Discover biostatistics at the University of Sydney
About us
The University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
Find out more.The University is ranked third in Australia and 35th in the world for public health in the 2020 Academic Ranking of World Universities.
Find out more.
This course is available to be studied in several different study modes, including online or face-to-face. Check study modes offered in the 'course details’ section below.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of the face-to-face version of this course, and this will be available for students to study face-to-face or remotely in 2022. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
Biostatistics is the application of statistical techniques to scientific research in health-related fields, including medicine and public health.
Biostatisticians play an essential role in designing research studies, managing and analysing data, interpreting the results, as well as developing new approaches and methods to analysing data.
Biostatistics can be used to show the most effective treatment, discover or isolate factors in the spread of diseases, or determine risk factors in genetic inheritance and mutation.
Our programs are designed to provide advanced biostatistical training for a diverse range of students. The program is suitable for someone who has:
The program includes units designed to provide the background in mathematical and statistical theory to those without a first degree in mathematics or statistics, whereas the compulsory unit in epidemiology introduces those unfamiliar with research in population health to critical appraisal of the health and medical literature.
There are no specialisations for this course.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission criteria’ section on this page.
We’ve relaunched our scholarships program and offer a variety of postgraduate coursework scholarships for both domestic and international students.
Criteria, eligibility and application deadlines vary. Check the scholarships website or contact the school directly for more information.
We’ve relaunched our scholarships program and offer a variety of postgraduate coursework scholarships for both domestic and international students.
Criteria, eligibility and application deadlines vary. Check the scholarships website or contact the school directly for more information.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
*As part of your application you will be required to submit a completed Student Contact, Choice of Units of Study & Credits/Waivers form for the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA).
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
This course is not open to ESOS visa holders. The course is open to international passport holders in Australia on working visas and for offshore students.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
*As part of your application you will be required to submit a completed Student Contact, Choice of Units of Study & Credits/Waivers form for the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA).
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
View a suggested Biostatistics course structure (pdf, 70KB).
The biostatistics program is offered at three award levels graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master's degree. Completion of either the graduate certificate or graduate diploma programs can be used as credit towards the Master of Biostatistics degree.
The Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics consists of 24 credit points of study and provides an introduction to the field of biostatistics. It does not contain the full set of skills required to be a practising biostatistician. The core unit for the graduate certificate allows students to develop a good understanding of the principles of epidemiology, and three biostatistics elective units allow for development of practical and technical skills necessary to progress to further postgraduate studies in biostatistics.
The biostatistics coursework units of study delivered as part of the BCA are fully online.
A complete list of available units of study with their pre-requisites and co-requisites is available from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Postgraduate Handbook.
A successful applicant for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics will:
(a) hold a bachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, science, psychology, medicine, pharmacy, economics, health sciences or other appropriate discipline from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; and
(b) have a proven aptitude for advanced mathematical work - indicated, for example, by a high level of achievement in high school or undergraduate mathematics.
As part of your application you will be required to submit a completed Student Contact, Choice of Units of Study & Credits/Waivers form for the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA). This is a supplementary form required in the admissions process.
Assumed knowledge
It is assumed that students enrolling in the biostatistics program have a sound knowledge of advanced mathematical concepts. Students should be familiar and comfortable with the topics of algebra, functions and graphs, absolute values, exponents and logarithms, sigma notation, solving inequalities and simultaneous equations, and polynomials. It is not assumed that students have completed formal studies in the calculus techniques of differentiation and integration, matrix algebra, or probability theory, as these will be covered in the foundation unit Mathematical Foundations for Biostatistics (BSTA5100).
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
Completion of either the graduate certificate or graduate diploma programs can be used as credit towards the Master of Biostatistics degree.
The Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics is suitable for those wanting a good understanding of the principles of epidemiology and some aspects of biostatistics.
If you are already working as a biostatistician, then study at postgraduate level will enhance your career development opportunities.
Katrina's career timeline
| 2019 | Lecturer in Biostatistics University of Sydney |
| 2019 | Biostatistician Centre for Kidney Research, Westmead |
| 2019 | Master of Biostatistics University of Sydney |
| 2017 | Biostatistics Trainee NSW Ministry of Health |
| 2013 | Animal Care Officer University of NSW |
| 2008 | Senior Research Assistant University of Oxford |
| 2016 | Research Assistant Garvan Institute of Medical Research |
| 2002 | Bachelor of Medical Science, Honours University of Sydney |
