Why study biostatistics?
The elective stream equips students to design epidemiological studies, assess epidemiological literature and acquire practical skills in biostatistics to analyse and interpret epidemiological data. Elective options allow students to develop expertise in reporting study results, conducting systematic reviews with meta-analysis and exploring areas like genetic epidemiology and infectious disease epidemiology.
This elective stream prepares students for roles in health and public health research and graduates are well-prepared to contribute to population health improvement through quantitative research and discovery. You will have the capacity to develop and conduct health research, analyse data from a range of projects and routine collections, and showcase contemporary epidemiological thinking.
Graduates emerge as leaders in this evolving field, with skills applicable to diverse areas of public and clinical health research, such as mental health, sexual health, infectious diseases and non-communicable disease prevention. These skills are relevant in Australian and international settings.
Study options in biostatistics
Advancing biostatistics for a changing world
The global healthcare burden and treatment of vivax malaria is one of the most complex health challenges.
The optimal dose for treatment is yet to be found, increasing pressure on hospitals around the world.
Watch how Megha Rajasekhar, Biostatistician and Research Fellow, is using her postgraduate education in biostatistics to advance the treatment and the eradication of the disease.
*Impact story reference: Megha Tropical Diseases, Travel Medicine and Vaccines (2022) Plasmodium vivax: the potential obstacles it presents to malaria elimination and eradication.
Why study biostatistics at Melbourne?
- Engage with the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, the award-winning research unit at the forefront of a preventative health revolution.
- Learn how to inform Australian and international government policy and assess the impacts of public health interventions to control infection transmission at the Centre of Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases Modelling to Inform Public Health Policy.
- Burnet Institute
- CSL Limited (CSL)
- Denteric
- Immuron
- Melbourne Bioinformatics
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University
- Royal Melbourne Hospital
- Nossal Institute for Global Health
- The Royal Children’s Hospital
- UoM @ Royal Melbourne Hospital, City Campus
- Hepatitis Victoria (LiverWELL)
- Royal Women’s Hospital
Diverse careers
We are a global institution, and our qualifications enable you to progress in your career. The range of roles you can expect after completing a public health education include, but are not limited to:
- Biostatistician
- Health Data Analyst
- Research Assistant
- Research Fellow
Biostatistics sectors
Graduates from this elective stream often find themselves in roles within organisations such as:
- National, state and regional governments
- Large health care services providers
- Research institutions
- Academic institutions
Hear from our alumni
The assignments were focused on real problems, which was very rewarding because I felt like I was making a useful contribution. I particularly enjoyed the research project, where I worked on a big clinical trial looking at breast cancer. I’m still working on that project, so it has turned into a part-time job which is great! I’m enjoying seeing it through until the end.
Lizzie Korevaar, Master of Biostatistics, 2018
The Master of Public Health has provided me with various opportunities to explore different areas of public health, which has helped me to figure out my passions. After I began learning epidemiology and biostatistics, I gradually realised the magic of conducting research and using that research to help policymakers make decisions.
Tianhui Ke, Master of Public Health (Epidemiology and Biostatistics), 2021
Looking for personalised advice?
Find out more about our graduate degrees and get support with your application. Speak to our expert staff online, via phone or at an upcoming event. You can also register to learn more about your course options and opportunities via email.