Compass - EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Computational Statistics and Data Science

Why Choose Compass?

Vibrant Student Community 

Cohort and community are at the heart of our programme. Using the specially designed facilities within the Fry Building, students have access to individual desk space. Crucially this is within shared CDT offices to maximise opportunities for collaboration and shared activities. 

Students participate in numerous events during the year: visiting speaker events, industry talks and student led seminars. The CDT also organises an annual away day for a chance to further build cohort connections (and have a bit of fun).

Interdisciplinary Research

Compass students have access to our team of PhD supervisors: incorporating world-leading statisticians and data scientists, and experts from the Faculties of Health Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences and Law and Life Sciences.

Students have a wide variety of PhD projects across a number of disciplines as demonstrated in our lists of current students projects:

• Student Research Topics for 2019/20
• Student Research Topics for 2020/21 

Our students are also encouraged to explore other areas of data science. Our Student Perspectives blog page illustrates other avenues of data science that have been researched by our cohorts. 

In Demand Skills

There is industry demand for PhD graduates with advanced skills in statistics and data science.

‘Growing demand for data science leaves Britain vulnerable to skills shortages’  The Royal Society May 2019

‘Organizations Striving To Close The Data Science Skills Gap’ Forbes June 2018

Compass will provide you with the skills and experience to further a career in data science:

• Bespoke training units integrating statistical and computational methods for data analysis;
• A strong cohort-driven centre within the world-class School of Mathematics;
• A radical enhancement of traditional teaching. Fostering essential research skills, active learning and independence;
• Training in cutting-edge statistical and data science; providing an exposure to science "in action" via collaborative training with a range of partners;
• Opportunities for stimulating PhD research:  reflecting Bristol's strengths across the spectrum of interdisciplinary and industrial collaboration.