Do you work with datasets containing many variables and want to uncover the patterns hidden within them? Multivariate statistical techniques provide powerful tools to explore complex data, identify underlying structures, and reveal relationships that are difficult to detect using univariate methods.
This four-day course offers a practical introduction to the most widely used methods in multivariate statistics. Participants learn how to reduce the complexity of high-dimensional data, identify meaningful groups, and discover latent structures through a combination of theoretical explanations and hands-on exercises. Throughout the course, analyses are performed using R, enabling participants to apply each technique to realistic datasets and confidently interpret the results.
The course is suitable for researchers and professionals who analyse multivariate datasets in fields such as the life sciences, social sciences, economics, psychology, and public health. A basic understanding of statistics is recommended.
Course content
Learning objectives:
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Explore and visualise high-dimensional datasets.
- Select appropriate multivariate techniques for different research questions.
- Perform multivariate analyses using R.
- Interpret and communicate the results of multivariate statistical analyses.
- Understand the strengths and limitations of the most common multivariate methods.
Course content
Exploring data structure
Graphical exploration of multivariate data
Data summarisation and visualisation
Dimension reduction
Principal Component Analysis (PCA)
Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA)
Classification and grouping
Cluster analysis
Discriminant analysis
Time and Place
April 27-28-29-30, 2026 @ Stadscampus
Instructor
Dr. Annelies Agten
Target audience / Prerequisites
Pre- and post doctoral researchers who are already familiar with elementary statistical data analysis.
Previous experience with R is recommended.
Price
| PhD student ADS | € 100 |
| UA-affiliated | € 180 |
| Academic non-UA | € 320 |
| Nonprofit/public sector | € 500 |
| Private sector | € 1000 |
Exam
For this course, we offer the possibility to take an exam.
For the PhD students in the faculties IOB and Applied Economics, this is a requirement to obtain a credits for these courses, but people from other faculties are allowed as well.
If you are interested in taking the exam, check the wants-to-take-exam-box in the registration form.
Participating in the exam costs 10€, which is deduced automatically from your educational credit.