Introduction to Multilevel Modelling Using MLwiN, R, or Stata

Description:

Introduction to Multilevel Modelling Using MLwiN, R, or Stata

30th June – 2nd July 2026, Online via Zoom

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Deadline for applications: 17^th May 2026

Full course information and excerpts can be viewed here: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/cmm/learning/introworkshop.html 

 

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Instructors

Professor George Leckie and Professor William Browne

 

Summary

This three-day course provides an introduction to multilevel modelling and includes software practicals in your choice of software: MLwiN, R, or Stata. We focus on multilevel modelling for continuous and binary responses (dependent or outcome variables) when the data are clustered (nested or hierarchical). These models can be viewed as an extension of conventional linear and logistic regression models to account for and learn from the clustering in the data. Such models are appropriate when, for example, analysing exam scores of students nested within schools, or health outcomes of patients nested within hospitals. Special interest lies in disentangling social processes operating at different levels of analysis by decomposing the within- from the between-cluster effects of covariates (explanatory or predictor variables). Longitudinal data are also clustered, with repeated measurements on individuals or multiple panel waves per survey respondent. Throughout the course we emphasize how to interpret multilevel models and the types of research question they can be used to explore.

 

Testimonials

“The course was excellent - far exceeded expectations. The course has given me the confidence to use MLM, something I very much lacked before. I feel I understand the theory behind MLM, why each stage is so important, and the various interpretations. Without this course I would be lost. I cannot thank you all enough.”

“This was a beautifully constructed course. It was clear throughout that careful thought had been given to providing a balance between lecture content, time for questions and discussion, and practical sessions. Both George and Bill delivered fantastic lectures - explanations were clear and thorough (including critiques of each approach) and content built up in complexity over time with plenty of worked examples of different kinds. The course was superb - can't rate it highly enough.”

“I thought it was a really good double act between George and Bill - they are both hugely knowledgeable so having one person focused on the slides and the other manning the chat was a good approach as it meant the teaching didn't get derailed by people's questions.”

 

Topics

1. Overview of multilevel modelling
2. Variance-components models
3. Random-intercept models with covariates
4. Between- and within-effects of level-1 covariates
5. Random-coefficient models
6. Growth-curve models
7. Three-level models
8. Review of single-level logistic regression
9. Two-level logistic regression

 

Format

The course will consist of a 2:1 mix of lectures and hands-on practical sessions applying the taught methods to real datasets. The lectures are software independent and are delivered live via Zoom, but recordings of the lectures will be made available shortly afterwards for twelve weeks following the course if participants are unable to attend at the scheduled time. The instructors alternate the lecturing. Participants can ask questions via Zoom’s text-based chat facility and these will be monitored and answered by the instructor not presenting or relayed to the instructor presenting to answer live.

Each lecture is immediately followed by a self-directed practical, offered in participants’ choice of MLwiN, R, or Stata, giving participants the chance to replicate the presented analyses and to consolidate their knowledge. At the end of each practical session the instructors demo the different software, each in a different breakout room.

 

Fees

For UK-registered MSc and PhD students - £180

For UK university academics, UK public sector staff, and staff at UK registered charity organisations - £360

For all other participants - £660

Please note, in order to be eligible for the reduced pricing brackets please submit your application using your UK academic/organisational email address.

 

Applications

If you would like to attend the workshop, please complete and submit the online booking form (see below). Please note the closing date for applications is 17th May 2026.

Applications will be processed on a rolling basis, once a week, until the application deadline. A link to the University of Bristol’s online shop will be provided and your place on the course will be confirmed upon successful payment.

If you have any queries, please email info-cmm@bristol.ac.uk.

Go to booking form >>

Cost:

For UK-registered MSc and PhD students - £180

For UK university academics, UK public sector staff, and staff at UK registered charity organisations - £360

For all other participants - £660

Website and registration:

Register for this course

Region:

International

Keywords:

Quantitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Multilevel Modelling , Hierarchical models, Mixed models, Random effects, Longitudinal Data Analysis, Growth curve models

Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:

Quantitative Data Handling and Data Analysis
Multilevel Modelling
Hierarchical models
Mixed models
Random effects
Longitudinal Data Analysis
Growth curve models

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