The module begins with an introductory unit in which the statistical prerequisites are reviewed and the statistical software package SPSS is introduced. Then, successive books, each with associated computer material, introduce the four topics of the module.
Book 1: Medical statistics
The first book describes how to identify factors associated with disease, and includes topics such as cohort and case-control studies, investigating sources of bias, randomised trials, and meta-analysis.
Book 2: Time series
The next book covers methods for analysing data collected over time and forecasting future values using exponential smoothing and ARIMA models.
Book 3: Multivariate analysis
The third book discusses statistical methods for presenting and analysing data on several variables, with sections on principal component analysis and discrimination.
Book 4: Bayesian statistics
Book 4 introduces the Bayesian approach to statistics, in which expert knowledge can be incorporated into statistical models. This approach has become very popular in recent years, in part owing to the availability of special statistical software such as WinBUGS, which is used in this module.
Review unit
The final unit takes a look back at the module as a whole.
The module is illustrated with practical examples and real data sets from a range of subject areas, including epidemiology, economics, education, genetics, and environmental science. Numerous activities and exercises, also based on real data, illustrate the methods and develop statistical modelling and critical assessment skills.
You can find the full content list on the Open mathematics and statistics website.
Successful study of this module should improve your skills in analysing and interpreting data, communicating statistical ideas clearly and succinctly, and using professional software.
Applied statisticians and data analysts use the content taught in this module in medical statistics, forecasting, handling multiple outcome data, and updating expert knowledge with new observations. You’ll also develop skills in statistical computing using the packages SPSS and WinBUGS, and more generally in data presentation and interpretation.
This module has been awarded a quality mark by the Royal Statistical Society, providing reassurance that the teaching, learning and assessment within this module is of high quality and meets the needs of students and employers.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
Your TMA scores don't contribute to your final grade; however, you must complete most of them.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
We also provide physical:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
M249 is a compulsory module in our:
M249 is an option module in our:
Practical modern statistics (M249) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
Our new module, Practical data analysis (M272), will replace this module from October 2027.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.
You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:
Joint loan applications
If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.
As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
