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, …).

Studying in times of the 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.

From now on, our on-campus programme will take 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. 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. We will make sure that all students are in sync. Whether on campus or online, you will follow a single time schedule. You will be supported towards group work and interactions among you, also when these take place electronically.

Wherever students are at whatever time, we will ensure that you will belong to the same active student community and that all students feel involved. Group work and active participation in the learning process are important aspects in the education of statisticians and data scientists! We from the programme will keep a finger on the pulse, to maximally contribute to your well-being where we can, and to make the learning experience unforgettable!

Four complementary 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, programming and algorithms, …).

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 that (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 have been setup: 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 NVAO and RSS accredited programme. In the 25 years of its existence, over a thousand students from all over the world have graduated and started a career in industry, government, research, ...

With the support of the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR-UOS), offering 12 full-fledged scholarships for the ICP programme of the Master of Statistics and Data Science, the Master’s programme is able to provide a small contribution to the economic and scientific growth of developing countries.

An Advisory Board of internationally renowned experts provides strategic advice to the management of the Master of Statistics and Data Science:

prof. dr. Leonhard Held, University of Zurich (specialization public health/infectious diseases)
prof. dr. em. Thomas Louis, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (specialization biostatistics)
prof. dr. Jeanine Houwing-Duistermaat, University of Leeds (specialization bioinformatics)
prof. dr. Ricardo Cao, Universidade da Coruña (mathematical statistics)
dr. Tarylee Reddy, South African Medical Research Council (ICP).

Master of Statistics and Data Science

Universiteit Hasselt - Knowledge in action

MASTER OF STATISTICS AND DATA SCIENCE