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Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate Practical modern statistics module
This module introduces four major topics of modern applied statistics: medical statistics, time series, multivariate analysis, and Bayesian statistics. It’s ideal if you’ve studied statistics and wish to broaden your knowledge of the field. It emphasises underlying principles and practical applications rather than technical details and includes SPSS and WinBUGS software, which you’ll use to analyse data and develop your understanding of statistics.
This module has been awarded a quality mark by:
Royal Statistical Society Quality Mark logo
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.
Royal Statistical Society Quality Mark logo
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.
We regularly review the assessments in our modules, so we may update the examination method used for this module to an in-person exam or a remotely invigilated (proctored) exam. When we are making such a change, we will make it clear on this page. If we need to make a change after you have registered, we will notify you as soon as possible. If you have additional requirements, we will support you to complete your assessments.
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.
There is no formal pre-requisite study, but you must have the required statistical skills.
You can check you’re ready for M249 and see the topics it covers here.
You should aim to be confident and fluent with the concepts covered in the Are you ready? quiz, and follow the advice in the quiz.
The key topics to revise include:
Analysing data (M248) is useful preparation, but can be studied alongside M249.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying M249 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
StartEndRegister byEngland fee
03 Oct 202630 Jun 202710 Sep 2026£2,044
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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.
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We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
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 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
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