Applied Statistics

In the media and at work, we are constantly bombarded by new statistics. Yet few of us have any idea where these facts and figures come from, let alone how we should interpret them.

This online microcredential provides an introduction to the field of applied statistics, meaning the use of real-world data to respond to real-life issues or challenges. The focus of this programme is on health statistics and health research.

Whether you’re a researcher hoping to conduct statistical analysis, or a health professional required to use statistics in your practice, you’ll gain the analytical and critical skills you need for your career.

Explore the mechanics of statistics

At the start of the microcredential, you’ll go back to statistical basics: you’ll learn what a variable is and explore different types of variables. This is the foundation you need to begin exploring the mechanics of statistics.

Throughout the course, you’ll gain an overview of the potential, mechanics, and limitations of statistics. You’ll cover key concepts and terms including probability, sampling, and statistical inference.

You’ll also develop your critical thinking skills, and learn how to evaluate results collected by other researchers.

Understand statistical concepts involved in health research

In addition to providing a broad overview of applied statistics and statistical analysis, this microcredential has a specific focus on health and health-related research. You’ll examine statistical concepts used in health research, covering types of data available in healthcare settings and the most common ways of analysing and summarising this health data.

Once you’ve understood these concepts, you’ll review some sample statistical tests devised using real data from the health sector.

Learn how to analyse and summarise statistics

The final phase of the microcredential is aimed at equipping you with the practical skills you need to source, analyse, and summarise health-related statistics.

You’ll learn how to build solid hypothesis tests, identify patterns and correlations, and use the data to answer different research questions. 

With the statistical and analytical skills you gain through the microcredential, you’ll be prepared for careers in research and practice across the healthcare sector.

How will this microcredential help to develop my career

This microcredential is designed to provide practical statistical training for a wide range of health- or research-related careers. Whether you’re aspiring to become a health researcher, or you want to use statistics research methods as a medical or health professional, you’ll gain demonstrable skills and a prestigious qualification to accelerate your career.

The skills you develop through the microcredential will be particularly useful when applying for funding for health research or when considering the relative benefits of different drugs and therapies as a clinician.

How will I be assessed?

The assessments for this microcredential are entirely online and designed to fit around your existing schedule. They consist of:

• Multiple-choice questions

• Short-answer questions 

• One data analysis exercise

Although each assessment has a specific deadline, you can choose to submit them in advance to give yourself more flexibility.

Will I receive university credits?

Yes, you’ll earn 15 Level 11 credits at postgraduate level from the University of Aberdeen. You can use these credits to build towards a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Certificate from University of Aberdeen.