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 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 inter-disciplinary 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.

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.