Master of Biostatistics
Overview
The Master of Biostatistics will teach you the specialised application of statistics to the field of health that will enable you to make important contributions to research and evidence-based practice.
Biostatistics uses data to measure, understand and solve medical problems. This exciting and versatile discipline contributes to all fields of medical research and evidence-based healthcare. In this program, you'll develop critical analysis expertise, interpretation skills and the ability to apply relevant research findings.
This program is ideal if you're interested in advancing knowledge in biomedicine, public health, or the life sciences. You'll learn how to develop and apply statistical methods to different sets of health data, to make important contributions to research and evidence-based practice.
The 24-unit 3-year part-time program is designed for applicants who have completed an approved degree (e.g. in mathematics, economics, or health).
Courses are designed to build and extend your knowledge of the theory and application of biostatistics. You'll learn how to undertake complex statistical analyses and have the option of undertaking a research project.
The program is enriched by the School of Public Health’s strong links with leading international agencies including Australian Aid, the World Bank and the World Health Organization.
Program highlights
- Study a program developed by Australia’s foremost biostatisticians at one of the leading schools of public health in the Asia-Pacific.
- Benefit from a program enriched by the School of Public Health’s strong links with leading international agencies.
- Graduate with in-demand skills applicable to all fields of medical research and healthcare.
How you'll learn
Due to the way they are taught, certain programs and plans are not offered online in Semester 2, 2022.
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Online study
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Introduction to Epidemiology
- Mathematical Background for Biostatistics
- Health Indicators & Health Surveys
- Data Management & Statistical Computing
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Biostatistician
- Epidemiologist
- Bioinformatician
- Data technician
“The biostatistics program will provide the advanced skills necessary to analyse health-related data. My favourite part of teaching these students is the interactive nature of the tutorial video sessions, and the active message board discussions, as we work through our understanding of the subjects”
Dr Michael WallerSenior lecturer, biostatistics
“The biostatistics program will provide the advanced skills necessary to analyse health-related data. My favourite part of teaching these students is the interactive nature of the tutorial video sessions, and the active message board discussions, as we work through our understanding of the subjects”
Dr Michael WallerSenior lecturer, biostatistics
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
An approved degree (or equivalent); or
A Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics from this university (or equivalent).
Applicants who have completed a four year (i.e. Honours) degree with a major in statistics may be eligible for the #16 unit program.
A degree in one of the following disciplines would normally meet the 'approved degree' requirement:
- Allied health
- Applied Science
- Behavioural and social sciences (Sociology, Psychology, Counselling)
- Biomedical Sciences
- Biostatistics
- Dentistry, Oral Health
- Development Studies
- Education
- Engineering
- Environmental Health
- Exercise and Sport Science
- Food Science
- Health Economics
- Health Management
- Mathematics
- Medicine, Medical Sciences
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
- Public Health or Health Sciences
- Science
- Speech Therapy
- Veterinary Sciences
- Arts (please note that this will depend on the major studied)
The minimum GPA to be considered for admission into this program is 4.0.
An approved degree (or equivalent); or
A Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics from this university (or equivalent).
Applicants who have completed a four year (i.e. Honours) degree with a major in statistics may be eligible for the #16 unit program.
A degree in one of the following disciplines would normally meet the 'approved degree' requirement:
- Allied health
- Applied Science
- Behavioural and social sciences (Sociology, Psychology, Counselling)
- Biomedical Sciences
- Biostatistics
- Dentistry, Oral Health
- Development Studies
- Education
- Engineering
- Environmental Health
- Exercise and Sport Science
- Food Science
- Health Economics
- Health Management
- Mathematics
- Medicine, Medical Sciences
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
- Public Health or Health Sciences
- Science
- Speech Therapy
- Veterinary Sciences
- Arts (please note that this will depend on the major studied)
The minimum GPA to be considered for admission into this program is 4.0.
Related programs
Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider
one of these related programs:
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.
Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Student visas
This program does not meet the eligibility requirements for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).
To study this program in Australia you will need a temporary visa or residency status with study entitlement. Some programs can also be studied from outside Australia.
Additional application information
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$15,200
2022
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $41,536
2022
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Master of Biostatistics are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
FEE-HELP
Domestic students who are accepted into the Master of Biostatistics pay tuition fees.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. The program code for the Master of Biostatistics is 5500.
International students who want to study this program will not be eligible for a Student Visa (subclass 500).
To study this program in Australia, you will need an Australian visa or residency status with sufficient study entitlement. Some programs can also be studied from outside Australia.
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Master of Biostatistics is 5500.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
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