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 one of its kind in Australia and is available to both domestic and international students. Through your inspiring studies in our dynamic online learning environment, you will gain comprehensive knowledge of the various statistical methods used to analyse medical data.
Our passionate academic staff will train you to think logically and approach problems both analytically and creatively. Coupled with the computing and communication skills you learn, you will cultivate qualities sought by a range of employers.
Graduates of this program have excelled in a variety of academic, government and private sector positions. Your knowledge can also be applied in non-medical fields including business, finance and engineering.
Why study with us?
- Learn from research leaders - you will have access to world-class clinicians and researchers from leading facilities such as the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the John Hunter Hospital, keeping you on the forefront of breaking research discoveries.
- Hands-on experience - gain significant real-world experience with access to large-scale/BIG-DATA projects , which is highly sought after by employers.
- 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
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 learn a broader range of statistical analysis methods.
In either specialisation, you will complete four core courses, three compulsory courses and one directed course.
Key study areas include:
- Probability Theory
- Clinical Trial Design
- Statistical Inference
- Data management and visualisation
- Linear regression modelling
- Generalised linear modelling
- Analysis methods for longitudinal data
- Survival 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
Skilled statisticians are in high demand throughout the world. Statisticians also have great income potential and working conditions, with Careercast.com rating Statistician as Number 1 Best Job of 2017.
Possible career paths may include:
- medical statistician
- biostatistician
- pharmaceutical industry
- universities
- government departments (e.g., NSW Department of Health)
- medical research institutes and centres
Graduates may also transition into a PhD in Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics at UON, 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.
