Master of Biostatistics

• Gain advanced skills in biostatistics to design, analyse, and interpret health data.
• Learn from leading experts in biostatistics from across Australia, with flexible study options.
• Prepare for a rewarding career as a professional biostatistician or to continue your studies with a higher research degree.

The Master of Biostatistics at the University of Melbourne provides a comprehensive, advanced education in the vital field of biostatistics. It will teach you how to design smart experiments, collect and summarise important data, and then accurately interpret and clearly communicate your findings to other health professionals. This degree focuses on applying powerful computational analysis to real health datasets, ensuring you gain practical, sought-after skills.

The wide range of elective subjects will give you incredible flexibility to shape your unique career path in biostatistics. During the master’s degree you'll complete a research project under expert guidance where you will apply your knowledge to a real-world problem and gain the essential skills for a professional biostatistician role or for continuing your studies with a higher research degree.

Who is the Master of Biostatistics for?

This course is for students who are passionate about applying mathematics and statistics to health data to improve health outcomes. It's ideal for those looking to advance their knowledge in statistical theory and its application in health research.

To be eligible, you'll generally need a strong background in a quantitative field such as mathematics, statistics, or a related science or health discipline.  As well, an interest in working with real-world health data and contributing to medical and public health research is key.

Please note for international students: If you're an international student, the mid-year intake for the Master of Biostatistics is not available. However, you might consider the Master of Biostatistics (Enhanced) if you wish to start mid-year.

Why study the Master of Biostatistics?

Biostatisticians play a crucial role in modern health and medical research, transforming complex data into clear insights that drive new discoveries and improve public health. This specialist role requires a unique blend of statistical expertise and an understanding of health contexts.

Our program allows you to fast-track your qualification, completing it full-time in just 18 months, or you can choose a flexible three-year part-time option. You'll learn from the University of Melbourne's leading biostatisticians and benefit from our affiliation with the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia, giving you access to experts nationwide. Our hybrid teaching approach, with both face-to-face and online subjects, offers flexibility without compromising quality.

This degree is accredited by the Statistical Society of Australia (SSA), giving you a recognised credential that will open doors to employment as a professional biostatistician in:

• Medical and public health research centres
• Universities
• Hospitals
• Government departments
• Pharmaceutical industry

Courses related to the Master of Biostatistics

The Master of Biostatistics builds on the Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics, offering an additional 6 months of full-time study (or 1 year part-time) to deepen your expertise.

For those looking for even more, we also offer the Master of Biostatistics (Enhanced). This program adds a further 6 months of study, allowing you to either delve into greater depth in biostatistics or broaden your skills across the wider field of public health.