The course encompasses the design of experiments and the collection, summary and analysis of data, including, importantly, the interpretation and communication of data analysis to health professionals using real-world datasets.

Your professional background could be in health sciences or mathematics – this degree suits both, but you must have an aptitude for mathematics. You can benefit from interaction with local biostatistics experts and also have access to academic biostatisticians located throughout Australia via our affiliation with the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia. The course is also accredited by the Statistical Society of Australia Inc. (SSAI).

On completion of the Graduate Diploma, graduates will have attained the required skills for employment as a biostatistician. This course allows graduates to:

• Fast-track their qualification: study full-time and complete in one year
• Learn from leading biostatisticians at the University of Melbourne and Australia-wide
• Benefit from a hybrid approach to teaching: subjects offered both face-to-face and online
• Attain skills for employment as a professional biostatistician in medical and public health research centres, universities, hospitals, government departments and the pharmaceutical industry
• The course is accredited by the Statistical Society of Australia Inc. and is an affiliated program of the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia

On completion of the Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics, graduates will be able to:

Knowledge

• Explain key concepts of quantitative research methods including the role of statistical methods in drawing inferences from data
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the theory underlying the main areas of biostatistics relevant to professional practice and research
• Explain key epidemiological concepts including measures of disease frequency and causal effect, and the major sources of bias in epidemiological studies.

Skills

• develop research questions (descriptive, causal, predictive) and corresponding appropriate statistical designs and/or analysis methods in medical/health settings
• display skills in a range of complex statistical analyses using modern statistical software and programming skills
• demonstrate skills in data collection and data management, including database design, quality control procedures and the ethical handling of data
• employ sound communication skills relating to biostatistical issues with clinical/health professionals including appropriate presentation of statistical material
• display the technical skills to be able to read methodological papers in the biostatistical literature and apply the methods described therein to practical problems

Application of knowledge and skills

• display problem-solving abilities in biostatistics, characterised by flexibility of approach

COURSE STRUCTURE

The Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics requires the successful completion of 5 core subjects and 3 electives.  On completion of the Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics you will have attained a similar range of skills required for employment as a biostatistician as those completing the Master of Biostatistics

The Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics at the University of Melbourne is an ideal pathway into the rapidly growing area of data-based health solutions.

By studying this program you will gain practical skills for working with data and theoretical knowledge of statistics, empowering you to further your career as a biostatistician in the health sector.

Theoretical and practical skills for your career

Upon successful completion of this degree, you will be able to understand how to utilise ‘health data’ to benefit an array of professional health areas and find solutions to problems that face people on a global scale.

To further develop these skills, you can transition into an additional six months of study by moving into the Master of Biostatistics, which will involve completing a detailed research project. This will help you build a more specialised knowledge base that will benefit you in your future career.

Global career potential

Utilising the collective educational power of the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia, you will develop knowledge across a wide range of biostatistical areas. This will allow you to pursue a wide array of career opportunities around the world, having gained official accreditation as a Graduate Statistician (GStat) from the Statistical Society of Australia.

You can apply your biostatistical skills to work in diverse workplaces, such as:

• Universities
• Hospitals
• Medical and public health research centres
• Government departments
• Medical device companies
• Pharmaceutical companies.

Utilising the theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained in the Graduate Diploma of Biostatistics, you will be able to help businesses utilise their health data resources to benefit the health of many.

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed: A Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline, such as statistics, mathematics, biomedicine, psychology, science, pharmacy,

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.