Computational Statistics and Data Science: Compass
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| Run by | Faculty of Science |
|---|---|
| Awards available | PhD |
| Programme length | Four years full-time |
| Location of programme | Clifton campus |
| Part-time study available | No, full-time only |
| Start date | September 2021 |
Programme overview
The Centre for Doctoral Training in Computational Statistics and Data Science (Compass) is a four-year PhD training programme that addresses the pressing need, in the UK and internationally, for doctoral graduates who are able to combine fluency in both statistical and computational methods.
The core of Compass is the Institute for Statistical Science in the School of Mathematics, integrated with internal partners from across the University and external partners from industry and government. Our team of PhD supervisors incorporates world-leading statisticians and data scientists, and experts from the Faculties of Health Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences and Law and Life Sciences.
Compass involves a specially designed taught first year that is delivered through lectures, workshops, laboratories and guided self-study, and includes peer-supported learning and group work. PhD projects and supervisors are matched to students during the first nine months and mini project proposals are developed through the summer of the first year, before full-time research starts in October of your second year.
PhD topics range from theory and methodology of statistics and data science, to collaborative interdisciplinary projects with experimental scientists, government agencies or industry. We provide excellent facilities at the heart of the University campus in central Bristol, one of the most creative and liveable European cities.
Fees for 2021/22
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2021/22 are as follows:
- UK: full-time
- £4,475
- Overseas (including EU): full-time
- £23,900
- Channel Islands/Isle of Man: full-time
- £9,475
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a five per cent increase in fees each year. Find out more about tuition fees.
Alumni scholarship
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a ten per cent reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni scholarship.
Funding for 2021/22
A Compass studentship provides four years of tuition fees at UK student rates, a stipend (£19,009 per year in 2019/20) for living expenses and a travel allowance to support research-related activities.
Further information on funding for prospective UK, EU and international postgraduate students.
Programme structure
The Compass CDT is a four-year programme. In year one, you are required to complete six mandatory taught Level M units. These are delivered through lectures, workshops, laboratories and guided self-study, and include peer-supported learning and group work.
PhD projects and supervisors are matched to students during the first nine months and mini project proposals are developed through the summer of the first year. You will progress to the PhD on successful completion of 120 credit points of taught units, typically transitioning to full-time research from October in your second year. Students typically submit their PhD research thesis by the end of year four.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for the first year of this programme.
Entry requirements
Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of an upper second-class honours degree or master’s degree (or international equivalent) in mathematics, statistics, computer science or another highly numerate subject, such as economics, epidemiology or physics.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level:
Profile B
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Admissions statement
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Research groups
Compass's wider CDT team originates from:
- the Department of Population Health Sciences (Bristol Medical School), whose medical statisticians includes those linked to the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit and the Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration;
- the School of Education, particularly the renowned Centre for Multilevel Modelling;
- the Faculty of Science (geophysics, uncertainty assessment, spatial statistics);
- the Faculty of Life Sciences (evolutionary biology, physiology and pharmacology);
- the Faculty of Engineering (artificial intelligence, statistical learning, data science, machine Learning, visual information);
- Bristol Veterinary School.
Careers
Compass is designed to prepare you for a rewarding career and enable you to make crucial contributions to health, productivity, connectivity and resilience in the UK and further afield. Doctoral graduates in statistics and data science are increasingly sought after across academia and all sectors of industry.
Staff profiles
Bayesian Computation
Christophe Andrieu, (Professor (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Mark Beaumount, (Professor (Life Sciences))
Peter Green, (Professor (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Mathieu Gerber, (Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Anthony Lee, (Professor (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Nick Whiteley, (Professor (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Vladislav Tadic, (Senior Lecturer in Statistic)
Bioinformatics/Genetics
Christophe Andrieu, (Professor (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Mark Beaumont, (Professor (Life Sciences))
Andrew Dowsey, (Professor (Veterinary School))
Daniel Lawson, (Senior Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Cyber Security
Daniel Lawson, (Senior Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Patrick Rubin-Delanchy, (Senior Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Imaging
Alin Achim, (Professor (Electrical Engineering))
David Bull, (Professor (Electrical Engineering))
Andrew Dowsey, (Professor (Veterinary School))
Peter Green, (Professor (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Information Theory
Oliver Johnson, (Professor (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Longitudinal Data
Harvey Goldstein, (Professor (Education))
George Leckie, (Professor (Education - Social Statistics))
Liz Washbrook, (Senior Lecturer (Education))
Machine Learning and AI
Nello Cristianini, (Professor (Engineering Mathematics))
Peter Flach, (Professor (Computer Science))
Song Liu, (Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Medical Statistics and Causality
Andrew Dowsey, (Professor (Veterinary School))
Daniel Lawson, (Senior Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Jonathan Sterne, (Professor (Medical School))
Kate Tilling, (Professor (Medical School))
Nicky Welton, (Professor (Medical School))
Feng Yu, (Senior Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Multilevel Modelling
William Browne, (Professor (Education))
Harvey Goldstein, (Professor (Education))
Kelvyn Jones, (Professor (Geographical Science))
George Leckie, (Professor (Education - Social Statistics))
Levi Wolf, (Lecturer (Geographical Science))
Smoothing and Modelling
Peter Green, (Professor (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Arne Kovac, (Senior Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Feng Yu, (Senior Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Matteo Fassiolo, (Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Spatial Statistics
Kelvyn Jones, (Professor (Geographical Science))
Levi Wolf, (Lecturer (Geographical Science))
Statistical HPC
Anthony Lee, (Professor (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Simon McIntosh-Smith, (Professor (Computer Science))
Nick Whiteley, (Professor (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Statistics Foundations and Philosophy
Tobias Kley, (Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Stochastic Models for Life Sciences
Mark Cannell, (Professor (Life Sciences))
Matt Jones, (Professor (Life Sciences))
Time Series, Networks and Point Processes
David Bull, (Professor (Electrical Engineering))
Haeran Cho, (Senior Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Ayalvadi Ganesh, (Senior Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Song Liu, (Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Patrick Rubin-Delanchy, (Senior Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Feng Yu, (Senior Lecturer (Mathematics - Statistical Science))
Uncertainty Assessment and Risk
Jerry Phillips, (Reader (Earth Sciences))
Max Werner, (Senior Lecturer (Earth Sciences))
2 August 2021. We welcome applications at any time of year, however early application is advised.
Open days and visits
Find out how to attend one of our upcoming online events.
Get in touch
Compass CDT Admissions Phone: +44 (0) 117 42 84909 Email: compass-cdt@bristol.ac.uk
School of Mathematics
Fry Building
Woodland Road
Bristol BS8 1UG
School website: School of Mathematics
Department website:
International students
Find out more about becoming a student at Bristol, applying for a visa and the support we offer to international students.
Bristol Doctoral College
The Bristol Doctoral College facilitates and supports doctoral training and researcher development across the University.
REF 2014 results
- Mathematical Sciences:
- 43% of research is world-leading (4*)
- 44% of research is internationally excellent (3*)
- 12% of research is recognised internationally (2*)
- 1% of research is recognised nationally (1*)
Results are from the most recent UK-wide assessment of research quality, conducted by HEFCE. More about REF 2014 results.
Disclaimer
Important disclaimer information about our programmes.