The Statistical Consulting Centre provides high-quality advice on statistical methods to Graduate Researchers and staff from any discipline at the University of Melbourne.
We can help with:
- questionnaire design and data collection methods
- study design, for experiments and surveys
- choice of sample size
- data management and verification
- analysis strategies
- modelling of data
- data mining and analytics
- interpretation of analyses and statistical reasoning
- communication of statistical findings, tailored to the audience
- quality graphical presentations
- critical review of quantitative research and reasoning
- statistical software, including coding
- expert witness needs
- statistics courses tailored to specific needs
- statistical software packages including R, Genstat, Minitab, SPSS and Stata
- grant applications.
Our goal is to enhance your knowledge of data analytics and statistical methods. You are strongly encouraged to see a consultant when you are planning your research project. Consultants have a wealth of experience working on quantitative projects with industry, business, government and the academic community.
Graduate Researchers
Eligible Graduate Researchers can access up to 10 hours of free statistical advice across their candidature. Consultants provide advice on research projects, with an emphasis on education and training. (We don't help with coursework.)
Most, but not all, University of Melbourne Graduate Researchers are eligible for free help. Graduate researchers should check eligibility. (Graduate diploma and Masters by coursework students, for example, do not get free help.)
Book early, in case there is a long wait time; sometimes it can be a four week wait.
Preparing for a consultation
- Supervisors are expected to attend the initial consultation, so check they can come.
- Download and sign the "Statistical Consulting Centre" form (PDF 370.9 KB) before the first consultation.
- A consultant may decline an appointment without a signed form.
- Please bring the signed form to your first appointment, or email it back to us.
- If appropriate, you can email your data, bring your laptop or data stored on a memory stick.
- If you are ready to enter or analyse your data, consider the Statistical Resources under Preparing your data:
What happens when my 10 hours is up?
- Another 20 hours help is available at a subsidised rate of $55 per hour.
- Beyond a total of 30 hours, a rate of $120 per hour applies.
And when I'm all done?
- In finalising your thesis and preparing publications, please include appropriate acknowledgement of support provided by the Statistical Consulting Centre. We provide some examples below.
University of Melbourne staff
Services to University of Melbourne staff are available at discounted rates.
From April 2026, a limited number of free 45-minute consultations will be available to University of Melbourne staff for consultations on new University of Melbourne projects. Please request the free 45 minute in the comments section through the below enquiry button.
Rates vary according to consultant experience: contact Deb Maillardet: dmai@unimelb.edu.au for the rates.
Payment can only be made through Workday; please provide details before your first consultation: Access the staff billing form. (PDF 65.8 KB)
Preparing for a consultation
- If appropriate, you can email your data, bring your laptop or data stored on a memory stick.
- If you are ready to enter or analyse your data, consider the Statistical Resources under Preparing your data:
In preparing publications, please include appropriate acknowledgement of support provided by the Statistical Consulting Centre. We provide some examples below.
- Example of acknowlegements
We thank Name of statistician of the Statistical Consulting Centre at the University of Melbourne for guidance with the statistical aspects of this research project.
The authors gratefully acknowledge the contribution of Name of statistician (Statistical Consulting Centre, University of Melbourne) to the design, analysis, and reporting of the quantitative aspects of this research.
We acknowledge the assistance of Name of statistician (Statistical Consulting Centre, University of Melbourne) in carrying out the statistical analyses and in the presentation of the research findings.
Statistical analysis was undertaken by Name of statistician from the Statistical Consulting Centre of the University of Melbourne.
Research Website – For more information about the wider platform community, please visit Research Website, which is available to all visitors.
Research Gateway – Details about the University’s research infrastructure related resources and services can be found on Research Gateway, which is available to the University of Melbourne staff and Graduate Researchers.