Campuses and locations
The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
Master of Medical Statistics
Postgraduate program
Fast facts
Duration
2 years part-time up to 4 years maximum.
Study Medical Statistics
The University of Newcastle's Master of Medical Statistics is the only program of its kind in Australia. It offers the fastest route to gaining a Masters qualification in Medical Statistics/Biostatistics for students who have not previously studied undergraduate mathematics and statistics. This is an 80-unit program that provides quality training by passionate academics in the use of statistical methods for analysing medical data, clinical trials, and large-scale longitudinal studies.
You will enhance your understanding of statistical methods and how to apply them to problem solve in professional practice within various scientific and clinical settings.
Why study with us?
- Outstanding teaching quality – Our courses are taught by outstanding educators renowned for superb teaching, cutting-edge research and years of hands-on experience in the field.
- Interactive learning environment – We use the latest technology to enhance your learning experience and outcomes. Learning materials include written material, short videos presented in a range of styles, and automated quizzes to provide immediate feedback on your understanding.
- Learn from research leaders – Your teaching staff are also active researchers. We work with world-class researchers and will teach you the latest statistical methods using real-world research questions.
- Flexible study options – You can choose to study full-time or part-time to suit your professional and personal needs. Our advanced online learning system gives you the flexibility and support to study anytime.
- Achieve your qualification fast – Our intensive 80-unit program offers the most efficient route to gaining a Master qualification in Medical Statistics/Biostatistics in Australia.
- Great career opportunities and work satisfaction - Skilled statisticians are in high demand throughout the world and statisticians have great income potential and working conditions. Careercast.com rated Statistician at Number 1 Best Job of 2017.
What you will study
You can succeed in this program regardless of what you have studied before. Your most important qualities will be some ability in mathematics (e.g., from Senior High School) and a motivation to study medical statistics. Depending on your background, you will be enrolled in one of two specialisations:
- Clinical specialisation – for clinicians, allied health professionals or others who did not study mathematics at undergraduate level (e.g. economics, science, IT). You will learn the necessary mathematical foundations before studying applied statistical analysis methods.
- Longitudinal Data Analysis specialisation – for those who have previously completed at least one undergraduate course in calculus at University. In this specialisation, you will study a broader range of statistical analysis methods.
Each specialisation is comprised of 40 units of core courses, 30 units of compulsory courses and 10 units selected from directed courses.
Key study areas include:
- Foundations of Probability Theory
- Clinical Trial Design
- Statistical Inference
- Linear Regression Modelling
- Applied Survival Analysis/Lifetime Data Analysis
- Applied Longitudinal Analysis
Entry options and duration
This program recognises prior learning. Admission is available to applicants who can demonstrate a suitable combination of education, professional experience and industry qualifications.
The table below outlines the number of years experience required, depending on your previous educational qualifications.
Clinical Specialisation
Educational Qualification | Number of years relevant industry experience | Units required to complete Masters (10 units = 1 course) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Year Bachelor (in a related field of study such as medicine, allied health, biomedical science and pharmacy) | One | 80 |
| 3 Year Bachelor (in a non-related field of study such as economics, computing/IT or science) | One | 80 |
| Bachelor (Hons) degree (in a related field of study as outlined above) | Zero | 80 |
| Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (in a related field of study as outlined above) | Zero | 80 |
Longitudinal Data Analysis Specialisation
Educational Qualification | Number of years relevant industry experience | Units required to complete Masters (10 units = 1 course) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Year Bachelor with strong mathematics/computing content | One | 80 |
| Bachelor (Hons) degree (in a related field of study as outlined above) | Zero | 80 |
| Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (in a related field of study as outlined above) | Zero | 80 |
Program plans
Download a program plan for further details on your degree's structure and what courses you will study.
These program plans are applicable to new students. Current students should refer to the program handbook to access the plan relevant to the year they commenced.
Career opportunities
Possible career paths may include:
- Medical Statistician
- Biostatistician
Employers of Medical Statisticians and Biostatisticians include:
- Universities
- Government Departments (eg NSW Department of Health, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)
- Medical Research Institutes and Centres
- Pharmaceutical Industry
Graduates may also transition into a PhD in Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics at the University of Newcastle, providing outstanding future career opportunities.
Professional and international recognition
Graduates of this program will have the statistical expertise to seek employment as a medical statistician/biostatistician in Australia or internationally. You can also apply for accreditation by the Statistical Society of Australia as a Graduate Statistician (GStat).
Our graduates have excelled in a variety of academic, government and private sector positions. Regardless of your background, aspirations or location, this program will deepen your understanding of statistics and equip you to identify and apply suitable statistical methods to answer real-life questions in health and medicine.
