Question 1

What will I learn in a statistics course?

Accepted Answer

Statistics is the science of collecting and organising data. Considered a branch of applied mathematics, statistics is helpful in a range of industries and contexts.

In your statistics course, you may cover topics such as:

Research fundamentals and ethics
Algebra and calculus
Hypothesis testing
Probability
Data visualisation
Software such as Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)

If you want to upskill in just one of these areas, you can study a single subject or short course in statistics and finish within weeks.

Read more about single subject study.

Question 2

Why should I study statistics?

Accepted Answer

No matter what discipline or industry you come from, you’ll find a statistics course useful.

You might be from the humanities or social sciences and looking to gain data-driven research techniques. You could be from the HR or business world and want to know how better data analysis can lead to better decision-making. Or you could be a maths major looking to specialise as a statistician.

Whatever your background, the formal study of statistics will give you an insight into useful research techniques, data collection and analysis, and data visualisation.

Want to compare related study areas? Check out what’s available in mathematics, data science and data analytics. Our student advisors can help you choose a direction if you get stuck.

Question 3

Why should I study an online statistics course?

Accepted Answer

Studying statistics online is more affordable, because you can continue to earn an income in your industry while completing your course. You also don’t need to commute or relocate closer to your university’s campus, which can reduce your daily living expenses.

While you’re assigned coursework to complete in a set period, you generally won’t be required to view lectures or attend tutorials at set times. Instead, you can participate when it suits you, whether that’s during your lunch break, after work, or on the weekends. This freedom can help you be a better, more focused student.

Question 4

Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
We’ll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.

Question 5

How hard is statistics?

Accepted Answer

Like any tertiary study, a statistics course is designed to be challenging—but your teachers will make sure you keep up.

Consider what kind of background knowledge you’re starting with. If you have a maths or science background, you may opt for a more advanced course, such as a postgraduate statistics degree. If you’re from another field, you may want to go for a more introductory undergraduate course or single subject.

Question 6

What career paths can I explore in statistics?

Accepted Answer

With a statistics course under your belt, you’ll be able to consider jobs such as:

Note that, for some of these roles, you may require additional, more specialised study.

A statistics course can also simply complement your existing skillset and help you in your current role, no matter what field you’re in.

Question 7

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

Accepted Answer

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

Question 8

How do I enrol?

Accepted Answer

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

Statistics courses

Introduction to Statistics