School of Mathematics

Claire Keeble

MSc Statistics

What made you choose to do a Masters?
I really enjoyed studying at undergraduate level and so I decided to stay on and do a Masters with the intention of doing a PhD. I felt like I hadn’t finished my learning and had a desire to learn more. I would like a job in research eventually and so this is the route to take.

How are you finding a Masters compared to undergraduate degree?
The Masters is very similar to the final year of the undergraduate degree. In fact, you can take lots of the modules at either undergraduate or Masters level, so there is an overlap between them. The teaching has felt very much the same but there is a bit more independent work in your Masters.

What are you going to be studying at PhD?
I am going to be studying part statistics and part epidemiology with the School of Medicine. My Masters now is taking some modules from the MSc Statisical Epidemiology course, partly because I have done some of the MSc Statistics modules last year and partly in preparation for next year.

How have you found the teaching?
Brilliant. All the lecturers are really friendly and the notes they give in lectures are adequate so you don’t need to do any outside reading. They are all approachable, so if you are stuck on anything you feel that you can ask them for help. So yes I am very happy with the teaching.

What is it that makes you passionate about the subject you study?
I find it interesting. The Maths itself is useful but I personally find the applications to it most interesting, because you can see how it is being used in the real world. I like to see how it can make changes in other areas like medicine or business.

How would you describe student life for students at Leeds?
Fun. The Union is brilliant, it’s got lots of different activities and social clubs which means that there is something for everyone. The nightlife at the Union is great too with lots of clubs. There are lots of different ways to get involved with the Union as well and improve anything which you aren’t happy with, so I think that it is what the students want.

What do you like best about your School?
It’s a very friendly atmosphere and the students, teaching staff and admin staff are generally friendly and very helpful.

How about social activities, have you been involved in anything?
I have joined the gym and attended dance classes, which were fun. It was street dance and I hadn’t done anything like that before.

What would you say to other students thinking of coming to Leeds University?
Prepare for your course if you can. If there’s anything that you have not studied previously then have a quick look at that before you arrive to ensure it's right for you. That’s pretty much it as you are guided through everything else, it’s all very well set out.