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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 16,580
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
Fully Online
Duration
24 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Biomedical Sciences | Health Informatics | Data Science
Area of study
Information and Communication Technologies | Health
Education type
Fully Online
Timing
Part time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 16,580
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
2026-01-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Health Data Science

Overview

Learn the interdisciplinary skills you need to become an exceptional health data scientist. Join an online MSc Health Data Science that fits around full-time work. 10% NHS staff discount.


Qualifications

  • MSc
  • PgDip
  • PgCert

Key Info - MSc

Learning Mode

Online


Study Level

Postgraduate SCQF Level 11


Credits

180


Typical Duration

24 months


Start Month

September or January


Indicative Cost

£16,580


Key Info - PgDip

Learning Mode

Online


Study Level

Postgraduate SCQF Level 11


Credits

120


Typical Duration

18 months


Start Month

September or January


Indicative Cost

£11,000


Key Info - PgCert

Learning Mode

Online


Study Level

Postgraduate SCQF Level 11


Credits

60


Typical Duration

9 months


Start Month

September or January


Indicative Cost

£5,420


What You'll Study

  • What you'll study
  • How you'll study
  • Where this will take you
  • Fees and funding
  • Entry requirements

Join an Online MSc Health Data Science

Learn to use data effectively and efficiently to address challenges in healthcare.


In this interdisciplinary degree, you'll study health research, statistics, and computing sciences to develop your health data science skills.


You'll learn to evaluate, critique, and apply data-intensive analytical methods, and current health and care research methods.


We Need Health Data Scientists

In the UK and internationally, there's a critical shortage of people skilled in the use of data science, including machine learning and AI, for healthcare.


Help to Transform Health and Care

You'll learn from academics in our Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science (ACHDS). Right now, they're creating innovative data science solutions to big healthcare challenges, to improve health and care for individuals, local communities, and globally. You'll find out how.


Customise Your Learning

In this degree, you can build a learning experience that's tailored to you. Choose from a wide range of specialist elective courses to match your interests and skills, including projects and work-based placements.


Who Can Join Online MSc Health Data Science?

This MSc is for:


  • Healthcare professionals looking to develop data science skills, and
  • Professionals with a computing and/or data-intensive science background who want to learn more about health research, or work in the health sector.

It's designed to help students from both backgrounds transition into health data science careers.


You can also study this degree on campus.


Choose the University of Aberdeen for Online MSc Health Data Science

1st in the UK for Medicine

Join a university ranked 1st in the UK for Medicine (Guardian University Guide 2025).


Earn a Respected Masters Degree

You'll earn the same globally recognised Masters degree online as you would on campus.


NHS and Alumni Discounts

NHS staff get 10% off this online degree. University of Aberdeen alumni get 20% off.


What You'll Study

You can choose to study for a:


  • Masters (180 credits)
  • Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
  • Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), or
  • start with one of the short courses that make up this degree (15 credits).

Postgraduate Diploma - 120 Credits

You can choose from the following courses to make up the 120 credits of your PgDip.


You can begin in September or January and progress at a pace that suits you.


Duration

It takes a minimum of 18 months to complete the PgDip. To study part-time, we recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term.


In this flexible PgDip, you can also take breaks between courses.


Compulsory Courses

Earn 45 credits from these three compulsory courses.


  • 15 credits: Introduction to Health Data Science (September)
  • 15 credits: Health Informatics (January)
  • 15 credits: Machine Learning for Healthcare (January)

Optional Courses

Earn another 75 credits from these optional courses.


  • 15 credits: Database Systems and Big Data (September)
  • 15 credits: Designing Real-World Trials (September)
  • 15 credits: Epidemiology (September)
  • 15 credits: Evidence-Based Health (September)
  • 15 credits: Fundamentals of Research Design (September)
  • 15 credits: Introduction to Data Visualisation with Python (September)
  • 15 credits: Applied Statistics (January)
  • 15 credits: Data Science: From Data to Insight (January)
  • 15 credits: Health Economics (January)
  • 15 credits: Understanding and Applying Regression Models (January)
  • 30 credits: Evaluating Policy Effects in Practice (Case study) (June)

Postgraduate Certificate - 60 Credits

You can choose from the following courses to make up the 60 credits of your PgCert.


You can begin in September or January and progress at a pace that suits you.


Duration

It takes a minimum of nine months to complete the PgCert. To study part-time, we recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term.


In this flexible PgCert, you can also take breaks between courses.


Compulsory Course

Earn 15 credits from this compulsory course.


  • 15 credits: Introduction to Health Data Science (September)

Optional Courses

Earn another 45 credits from these optional courses.


  • 15 credits: Database Systems and Big Data (September)
  • 15 credits: Designing Real-World Trials (September)
  • 15 credits: Epidemiology (September)
  • 15 credits: Evidence-Based Health (September)
  • 15 credits: Fundamentals of Research Design (September)
  • 15 credits: Introduction to Data Visualisation with Python (September)
  • 15 credits: Applied Statistics (January)
  • 15 credits: Data Science: From Data to Insight (January)
  • 15 credits: Health Economics (January)
  • 15 credits: Health Informatics (January)
  • 15 credits: Machine Learning for Healthcare (January)
  • 15 credits: Understanding and Applying Regression Models (January)
  • 30 credits: Evaluating Policy Effects in Practice (Case study) (June)

Start with a Short Course

Not sure you can commit to a full degree? You can start with a short course that's part of the degree instead.


The credits from these short courses count towards this MSc. However, some courses are compulsory, and some are optional electives. Check the full degree prescription before deciding what to study.


You can study any of these courses standalone, or build your way towards the full degree.


Short Courses

  • Applied Statistics
  • Data Science: From Data to Insight
  • Designing Real-World Trials
  • Epidemiology
  • Evidence-Based Health
  • Fundamentals of Research Design
  • Health Economics
  • Health Informatics
  • Introduction to Health Data Science
  • Machine Learning for Healthcare
  • Understanding and Applying Regression Models

How You'll Study

Online Learning

This distance-learning MSc Health Data Science is delivered flexibly, 100% online.


You can learn with us anywhere, no student visa required, and manage your study hours to suit you.


Your Teaching

Teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you'll need in your studies.


You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You'll find a range of resources available, including online:


  • lectures and tutorials
  • videos
  • podcasts
  • PowerPoint presentations
  • quizzes and self-tests
  • computer-based practical sessions
  • workshops and seminars
  • reading materials
  • discussion boards with your colleagues and tutors
  • the online resources of our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.

Your Tutors

This interdisciplinary degree is delivered by our School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition.


You'll learn from staff in our Institute of Applied Health Sciences and the Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science (ACHDS). The ACHDS has an established global reputation in the health and data sciences harnessing academia, NHS, industry and public partnerships.


You'll also learn from academics and international experts from our School of Natural and Computing Sciences, our Business School, the NHS, and industry.


Assessment

This degree is assessed entirely online.


We use a variety of approaches to assess your understanding, progress, and performance throughout your degree. Assessment methods include:


  • reflective learning
  • writing computer programmes
  • written and activity-based assessments
  • structured and multiple-choice questions.

Whenever possible, your assessments will use real-life scenarios and/or data, and equip you with transferable skills for subsequent careers.


Study Hours

Hours for Taught Courses

To study part-time, we recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term. Students typically take one or two 15-credit short courses per term.


  • 15 credits: Around 150 hours of study and assessment time to complete. You'll study 10 – 15 hours per week per term.
  • 30 credits: Around 300 hours of study and assessment time to complete. You'll study 20 – 30 hours per week per term.

This is an indicative guide to the time required for a typical student at this level to achieve the learning outcomes.


You can largely set your own study hours each week to cover the materials. MyAberdeen is available 24/7, so you can log in and study when it suits you.


Activities at Fixed Times

There may be some activities scheduled at a fixed time, such as online meetings with your tutor or assessments with deadlines. But otherwise, you can access and work through each course at your convenience.


Hours for 60-Credit Project and Work-Based Placement

A 60-credit project or placement is around 600 hours of learning time.


This is around one term of full-time study.


You can dedicate a full term to your project or placement and work on it full-time.


Or you can complete your project or placement part-time, spreading the hours you dedicate to it over two terms.


Hours for 30-Credit Case Study and Work-Based Placement

A 30-credit case study or placement is around 300 hours of learning time.


That's around 20 – 30 hours per week per term.


You will dedicate a full term to your case study or placement.


Study Experience

When you study with us, you can expect a first-class support structure so that you're never alone in your studies.


But learning online does mean you have to motivate yourself and manage your own time.


Your most important commitment will be time – the time to work through, reflect on and understand your teaching materials.


Before you start a course that involves a high degree of independent study, we recommend looking at the time you will be able to devote to your studies each week:


  • Be realistic
  • Create a weekly schedule as a guide

If you have any questions about studying online, get in touch with our friendly team. We're here to help.


Support

Our first-class support structure will ensure that you aren't alone in your studies. You'll have contact with your tutors via MyAberdeen and email. You can use social media and discussion boards to chat with your fellow students too.


We provide a wide range of services to support you in your studies and beyond:


  • Careers and Employability Service – including one-to-one advice sessions
  • Disability support
  • IT support
  • Library support
  • Student Support Service – help with finances, stress, wellbeing and non-academic issues
  • Student Learning Service – study support, with advice sessions available via phone or Skype
  • Aberdeen University Students' Association (AUSA) – run by students for students
  • Toolkit – clever apps and free training that can make your study life easier

Wherever you are in the world, you'll feel part of our very special Aberdeen learning community.


Use Your Local University Libraries

We're a member of the Access scheme run by the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL).


Access Study Spaces, Books and Journals in Your Area

The SCONUL Access scheme allows you, as a University of Aberdeen student, to access books and resources at university libraries across the UK and Ireland, or visit them for a quiet place to study.


You'll be able to use study spaces, books and journals at over 150 university libraries which belong to the scheme.


Your Support Team

Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.


Dr Caroline Franco

Caroline is the degree coordinator. She'll be on hand to answer any questions about degree content before you start, and to help you throughout your studies.


Clare McHattie

Clare is part of the School's postgraduate teaching support team. She'll be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.


Get in Touch

The online education team is here to answer any questions you have right now about this qualification, or about studying online.


Where This Will Take You

Your MSc Health Data Science Qualification

You'll graduate with an MSc in Health Data Science from the University of Aberdeen, one of the UK's six ancient universities.


You'll receive exactly the same degree qualification online as you would on campus. Your degree title will not mention online or distance learning.


Your MSc qualification will be recognised by employers and educational institutions around the world, opening up international career opportunities.


Careers in Health Data Science

Nationally and internationally, there is a critical shortage in data-intensive analytic capacity applied to healthcare.


Both the Health Foundation and the Academy for Medical Sciences have identified the significant shortage of skilled workforce in this field.


In-Demand Skills in Health Data Science

You'll graduate with the much-needed skills for a range of careers in this rapid growth area of healthcare.


Your degree will prepare you for careers in academia, the NHS, and industry that involve the analysis and interpretation of health data.


Industry Links

Enhancing your employability is also a key focus of this degree.


We'll help you engage with potential employers through our partnerships with companies and public bodies, including the NHS and the Opportunity North East (ONE) business development framework.


Move on to a PhD

By completing this degree with a commendation or above, you'll also be eligible for consideration to undertake PhD study in this area.


Lifelong Career Support

Our career support doesn't stop when you graduate.


You have access to our free careers service while you study, and beyond.


  • 1:1 appointments
  • CV checks
  • Interview prep
  • Job opportunities

Fees and Funding

Master of Science

180 credits


£16,580


This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025.


Postgraduate Diploma

120 credits


£11,000


This indicative cost is based on 120 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025.


Postgraduate Certificate

60 credits


£5,420


This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in September 2025.


The fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.


Our tuition fees will rise by 3% for the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 academic years. Our indicative cost includes a 3% fee rise each year.


Pay as You Go

This is a pay-as-you-go qualification.


You do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront.


You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term.


How it Works

  • You decide how many credits to study for each term.
  • At the start of term, you pay only for the credits you're taking that term.
  • This gives you control over your costs and workload for each term of your qualification.

Your Personalised Cost Breakdown

Use the degree scheduler to plan your studies and see your cost breakdown, term by term.


Additional Costs

Learning Resources

Access to all the books and resources you need are included in your tuition fee. They'll be made available to you online and you do not have to buy your own copies.


Printing

You may wish to set aside a small budget for printing, depending on how you like to work.


Funding Your Studies

There are several ways you may be able to get help funding your studies:


  • Employer sponsorship – we accept full and partial fee payments from sponsors
  • Student loans
  • Scholarships – search our funding database for scholarships

Discounts

20% Alumni Discount

You're entitled to 20% off our postgraduate taught degrees and short courses if you have a degree from the University of Aberdeen.


10% NHS Discount

NHS staff receive 10% off online postgraduate degrees and short courses offered by our School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; our School of Psychology; and our ILM leadership courses.


How Discounts Work

Discounts are applied during your application process. Only one discount can be used per application. If you are eligible for more than one discount, we will apply the largest discount for you.


Entry Requirements

MSc, PgDip, PgCert

For entry, you will usually have:


  • a 2:1 UK undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline, including life sciences, medicine, computing or maths.

Other relevant work experience will also be considered.


Short Course Route to Online MSc Health Data Science

If you do not meet these entry requirements, or are not ready to commit to a full MSc, you may be able to use our online short courses as a route into this degree.


International Students

Entry Requirements

We welcome students from all over the world.


See the minimum entry requirements above. If you do not have qualifications from the UK, check equivalent qualifications from your country.


Visa Requirements

You do not need a student visa to study online with us.


English Language Requirements

Teaching is delivered in English.


If English is not your first language, use our English requirements checklist to see if you need to provide evidence of your English language skills when you apply.


English Language Tests and Scores

If you do need to provide English language test scores, these are the tests and minimum scores we accept.


These are our Postgraduate Higher requirements.


  • IELTS Academic, IELTS UKVI Academic, or IELTS Online (not IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training)
    • 6.5 overall
    • 5.5 for listening and speaking
    • 6.0 for reading and writing
  • TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition
    • 90 overall
    • 17 for listening
    • 21 for reading
    • 20 for speaking
    • 21 for writing
    • TOEFL DI code is 0818
  • Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency
    • 176 overall
    • 162 for listening and speaking
    • 169 for reading and writing
  • LanguageCert Academic / LanguageCert Academic SELT
    • 70 overall
    • 60 for listening and speaking
    • 65 for reading and writing
  • Oxford ELLT Digital – English Language Level Test Online
    • 7.0 overall
    • 5.0 for listening and speaking
    • 6.0 for reading and writing
  • PTE Academic (online test not accepted)
    • 62 overall
    • 59 for listening, reading, speaking and writing
  • Skills for English: SELT
    • B2 pass with merit
  • Duolingo – tests taken from 1 July 2024 onward
    • 120 overall
    • 95 for listening and speaking
    • 105 for reading and writing
  • University of Aberdeen English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE)
    • Pass
    • Valid for one year. Refresher can be offered if out of date
  • Pre-sessional academic English preparation programmes undertaken at other UK universities
    • Pass at an equivalent of 6.5 (C1)
    • B2 in all four skills
    • Certification must be within one year prior to the start of your course

How to Apply

You apply through our online Applicant Portal. It allows you to upload relevant qualifications and documents.


What You Need to Apply for This Degree

  • Degree transcript
  • Personal statement
  • Degree certificate
  • CV / Resume

When to Apply

You can apply to start in either September or January.


Apply as early as you can. This is so we have time to review your application and get a decision to you. We also want to ensure you have time to enrol before teaching starts.


September 2025 Intake

For our September 2025 intake, the application deadline is 8 September 2025.


You will need to accept your offer and provide any outstanding documents to meet the conditions of your offer by 15 September 2025.


Teaching starts on 22 September 2025.


January 2026 Intake

Teaching starts on 26 January 2026.


Application deadlines will be announced in due course.


IT Requirements

You will need access to:


A Computer (PC, Laptop or Mac) with an Up-to-Date Operating System

Most teaching materials are smartphone- and tablet-friendly. But we recommend a proper laptop or desktop for completing assignments comfortably.


Reliable Internet Access

We recommend:


  • a wired connection
  • a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps so you can take part fully in live sessions.

Speakers or Headphones

  • We recommend a headset with built-in microphone and earphones if you're likely to study in an environment with background noise.
  • A webcam is optional, but you may like to use one for some interactive sessions.

Software

We'll give you access to Office365 applications. This means you can use online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive and install these programs on up to five personal devices.


If your course requires specialist software, we'll provide you with access to this and a licence that lasts throughout your studies.


See our detailed IT requirements for more information.


Still not sure? Ask us a question


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University of Aberdeen


Overview:

The University of Aberdeen is a renowned institution of higher learning located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It boasts a rich history, having been established in 1495, making it one of the oldest universities in the UK. The university is known for its commitment to research and teaching, offering a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.


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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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    Undergraduate Degrees:

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Other:

The university is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area. It is also a member of the Russell Group, a group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK.

    Student Life and Campus Experience:

    While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.

    Key Reasons to Study There:

    The context mentions some advantages, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to study at the University of Aberdeen.

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