Medical Statistics: student opportunities

As part of their professional development, graduates employed in the Medical Statistics group as training grade Research Assistants are encouraged and funded to undertake an MSc in statistics. This is completed by distance learning, over two or three years, usually through the University of Sheffield.

“I studied mathematics with some statistics for my first degree. This prepared me for my current job but I am continually learning new things, developing my statistical knowledge and programming skills. This is helped by studying for an MSc in statistics by distance learning. I get time off work to study and I will be able to write a dissertation related to my work. There’s so much more to the job than number-crunching!”

“I joined the Medical Statistics group at the University of Plymouth in 2010 as a Research Assistant. From the beginning, I was provided with the opportunity to participate in a wide range of medical statistic projects. With a background in pure theoretical mathematics, I needed further training in statistics in order to be fully engaged in projects within the group. I am very grateful as my post gave me the opportunity to study an MSc part-time, while continuing to work and contribute to the Medical Statistics group, applying my increasing statistical knowledge. I believe this was a very effective, enjoyable and fast way of becoming a very active statistician.”

“My first degree was in mathematics from the University of Plymouth. My work in the Medical Statistics group is very interesting and varied, covering statistical research across a range of areas of medicine. At the same time, I am studying for a masters degree in statistics through the University of Sheffield, which really helps me with my day-to-day work.”

“I studied my first degree in Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Plymouth before joining the Medical Statistics group in 2014 as a Research Assistant. In addition to my work on Down’s syndrome screening, I have had the opportunity to work on a range of engaging research projects. I completed my masters degree in statistics with medical applications in 2018 and I am now doing a PhD part-time. In May 2023, I was promoted to Research Fellow.”

“I started working with the medical statistics group in July 2017 after completing my undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Plymouth. I have worked mainly on the DQASS project, but have also gained lots of experience working on other research projects. I completed my part-time master’s degree in Statistics with Medical Applications in 2020 and began studying for a PhD in October 2022. The other staff members in the group are all very supportive and willing to offer advice whenever it’s needed. I’ve been able to continue developing my skills, particularly my programming ability in R, in a calm and supportive environment.”

“I started my role with the Medical Statistics group in 2019 after finishing my undergraduate degree in mathematics at the University of Plymouth. With the help of everyone in the group, in 2020 I put together an application for, and was awarded, a three year NIHR pre-doctoral fellowship. The fellowship funding allows me to study for an MSc in Statistics by distance learning whilst continuing my role here. Currently, my main role within the group is supporting the Down syndrome screening Quality Assurance Support Service, however I have also had the opportunity to get involved in other research projects. Both my work and my MSc studies are allowing me to increase my statistical knowledge and programming in R and put these skills into practice every day.”

“I joined the Medical Statistics group in 2021 after completing my first degree in Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Plymouth. The following year, I was successful in attaining the NIHR pre-doctoral fellowship. This opportunity is currently funding my part-time pursuit of an MSc in Statistics, which I have just entered the final year of. Within the group, my work primarily consists of the Down’s Syndrome screening Quality Assurance Support Service, however I have also been able to work on a variety of other research projects, including clinical trials and observational studies. By continuing to work part-time in the Medical Statistics group, I can implement methods from the MSc into projects in real-time, which helps me develop a deeper understanding of the statistical methodology and the accompanying programming in R.”