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    MSc
    2024 start September 

    Statistics with Medical Applications

    School of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science

    Learn how to apply advanced statistical techniques in medicine and healthcare, from epidemiology to clinical trials.
    Woman looking through Statistics books

    Course description

    This course trains you to use statistical tools that are central to many areas of medicine: from clinical trials, to disease modelling, to measuring patient outcomes.

    You’ll develop a detailed working knowledge of essential statistical techniques and concepts, including linear and generalised linear modelling, Bayesian statistics and computational methods and build up your programming and data analysis skills using the statistical computing software R.

    You’ll study how these skills are applied in clinical trials and choose from a range of optional modules that focus on the role of statistics in other areas of medicine, such as epidemiology and evaluating healthcare interventions.

    There are also optional modules on other topics in statistics, including time series analysis and machine learning.

    Around one-third of the course is devoted to your dissertation on a medical or healthcare related topic. This may focus on investigating a data set or a more theoretical or methodological topic. The aim is to give you skills to include on your CV, such as planning and researching a project, data acquisition, problem specification, analysis and reporting your findings. Distance learning students often come with projects designed by their employer.

    Accreditation

    This course is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society.

    Modules

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Core modules:

    Medical Statistics

    This module introduces an important application of statistics: medical research, specifically, the design and analysis of clinical trials. For any new drug to be approved by a regulator (such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the UK) for use on patients, the effectiveness of the drug has to be demonstrated in a clinical trial. This module explains how clinical trials are designed and how statistical methods are used to analyse the results, with a particular focus on 'survival' or 'time-to-event' analysis.

    15 credits
    The Statistician's Toolkit

    This is the first of two 'core' modules students studying on statistics MScs. The aim of this module is to prepare statisticians for the workplace, equipping them with essential statistical modelling, computing and professional skills. The module includes the study of linear and generalised linear modelling, and data analysis using the programming language R.

    30 credits
    Bayesian Statistics and Computational Methods

    This module introduces the Bayesian approach to statistical inference. The Bayesian method is fundamentally different in philosophy from conventional frequentist/classical inference, and has been the subject of some controversy in the past, but is now widely used. The module also presents various computational methods for implementing both Bayesian and frequentist inference, in situations where obtaining results 'analytically' would be impossible. The methods will be implemented using the programming languages R and Stan, and some programming is taught alongside the theory lectures.

    30 credits
    Dissertation (MSc Statistics with Medical Applications)

    The dissertation is an extensive statistical study on a topic from a medical, pharmaceutical or health-related field. It gives the student the opportunity to synthesise theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

    60 credits

    Optional modules:

    Epidemiology

    Epidemiology is the discipline underpinning both effective public health practice and research into the causes, control and prevention of disease. Knowledge and understanding of epidemiological concepts and methods is a basic requirement for effective public health practice.

    This module will provide an introduction to epidemiology covering key epidemiological concepts; measures of disease; association and causation; confounding and bias. It will also introduce research designs including cross-sectional, ecological, cohort, case-control and intervention studies and introduce population health measures such as screening.

    15 credits
    Economic Evaluation

    This module introduces the basic principles of economic evaluation as applied to healthcare interventions.  The course introduces the concept of economic evaluation, the different types that are available and the various stages and techniques that need to be applied to generate results.  Current practice guidelines will be described so that students can understand the current policy context of the methods.  Also, as alternative techniques are described, their strengths and weaknesses will be highlighted, with the students being encouraged to critically appraise their appropriateness to different contexts.

    15 credits
    Systematic Reviews and Critical Appraisal Techniques

    To familiarise students with principles of systematic reviews and critical appraisal and the acquisition of skills necessary to undertake such work. The unit includes an introduction to information systems; principles of systematic literature reviews and critical appraisal; search strategies; computer-assisted search methods; practicalities of writing up the results of a systematic review; introduction to Meta- analysis; and dissemination of findings.

    15 credits
    Qualitative Research Design and Analysis

    On completing the module students will be expected to be able to: understand a range of qualitative research approaches, data collection methods and forms of analysis; plan and undertake a simple analysis of student-generated qualitative data; critically appraise the methods and results of qualitative research.

    15 credits
    Machine Learning

    Machine learning lies at the interface between computer science and statistics. The aims of machine learning are to develop a set of tools for modelling and understanding complex data sets. It is an area developed recently in parallel between statistics and computer science. With the explosion of “Big Data”, statistical machine learning has become important in many fields, such as marketing, finance and business, as well as in science. The module focuses on the problem of training models to learn from training data to classify new examples of data.

    15 credits
    Sampling Theory and Design of Experiments

    Whereas most statistics modules are concerned with the analysis of data, this module is focussed on the collection of data. In particular, this module considers how to collect data efficiently: how to ensure the quantities of interest can be estimated sufficiently accurately, using the smallest possible sample size. Three settings are considered: sample surveys (for example when conducting an opinion poll), physical experiments, as may be used in industry, and experiments involving predictions from computer models, where there is uncertainty in the computer model prediction.

    15 credits
    Time Series

    This module considers the analysis of data in which the same quantity is observed repeatedly over time (e.g., recordings of the daily maximum temperature in a particular city, measured over months or years). Analysis of such data typically requires specialised methods, which account for the fact that successive observations are likely to be related. Various statistical models for analysing such data will be presented, as well as how to implement them using the programming language R.

    15 credits
    Economic Evaluation in International Health Technology Assessment Online

    This unit introduces the concept of economic evaluation as applied to health technology assessment, the different types of evaluation that are available and the various stages and techniques that need to be applied to generate results. The techniques will be matched against current practice guidelines in different jurisdictions so that students can understand the current policy context of the methods. Also, as additional techniques are described, the strengths and weaknesses of each will be highlighted, with the students being encouraged to critically appraise their appropriateness to different contexts and jurisdictions.

    15 credits
    Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis: Principles Online

    The purpose of this unit is to enable students to understand the principles of systematic review. It covers the defining characteristics and application of systematic reviews; how to search for and select relevant evidence; how to quality assess primary research articles; the key issues that may generate bias; and the general principles governing evidence synthesis.

    15 credits
    Randomised Controlled Trials to Support Reimbursement Decision Making Online

    Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are of use when evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, as part of health technology assessment and decision-making. This unit covers the appropriate use of trials, the range of available research designs, strategies to optimise recruitment, sample size, outcome measures, and the use of economic and qualitative methods alongside trials.

    15 credits
    Cost-effectiveness Modelling in International Health Technology Assessment Online

    This unit sets out the different uses of modelling in Health Technology Assessment (HTA), together with the main principles and common techniques (including Markov models and individual level simulation). It reviews the international guidance on good practice and develops participants' skills to appraise and commission models for HTA. Learning is based around a core international literature on modelling covering methodological papers and a substantial set of case studies, ensuring learning is grounded in real world examples. Participants also undertake some simple 'hands-on' model-building and model reviewing in EXCEL to help embed the principles learned.Students interested to learn more about building cost-effectiveness models can enrol on the Building Cost-effectiveness Models for HTA module (HAR6119). This module runs in the Spring semester and is worth 15 credits.

    15 credits
    Building Cost-effectiveness Models for Health Technology Assessment Online

    An advanced course teaching the technical and practical skills required to build cost-effectiveness models for international health technology assessment. It builds on from the introductory unit, HAR6113 Cost-effectiveness modelling in international HTA, which covered the principles behind modelling. Content includes problem definition and structuring, building decision tree and Markov/state transition models in Excel, identifying appropriate data sources, implementing deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and Value of Information analysis. It is an advanced course, aimed at students with a strong mathematical background who want to go on to build their own economic models.Students require a mathematical / statistical background and a sound understanding of the principles of modelling (prior completion of HAR6113 or evidence of previous training/knowledge). Good pre-existing Excel skills are essential. For students considering this Module as a standalone option who only require an understanding of the principles of economic modelling and good practice and who need the skills to be able to review other people's models, but do not need the technical skills to build their own models, the introductory module HAR6113: Cost-effectiveness Modelling in International HTA may be a more appropriate choice of module.

    15 credits
    Utility and Patient-reported Outcomes Data in Health Technology Assessment Online

    The module explores the assessment and generation of patient reported outcome and utility measures for use in international health technology assessment including alternative valuation techniques, measures and underlying assumptions to the quality adjusted life year (QALY) model. The approaches used to generate outcomes and other utility data will be explored in relation to current practice guidelines of reimbursement and other agencies in different countries. Measuring the wider societal benefits of interventions is also considered.

    15 credits

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Open days

    An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.

    Find out what makes us special at our next online open day on Wednesday 17 April 2024.

    You may also be able to pre-book a department visit as part of a campus tour.Open days and campus tours

    Duration

    • 1 year, full-time
    • 2-3 years, part-time

    Teaching

    There are lectures, tutorials, computing sessions and group work. Most statistics lectures are recorded so you can watch them again later.

    You’ll be expected to spend around 35 hours each week on your studies, with 8-12 hours in lectures or computing classes, and the remainder consisting of independent study.

    Distance learning option

    This is taught online with support via email and an online forum. Distance learners also come to the University for residential weeks.

    You'll need to be in Sheffield for a few days between late May and early June each year for your exams. You're expected to spend around 20 hours each week on your studies if you're doing the two-year version of the course, and around 12 to 15 hours each week if you're doing the three-year version.

    Assessment

    Some modules may be continuously assessed through ongoing project work with no examination, but most taught modules are assessed by a mixture of examinations and coursework. The assessment of the dissertation module is based entirely on your submitted dissertation.

    Your career

    This course is great training for statistician roles across medicine and healthcare. The skills students develop can be used to help bring new drugs to market in the pharmaceutical industry, design public health interventions to tackle national and international healthcare challenges or support clinicians on the frontline.

    Employers that have hired graduates from our School of Mathematics and Statistics include AstraZeneca, GE Healthcare, GSK, the Medical Research Council, Public Health England and the NHS.

    This degree satisfies the eligibility criteria for the Royal Statistical Society’s Graduate Statistician award – a stepping-stone to full professional membership of the RSS and Chartered Statistician status.

    Department

    School of Mathematics and Statistics

    A lecturer stood at the front of a seminar by a blackboard

    The School of Mathematics and Statistics is one of the biggest departments at the University of Sheffield. It’s home to more than 50 academic staff with expertise across many areas of pure mathematics, applied mathematics, probability and statistics. We aspire to be an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who enjoy mathematics.

    Our mathematics and statistics researchers work on a wide variety of topics, from the most abstract questions in algebraic geometry and number theory, to the calculations behind infectious disease, black holes and climate change. 

    In the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 96 per cent of our research was rated in the highest two categories as world-leading or internationally excellent.

    Staff in the School of Mathematics and Statistics have received honours from the Royal Society, the Society for Mathematical Biology and the Royal Statistical Society, who also provide professional accreditation for our statistics courses. 

    With the support of the London Mathematical Society, we are an organiser of the Transpennine Topology Triangle – a key focal point for topology research in the UK. 

    We also have strong links with the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, the European Physical Society and the International Society on General Relativity and Gravitation.

    Student profiles

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    Weishan Shi shares her experiences of studying the MSc Statistics with Medical Applications course in the School of Mathematics and Statistics.

    Entry requirements

    Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree, with substantial mathematical and statistical components. In particular, you should have studied the following topics and performed well in assessments on them (for example, a score of at least 60 per cent).

    • Mathematical Methods for Statistics: ideas and techniques from linear algebra, including multiple integration, differentiation, matrix algebra, the theory of quadratic forms.
    • Probability and Probability Distributions: the laws of probability and of conditional probability, the concepts of random variables and random vectors and their distributions, the methodology for calculating with them; laws of large numbers and central limit phenomena.
    • Basic Statistics: hypothesis testing; point estimation and confidence intervals; likelihood methods; linear modelling; use of statistical software, for example, R.

    Preparing for your MSc course in statistics

    We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

    Entry requirements for international students

    Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Fees and funding

    Scholarships

    The highly prestigious Jayne Fountain Studentship sponsored by Parexel is open to UK students applying for the Statistics with Medical Applications MSc or Statistics MSc. The scholarship is worth £20,000, to cover the cost of course tuition fees and make a contribution to living costs.

    Apply

    You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.

    Apply now

    Contact

    postgradmaths-enquiry@shef.ac.uk
    +44 114 222 3789

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.