Who is Eligible to Apply?

The program is designed to take students from a range of backgrounds and prepare them for employment as biostatisticians in a wide range of settings, including medical and epidemiological research, health services and the pharmeceutical industry. The main requirement is that you should have an aptitude for advanced mathematics and a desire to learn biostatistics at a professional level. Introductory subjects provide the necessary foundations in mathematical and statistical theory.

Mathematical Foundations

A fundamental principle underlying the BCA program is that a thorough knowledge of biostatistical concepts and methods requires a sound mathematical understanding. To practise effectively as a biostatistician you must be able to read, interpret, evaluate and potentially implement published papers that propose new methods and software for statistical design and analysis.  The language of these methods is mathematics.

Career Outcomes

The Master of Biostatistics course 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 pharmeceutical industry
• Government departments and agencies

The Masters degree also provides a great grounding for PhD and other higher degree research programs.

Study Planning

The Student Resources page contains information for prospective students, including details about how studying via a consortium of universities works; the BCA Program Outline, showing required units for each course, co/prerequisites, semester availability, and how to apply for exemptions and/or credits; and textbook and software requirements.

Please note that BCA courses are designed to be studied part-time. In order to plan your study, it is important to consult the Curriculum Table and Study Schedules information.

How long is the course?

The BCA program was designed to be done part time.
At two units per semester, the Masters can be completed in three years, the Graduate Diploma in two and the Graduate Certificate in one.

Upon Graduation

Graduates receive official acknowledgement of their academic award from their home University. In addition, the BCA acknowledges the work of Graduate Diploma and Masters students (and Star Graduates) in a separate Certificate and Letter.