Why Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics?
Ready to invest in your future? Prepare for high-impact health roles with this intensive one-year diploma.
Biostatistics is integral to public health and clinical research. By applying statistical methods, you can play a crucial role in shaping policy and developing new medical therapies.
Gain cutting-edge expertise in biostatistics. Enhance your career flexibility. Access diverse industries. Open doors to global opportunities. Use this as your stepping stone to higher positions in your company, industry or in academia.
Overview
Our Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics is offered in partnership with the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA). It is delivered entirely online, with maximum flexibility for working professionals. You'll gain the knowledge and skills to tackle complex health issues and inform important decisions in the field.
Enhance your expertise under the guidance of leading Australian biostatisticians and educators. Explore statistical theory and methods in depth. Apply your knowledge to real-world challenges. Enhance your problem-solving, decision-making and mathematical skills.
Study statistical computing and programming. Investigate how diseases spread and affect populations. Practise organising and handling large datasets. Learn to draw meaningful conclusions and predict accurate outcomes.
You’ll graduate ready for careers in medical and epidemiological research, the pharmaceutical industry and government departments and agencies.
Key features
Gain a competitive edge in biostatistics, a top 25 emerging occupation.- Learn from leading teachers and biostatisticians from across Australia.
- Experience the convenience of flexible study and a fully online curriculum.
- Study statistical theory and methods in depth.
- Apply your learning to real challenges in professional practice.
- Build specialised biostatistics expertise in just one year.
What you'll learn
Our Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics offers a fully online curriculum tailored for busy professionals. You'll complete several core courses to build a strong foundation in biostatistics. These include:
- Epidemiology
- Data management and statistical computing
- Mathematical foundations for biostatistics
- Principles of statistical inference
- Regression modelling for biostatistics I & II.
Beyond the core subjects, you’ll tailor your learning with electives that deepen your expertise in specific areas. These can be picked according to your interests and career aspirations. Choose from topics like:
- Design of randomised controlled trials
- Statistical genomics
- Longitudinal and correlated data
- Bayesian statistical methods
- Health indicators and health surveys
- Clinical biostatistics
- Machine learning for biostatistics
- Causal inference.
You can also explore broader public health topics such as:
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Public health evaluations and economics
- Health technology assessment.
Your coursework includes written assignments, project work and practical tasks, with opportunities to apply what you learn directly to real-world situations.
This one-year program is part of a nested degree suite, with credits transferable towards our Master of Biostatistics. This flexibility means you can adapt your education pathway to meet evolving career goals or emerging opportunities in the field.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 36 units for Core courses, and
- 12 units for Electives
Complete 36 units comprising:
- 36 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Data Management and Statistical Computing
|
Course code
BIOL5027
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Epidemiology
|
Course code
BIOL5024
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mathematical Foundations for Biostatistics
|
Course code
BIOL5034
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Statistical Inference
|
Course code
BIOL5029
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Regression Modelling for Biostatistics I
|
Course code
BIOL5035
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Regression Modelling for Biostatistics II
|
Course code
BIOL6038
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Data Management and Statistical Computing
|
Course code
BIOL5027
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Epidemiology
|
Course code
BIOL5024
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mathematical Foundations for Biostatistics
|
Course code
BIOL5034
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Statistical Inference
|
Course code
BIOL5029
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Regression Modelling for Biostatistics I
|
Course code
BIOL5035
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Regression Modelling for Biostatistics II
|
Course code
BIOL6038
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 12 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Design of Randomised Controlled Trials
|
Course code
BIOL5028
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Longitudinal & Correlated Data
|
Course code
BIOL5030
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Bayesian Statistical Methods
|
Course code
BIOL5031
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Indicators & Health Surveys
|
Course code
BIOL5032
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Biostatistics
|
Course code
BIOL5033
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Infectious Disease Epidemiology
|
Course code
PUBH5010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Public Health Evaluation and Economics (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
OL Health Technology Assessment (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5022
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Machine Learning (UoA)
|
Course code
STAT5016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Causal Inference (UoA)
|
Course code
STAT5017
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Data Management and Statistical Computing
|
Course code
BIOL5027
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Epidemiology
|
Course code
BIOL5024
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mathematical Foundations for Biostatistics
|
Course code
BIOL5034
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Statistical Inference
|
Course code
BIOL5029
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Regression Modelling for Biostatistics I
|
Course code
BIOL5035
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Regression Modelling for Biostatistics II
|
Course code
BIOL6038
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
Career outcomes
You'll graduate from Adelaide University able to make sense of complex biological and medical data. You might help design and execute world-changing clinical trials. You could analyse genetic data to uncover new insights into hereditary conditions. Perhaps you’ll investigate disease outbreaks for government departments of health.
You could also be a:
- Biostatistician
- Epidemiologist
- Data analyst
- Statistical consultant
- Biomedical scientist
- Public health analyst
- Pharmaceutical statistician
- Data journalist
- Medical researcher.
You can also go directly on to a Master of Biostatistics, using your credits to fast-track your graduation.
Industry trends
As medical research evolves and becomes more data-driven, expertise in biostatistics is increasingly crucial.
In fact, the role of biostatistician is recognised among the top 25 emerging occupations (National Skills Commission, 2023).
But these skills are not just highly valued in healthcare. The ability to analyse complex datasets is valuable in any field that deals with quantitative information. Biostatistical training gives you the toolkit for transferable techniques that can be applied in ecology, agriculture, psychology and the social sciences.
This versatility means you’ll have access to broad and diverse career opportunities. With a Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics from Adelaide University, you can make meaningful contributions across a wide range of scientific and societal challenges. We’ll help you leverage your sought-after skills and connections to build a rewarding and lucrative career.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Statistical Society of Australia (SSA).
Graduates are eligible for membership of the SSA and to apply for accreditation as a Graduate Statistician.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
