Learn to design, analyse and interpret findings from health research.
- Study online with expert statisticians at a leading health sciences university.
- Develop statistical knowledge to use in your career.
- Learn to interpret academic literature and gain a better appreciation of statistics in the world around you.
Join an online health statistics course that’s tailored to you. We’ll use examples relevant to your own profession or research question to enhance your understanding and skills.
Gain a strong career advantage as a researcher, health or related professional, with flexible study hours that fit around your work, location and personal commitments.

Build credits towards a Masters degree
This online course is part of:
- MSc Applied Health Sciences
- MSc Clinical Nutrition
- MSc Health Economics for Health Professionals
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- PgCert Research Methods for Health
You can use the credits you earn on this short course towards any of these postgraduate qualifications.
What you’ll study
Hardly a day goes by without new statistics in the media. The headlines may be eye-catching but, even if interpreted correctly, many of us have only the vaguest idea of how they’re produced.
You’ll find out how, and explore the potential, mechanics and limitations of statistics.
You’ll learn the statistical concepts involved in the design, analysis and interpretation of research in healthcare settings, covering data types and how data is presented.
You’ll look at:
- how to summarise data
- probability and probability distributions
- the concept of sampling and statistical inference
- a variety of hypothesis tests, both parametric and non-parametric correlation, and methods of agreement.
You’ll begin with ‘What is a variable?’ and examine different types of variable. We then build to a range of common statistical tests, and each is appropriate to answer different research questions.
If you’re embarking on a research career, you’ll learn how to:
- do basic analysis of the data you’ve collected
- critically analyse the results of other researchers
- examine ever better ways to answer your research question.
This will give you a distinct career advantage in a highly competitive environment, for example, when you apply for funding for your research.
Why study applied statistics online with the University of Aberdeen?

1st in Scotland
We’re rated 1st in Scotland for Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

Real-world impact
Our work has changed clinical practice, policy, legalisation and academic method, directly impacting the lives of millions of people around the world.
Our research impact
Award-winning research
We’re proud winners of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the highest national honour for a UK university, for sustained excellence in health services research over the last 40 years.
How you’ll study
Online learning
Applied Statistics is delivered flexibly, 100% online. You can study with us anywhere in the world and manage your study hours to suit you.
Your teaching
This course is taught at Masters level.
Your learning will be tailored to suit your research question or professional goals. Your tutors will frame examples that are familiar to you in your own profession, enhancing your understanding and ensuring your learning is always relevant to you.
Your teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:
- podcasts
- multiple-choice questions
- short online exercises
- discussion boards with classmates and tutors
- the online resources of our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
This course has weekly themes, with material released in three-week blocks to give you flexibility to suit your schedule.
Your tutors
You’ll learn from experienced statisticians from our School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, who work to support health research.
Your course coordinator

Dr Neil Scott
Neil is a Research Fellow and Lecturer in Medical Statistics. He’s also a statistical consultant for the NHS. Neil has worked on many clinical trials and projects involving systematic reviews and meta-analyses, particularly in surgery.
View Neil’s profileWhere this will take you
Towards a Masters
You’ll earn 15 credits at Masters level (SCQF Level 11) with this course. You can use these credits towards our:

Masters in Applied Health Sciences
Fast-track your career in healthcare with our uniquely flexible MSc Applied Health Sciences. Study 100% online or combine with on-campus courses at our Foresterhill Health Campus. 10% discount for NHS staff.
View MSc Applied Health Sciences
Masters in Clinical Nutrition
Join an online Nutrition degree accredited by the Association for Nutrition. Study the link between diet and health, and how issues of over and undernutrition affect populations today. 10% discount for NHS staff.
View MSc Clinical Nutrition
Masters in Health Economics for Health Professionals
Advance your career in health. Develop sought-after research skills and you build your knowledge of health economics tools and principles. 10% discount for NHS staff.
View MSc Health Economics for Health Professionals
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Join an online Master of Public Health (MPH) you can tailor to your career. Study with experts and choose from a wide range of courses to focus your training. 10% discount for NHS staff.
View Master of Public Health (MPH)
PgCert in Research Methods for Health
Learn to design and carry out healthcare research projects. Study part-time with active health researchers at an award-winning health sciences university. 10% discount for NHS staff.
View PgCert Research Methods for HealthBuild your learning
We have a range of online Health short courses you can use to build your skills.
Many carry credits you can build up into postgraduate qualifications, including Masters degrees:
Careers
You’ll gain a strong career advantage as a researcher, health or related professional with this course.
The statistical skills you’ll develop can help you pursue a career in research, apply for research funding or, for example, consider the relative benefits of different drugs and therapies as a clinician.
Your employer or professional institute may also recognise this course for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Talk to your employer or institute to find out more.

Free careers advice
We’ll help you explore your career potential and connect with job opportunities around the world.
You can access our free careers service while you study.
From interview training to CV clinics, we’re here with tailored, impartial and professional advice.
This course has no formal entry requirements. You decide if it’s suitable for you.
The course is delivered at Masters level. At this level, you’d usually have at least:
- a 2:2 (second-class) undergraduate degree
- or relevant experience that supports this level of study.
Apply for this course