Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics

Have a knack for numbers? Interested in statistics and health science?

Biostatisticians collect, interrogate, interpret and communicate data. They provide the specialised skills needed to draw useful conclusions from health-related research.

What will you do?

Our Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics is offered in conjunction with the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA) and delivered entirely online. It is accredited by the Statistical Society of Australia. You will:

  • learn from leading teachers and biostatisticians Australia-wide
  • study statistical theory and methods in depth
  • benefit from online learning to study where you want, when you want  
  • apply your learning to problems in professional practice
  • choose from elective courses to deepen your specialist expertise.

Where could it take you?

You’ll be prepared for employment in medical and epidemiological research, and government departments and agencies. You could work for a pharmaceutical or biotech company. Perhaps you’ll go on to a Master of Biostatistics and help design and execute world-changing clinical trials.

To find out more about the BCA program, visit the BCA website.

  • Top 25 emerging occupations in 2023^
  • Accredited by the Statistical Society of Australia
  • Flexible study options

^nationalskillscommision.gov.au

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3GD016
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to meet an acceptable standard in Maths Proficiency. The selection process also considers qualifications/experience in a relevant field and includes an interview with the Program Coordinator. Applicants must contact the School of Public Health on bca@adelaide.edu.au to arrange an appointment with the program co-ordinator.
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed Bachelors degree or equivalent.

Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $34,500

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

The Graduate Diploma of Biostatistics will allow you to develop a specialist career role in health-related research or health services. Biostatistical expertise is in very high demand in many areas. Possible job settings include:

  • Medical and epidemiological research
  • The pharmaceutical industry
  • Government departments and agencies.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Biostatistician;  Statistician;  Epidemiologist;  Medical Researcher;  Clinical Studies Coordinator;  Bioinformatician;  Data scientist

Degree Structure

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 24 units, comprising:

1.  Core courses to the value of 18 units
2.  Elective courses to the value of 6  units

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Example Study Plan

Core Courses
To satisfy the requirements for Core Courses students must complete courses to the value of 18 units.

BIOSTATS 6000 Epidemiology
BIOSTATS 6002EX Data management and Statistical Computing
BIOSTATS 6005EX Principles of Statistical Inference
BIOSTATS 6020EX Regression Modelling for Biostatistics l
BIOSTATS 6019EX Mathematical Foundations for Biostatistics
BIOSTATS 6021EX Regression Modelling for Biostatistics ll

Electives
To satisfy the requirements for Elective Courses students must complete courses to the value of 6 units.

Courses to the value of at least 3 units from the following:

BIOSTATS 6004EX Design of Randomised Controlled Trials (3 units)
BIOSTATS 6011EX Statistical Genomics (3 units)
BIOSTATS 6012EX Longitudinal & Correlated Data (3 units)
BIOSTATS 6014EX Bayesian Statistical Methods (3 units)
BIOSTATS 6015EX Health Indicators & Health Surveys (3 units)
BIOSTATS 6016EX Clinical Biostatistics (3 units)
BIOSTATS 6017EX Machine Learning (3 units)
BIOSTATS 6018EX Causal Inference (3 units)

and/or

Courses to the value of up to 3 units that are available to them from the following:

PUB HLTH 7028 Infectious Disease Epidemiology
PUB HLTH 7091 Public Health Evaluations and Economics
PUB HLTH 7147OL Health Technology Assessment
 
Or other postgraduate coursework courses available to them, as deemed eligible by the Program Coordinator.

Assessment

Project work, written assignments and practical work.

Testimonial

I was continually inspired by the passion of my supervisory panel and their commitment to improving the lives of young people.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Friday, 4 Oct 2024