Overview

Become a leader in a rapidly growing field

Start making a difference in the vital field of biostatistics with a Master of Biostatistics at the University of Melbourne. You will learn how to design and analyse studies, and then accurately interpret and clearly communicate your findings to other health professionals. This degree focuses on applying powerful computational analysis to real health datasets, ensuring you gain practical, sought-after skills.

Key features

• Become an accredited biostatistician. Graduates can become accredited with the Statistical Society of Australia (SSA), allowing them to work in Australia or internationally.
• Learn from the biostatistical experts across Australia. The program is affiliated with the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA), which means that you can select elective subjects delivered by the BCA.
• Build your network. Access leading industry professionals and a vast network for global career opportunities.

Learn about the Master of Biostatistics course at Melbourne

The following video follows the story of Megha, a Master of Biostatistics alum who is currently working to find a cure for vivax malaria, a recurring form of malaria. You’ll learn how the university’s comprehensive biostatistics education prepares its graduates to solve real, complex problems.

Why study biostatistics at Melbourne?

Upon graduating from the Master of Biostatistics, you'll be ready to join the exciting "data revolution" happening across Australia and globally. You'll be well-equipped to use big data and statistics to find solutions to complex health problems. Our graduates have gone on to work on incredibly exciting projects, like evaluating vaccines in Fiji and improving the treatment of malaria in Myanmar, highlighting the growing global need for experts in biostatistics.

You will develop crucial knowledge and statistical skills.

• Ability to structure, interpret, and analyse research. Plan and execute a research-based project that applies the necessary practical and technical skills to answer the proposed research question.
• Ability to communicate your findings. Employ sound communication skills relating to biostatistical issues with clinical/health professionals including appropriate presentation of statistical methods and results.
• Epidemiological knowledge. Explain key epidemiological concepts including measures of disease frequency and causal effect, and the major sources of bias in epidemiological studies.

What support services can the Master of Biostatistics students access at Melbourne?

• Student competitions. Compete against other students in the School in the three-minute pitch.
• MDHS Student Hub. Stop by for student enquiries, leadership training, and wellbeing support programs.
• Annual networking events. Meet other students and alumni at the annual biostatistics and public health networking events.
• One-on-one course planning sessions. Meet with the Course Coordinator to map out your course and select elective subjects best suited to you.

Courses related to the Master of Biostatistics

The Master of Biostatistics builds on the Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics, offering an additional 6 months of full-time study (or 1 year part-time) to deepen your expertise.

For those looking for even more, we also offer the Master of Biostatistics (Enhanced). This program adds a further 6 months of study, allowing you to either delve into greater depth in biostatistics or broaden your skills across the wider field of public health.

Learn more about the School

Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Past information session

Biostatistics Information Session

When: Wednesday, 9 September 2026, 6.00-7.00pm AEST

Hear from Course Coordinator, Associate Professor Emily Karahalios, and students in this interactive session to learn more about the program, student experience, career opportunities and much more.

Watch recording