Health Data Science, MSc

Program Overview

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Health Data Science, MSc

Introduction

Health Data Science combines health research, statistics and computing sciences to address health and care problems using data. Our MSc programme enables students from both healthcare and computational backgrounds to develop their health data science skills, supported by an interdisciplinary team of academics, NHS and industrial partners. 10% NHS staff discount.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

What You'll Study

Stage 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Applied Statistics (PU5017)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
  • Introduction to Health Data Science (PU5063)
• Optional Courses:
  • Epidemiology (PU5030)
  • Database Systems and Big Data (CS5097)
  • Fundamentals of Research Design (PU5052)
  • Health Economics (PU5032)
  • Designing Real - World Trials (PU5068)

Stage 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Health Informatics (PU5565)
  • Machine Learning for Healthcare (PU5567)
• Optional Courses:
  • Data Science: from Data to Insight (CS5703)
  • Systematic Reviewing (PU5526)
  • Work - Based Placement in Applied Health Sciences (PU5548)
  • Health Systems and Policy Research (BU5594)
  • Understanding and Applying Regression Models (PU5569)

Stage 3

• Optional Courses:
  • Masters Research Project (PU5922) (60 credits)
  • Professional Placement in Health Data Science (PU5926) (60 credits)
  • Evaluating policy effects in practice (PU5925) (30 credits)
  • Extended Work-Based Placement in Applied Health Sciences (PU5923) (30 credits)

Funding Opportunities

• NHS Staff Discount: the University of Aberdeen offers a 10% discount for NHS staff studying this programme.
• Aberdeen Global Scholarship: all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

How You'll Study

• The programme will involve a variety of teaching methods including face to face lectures, tutorials, PowerPoint videos with accompanying self-tests and quizzes, video interviews with accompanying guides, computer-based practical sessions, self-study of recommended reading material and discussion boards.

Assessment Methods

• A variety of different approaches are combined to assess student understanding, progress and performance throughout the programme.

Why Study Health Data Science?

• The programme is delivered by staff from our Institute of Applied Health Sciences, a large multidisciplinary grouping of University staff and the Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science (ACHDS).
• Courses will be taught by academics and international experts from the Schools of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Natural and Computing Science and Business, the NHS and industry giving students the opportunity to learn from an interdisciplinary team.

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications: Applicants will need an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2 or equivalent in a relevant discipline including life sciences, medicine, computing and maths.
• English Language Requirements: IELTS Academic: 6.5 with Listening - 5.5, Reading - 6.0, Speaking - 5.5, Writing - 6.0.

Careers

• Health Data Science is a rapid growth area and the Academy for Medical Sciences and Health Foundation have both identified the significant shortage of skilled workforce in this field.
• Graduates will have the skills needed for a range of careers in Academia, NHS and Industry that involve the analysis and interpretation of health data.

Industry Links

• Enhancing student’s employability is a key focus of the programme and engagement with potential employers will be facilitated by our existing partnerships with companies and public bodies including the NHS and Opportunity North East (ONE) business development framework.

Facilities

• Health Sciences Building
• Foresterhill Health Campus
• Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science

Our Experts

• Programme Coordinator: Caroline Franco
• Other Experts: Dr Kathryn Martin, Dr Mintu Nath, Dr Heather Morgan, Professor Nir Oren, Professor Lesley Anderson

Top 15 UK University

• The University of Aberdeen is ranked 12th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025 and 15th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The MSc Health Data Science program combines health research, statistics, and computing sciences to address healthcare problems using data. This interdisciplinary program aims to develop students' health data science skills, preparing them for careers in research, academia, the NHS, and industry. The program is delivered by an interdisciplinary team of academics, NHS, and industrial partners.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to use data to solve healthcare problems.
• Train students to critically evaluate and apply data-intensive analytical methods and health and care research methods.
• Prepare students for careers in health data science across various sectors.

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Program Description:

The MSc Health Data Science program is a 12-month or 24-month full-time or part-time program offered on campus. The program offers a wide range of specialist elective options, allowing students to personalize their learning experience based on their background, interests, and skills.

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Other:

• The program is ideally suited for healthcare professionals who wish to develop data health science skills and for students from computational and/or data-intensive science backgrounds who wish to work in the health sector.
• The program includes a work-based placement or research project, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

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Outline:

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Stage 1:

• Compulsory Courses:
• Applied Statistics (15 credits)
• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (15 credits)
• Introduction to Health Data Science (15 credits)
• Optional Courses: Students select TWO courses from the following:
• Designing Real World Trials (15 credits)
• Epidemiology (15 credits)
• Database Systems and Big Data (15 credits)
• Fundamentals of Research Design (15 credits)
• Health Economics (15 credits)

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Stage 2:

• Compulsory Courses:
• Health Informatics (15 credits)
• Machine Learning for Healthcare (15 credits)
• Optional Courses: Students select TWO courses from the following:
• Data Science: from Data to Insight (15 credits)
• Systematic Reviewing (15 credits)
• Work-Based Placement in Applied Health Sciences (15 credits)
• Health Systems and Policy Research (15 credits)
• Understanding and Applying Regression Models (15 credits)

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Stage 3:

• Optional Courses: Select either the 60 credit course or two 30 credit courses:
• Masters Research Project (60 credits)
• Professional Placement in Health Data Science (60 credits)
• Evaluating policy effects in practice (30 credits)
• Extended Work-Based Placement in Applied Health Sciences (30 credits)

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student understanding and progress throughout the program. These methods include:

• Reflective learning
• Writing computer programs
• Written and activity-based assessments
• Structured and multiple-choice questions
• Real-life scenarios and data
• Transferable skills for subsequent careers

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Teaching:

The program utilizes a mixed approach to teaching, including:

• Face-to-face lectures
• Tutorials
• PowerPoint videos with self-tests and quizzes
• Video interviews with guides
• Computer-based practical sessions
• Self-study of recommended reading material
• Discussion boards
This approach ensures that students have access to a variety of learning opportunities and can choose the methods that best suit their learning style.

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Careers:

The program prepares students for a variety of career paths in academia, the NHS, and industry. Examples of potential career paths include:

• Data Scientist
• Health Data Analyst
• Research Scientist
• Public Health Specialist
• Policy Analyst
The program also provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue further study, such as a PhD.

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Other:

• The program is delivered by staff from the Institute of Applied Health Sciences and the Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science (ACHDS).
• The program offers students the opportunity to participate in a student-led workshop series mentored by members of the ACHDS team.
• Students will work with NHS, local authority, industry, and innovation partners to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• At the end of the program, students will present their project work at a live-streamed showcase symposium.
• The program has strong industry links, facilitating engagement with potential employers in various sectors.
• The program is ranked among the top 20 UK Universities.

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In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.

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Scholarships:

Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.