description missing
    Self-study
    Prerequisites
    Part of the total project/thesis credits
  • MAS202M
    Applied data analysis
    Elective course
    6
    Free elective course within the programme
    6 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course focuses on statistical analysis using the R environment. It is assumed that students have basic knowledge of statistics and the statistical software R. Students will learn to apply a broad range of statistical methods in R (such as classification methods, resampling methods, linear model selection and tree-based methods). The course on 12 weeks and will be on "flipped" form. This means that no lectures will be given but students will read some material and watch videos before attending classes. Students will then work on assignments during the classes.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • STÆ004F
    Random Effects Models
    Elective course
    8
    Free elective course within the programme
    8 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The focus of this course is on Bayesian latent Gaussian models (BLGMs) which are a class of Bayesian hierarchical models and applications of these models. The main topics are three types of BLGMs: (i) Bayesian Gaussian—Gaussian models, (ii) BLGMs with a univariate link function, and (iii) BLGMs with a multivariate link function, as well as prior densities for BLGMs and posterior computation for BLGMs. In the first part of the course, the basics of these models is covered and homework assignments will be given on these topics. In the second part of the course, the focus is on a project, in which data are analyzed using BLGMs. Each student can contribute data that she or he wishes to analyze. The material in the course is based on a theoretical background. However, the focus on data analysis is strong, and computation and programming play a large role in the course. Thus, the course will be useful to students in their future projects involving data analysis.

    Linear regression models, the multiple normal distribution, hierarchical models, fixed and random effect models, restricted maximum likelihood estimation, best linear unbiased estimators, Bayesian inference, statistical decision theory, Markov chains,  Monte Carlo integration, importance sampling, Markov chain Monte Carlo, Gibbs sampling, the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • STÆ017F
    Literature Study for the Master's Degree in Statistics
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The supervising committee and the MS-student meet for one semester on a weekly basis to discuss research articles, review articles, and parts of books selected by the committee for that purpose. The reading material shall be related to the student's field of research, but without overlapping with the research project, so as to broaden the horizons of the student. The course is completed with a short thesis on the subject and an oral examination.

    Self-study
    Prerequisites
  • Not taught this semester
    STÆ418M
    Introduction to Measure-Theoretic Probability
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Probability based on measure-theory.

    Subject matter: Probability, extension theorems, independence, expectation. The Borel-Cantelli theorem and the Kolmogorov 0-1 law. Inequalities and the weak and strong laws of large numbers. Convergence pointwise, in probability, with probability one, in distribtution, and in total variation. Coupling methods. The central limit theorem. Conditional probability and expectation.

    Face-to-face learning
    The course is taught if the specified conditions are met
    Prerequisites
Additional information

The University of Iceland collaborates with over 400 universities worldwide. This provides a unique opportunity to pursue part of your studies at an international university thus gaining added experience and fresh insight into your field of study.

Students generally have the opportunity to join an exchange programme, internship, or summer courses. However, exchanges are always subject to faculty approval.

Students have the opportunity to have courses evaluated as part of their studies at the University of Iceland, so their stay does not have to affect the duration of their studies.

Statisticians are in great demand on the labour market.

Graduates from the MS in statistics have gone on to a wide range of careers, including jobs with:

  • Research institutes
  • Financial companies and institutions
  • Insurance companies
  • Video game developers
  • Entrepreneurial businesses
  • Technology and development companies

This list is not exhaustive.

There is no specific student organisation for this programme, but students meet frequently in the Student Cellar.

More about the UI student's social life.

Students' comments
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Students appreciate the University of Iceland for its strong academic reputation, modern campus facilities, close-knit community, and affordable tuition.
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