Transition from pure mathematics to statistics via operational research I am currently studying an M.Sc. in pure mathematics (my dissertation focuses on category/set theory)). However recently I have decided that I wish to transition to a much more applied field. During my undergrad I studied almost all pure courses, with only one statistics module.
I have enrolled in an M.Sc. in operational research for next year where I will be studying a mix of operational research and statistics courses. 
All of this is in the UK.
My question is, should I choose to, will it be possible/realistic for me to apply to do a Ph.D. in some sort of statistics? Not only in terms of actually getting accepted but also getting funding/actually being able to do this?
Thanks for any help
 A: Well, I will answer because this is almost exactly what I have done.
My undergraduate degree was in pure mathematics with a thesis on the Lowenheim-Skolem theorem, and now I am in a funded PhD program in environmental science, where most of my work is in statistics (bio&geo).  So clearly, it is possible, and you probably will have the requisite skills.  
Whether you will enjoy the switch is a different matter.  I still sometimes find statistics slightly intellectually creepy, but some of it can be fun.
A: I don't know what the requirements are in the UK, but many good American statistics and biostatistics graduate programs even accept and fund PhD students who only have an undergraduate degree in mathematics.
A: Hate to sound all sappy, but you can do anything you want to do! Your background will be very valuable in many situations. In others, you will notice that you are missing other skills that you'll have to develop. But that will be true of everyone. Work hard to fill in any gaps that you feel you have and pursue whatever direction you feel most interests you. The main question to ask yourself is not whether your background is right for some particular career direction but whether you are really passionate about that direction. If you are passionate about your chosen direction you will slowly overtake those who are initially better prepared but lack that passion. I have seen this happen over and over again.  
