Graduate Coursework Programs

Biostatistics

Biostatistics is the discipline that underpins the use of statistical methods in health and medical research. This three-tier program of courses, delivered in conjunction with the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia, offers specialised training in biostatistics, with a strong theoretical grounding.

Graduates wishing to follow a program in Biostatistics can choose from the following options:

Those seeking biostatistical skills at a more pragmatic level should consider the:

Master of Public Health - Epidemiology & Biostatistics Specialisation or
Master of Epidemiology.

Master of Biostatistics
Suitable For: Those seeking employment as a Biostatistician in medical and epidemiological research, the pharmaceutical industry or government departments and agencies (a workplace project is compulsory).
Entry Requirements:
  • A four-year undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline incorporating studies in mathematics or statistics at least at second-year level with an average mark of at least H2B (70%); OR
  • A Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Biostatistics. Successful applicants with a Postgraduate Diploma in Biostatistics with at least H2B (70%) average may be awarded a maximum of 50 points credit (advanced standing) on entry to the masters degree.
  • The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or tests or call for referee reports or employer references to elucidate any of the matters listed above.
Because the degree of Master of Biostatistics includes a compulsory 25-point supervised workplace project portfolio enrolment in the Master of Biostatistics is not usually possible for international students unable to live and be employed in Australia while undertaking the degree.
Structure: 12 subjects, 150 points (9 core subjects, electives from 6 options, and a 1- or 2-unit workplace project).
Research Option:
 No
Study Mode: Distance Education
Length/Mode: 3 years - part time (maximum of 2 subjects per semester)
Fee Payment: Fees
Mid-Year Entry: Yes, subject to coordinator's approval
Articulation:
 n/a
How to Apply: Local Applicant  - International Applicant
For detailed course information, visit the University's On-Line Course and Subject Handbook.
Make an Enquiry


Postgraduate Diploma in Biostatistics
Suitable For: Students who wish to follow the same core program as the Master of Biostatistics, but without completing more advanced elective subjects or the workplace project.
Entry Requirements:
  • An undergraduate degree with an average mark of at least H2B (70%) over the degree and two years of documented work experience relevant to the use of quantitative methods in health research; OR an undergraduate degree in mathematics, statistics, health or other sciences that includes tertiary-level mathematics, with an average mark of at least H2B (70%) over the degree.
  • A demonstrated capacity for advanced mathematical work, indicated for example by a high level of achievement in secondary or tertiary mathematics.
  • Successful completion of a tertiary-level statistics subject or demonstrated equivalent prior knowledge of statistics.
The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or tests or may call for referee reports or employer references to elucidate any of the matters listed above.
Structure: 8 subjects - 100 points (8 core subjects, electives available if granted exemptions from core subjects).
Research Option: No
Study Mode: Distance Education
Length/Mode: 2 years - part time (maximum of 2 subjects per semester)
Fee Payment: Fees
Mid-Year Entry: Yes, subject to coordinator's approval
Articulation:
 Students achieving H2B (70%) in their first 4 subjects can articulate to Master of Biostatistics.
How to Apply: Local Applicant  - International Applicant
For detailed course information, visit the University's On-Line Course and Subject Handbook.
Make an Enquiry


Postgraduate Certificate in Biostatistics
Suitable For: Those seeking an understanding of the mathematical foundations of biostatistics and principles of epidemiology (or seeking to complete advanced subjects only after substantial prior study in statistics).
Entry Requirements:
  • An undergraduate degree with an average mark of at least H2B (70%) over the degree and two years of documented work experience relevant to the use of quantitative methods in health research; OR an undergraduate degree in mathematics, statistics, health or other sciences that includes tertiary-level mathematics, with an average mark of at least H2B (70%) over the degree.
  • A demonstrated capacity for advanced mathematical work, indicated for example by a high level of achievement in secondary or tertiary mathematics.
  • Successful completion of a tertiary-level statistics subject or demonstrated equivalent prior knowledge of statistics.
The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or tests or may call for referee reports or employer references to elucidate any of the matters listed above.
Structure: 4 subjects - 50 points (1 core subject in Epidemiology, 3 electives from 14 options).
Research Option:
 No
Study Mode: Distance Education
Length/Mode: 1year - part time (maximum of 2 subjects per semester)
Fee Payment: Fees
Mid-Year Entry: Yes, subject to coordinator's approval
Articulation:
 Students achieving H2B (70%) can articulate to Postgraduate Diploma in Biostatistics
How to Apply: Local Applicant  - International Applicant
For detailed course information, visit the University's On-Line Course and Subject Handbook.
Make an Enquiry

For more information, please contact the Course Coordinator:

Professor John Carlin
Centre for MEGA Epidemiology
Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Tel: +61 3 8344 0733
Email: john.carlin@unimelb.edu.au

Alternatively, Professor Carlin can be reached at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute:
Tel: +61 3 9345 6363
Fax: +61 3 7345 6000

Course administration enquiries should be directed to the Academic Programs Office.