Program Overview

MSc Health Data Science

Overview

Gain cutting-edge skills in the field of health-related data; a rapidly growing area in which the UK excels with access to the largest biobanks, genomic and health services resources. You will be taught by world-leading academics in genomics, epidemiology and health services research from mathematics, computer science and biomedical backgrounds. Flexible, interdisciplinary course designed for both applicants with quantitative skills interested in health, and students from a health background interested in data science. Opportunities for real-world research project opportunities with the NHS, pharmaceutical and health data companies. This course offers on employable, transferrable skills and focuses on Python – a coding language used across the technology space.

Entry Requirements

You will have, or be predicted, at least a 2:2 degree in a strongly numerate subject (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics), or a health/life sciences degree – prior coding skills are not required. Alternatively, you will have demonstrably strong skills in maths, computing or engineering, but not necessarily a degree.

We will require a personal statement detailing your reasons for seeking to study Health Data Science. If you come from a health / life sciences background, this should demonstrate an ability, interest, or understanding of what this highly technical discipline involves. The first term of the course has two separate tracks to adapt to your prior knowledge of coding and data science.

Course Content

Modern medical science is becoming increasingly driven by interdisciplinary teams making discoveries from analysing large datasets. The University of Exeter is leading the way with world-class research, data science-driven environments in genomics, diabetes, neuroscience and health services.

This course reflects that interdisciplinary environment, and the first term is flexible to your prior experience - with either an introduction to scientific computing or machine learning – alongside health statistics and research design. The second term focuses on two areas of world-leading research at Exeter: health services research and personalised medicine.

Our research projects are unique - you’ll have the opportunity to carry out a research project, working real-world health data with external partners including the NHS and companies involved in health data.

Course Structure

This MSc course can be studied on a full-time basis over one year or over two or three years (part-time), which may suit applicants who are already working full-time. The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. To gain a Masters qualification, you will need to complete 180 credits at level seven. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with one credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work, a 15 credit module being equivalent to 150 hours of work and a full Masters degree being equivalent to approximately 1,800 hours of work.

It is also possible to exit with a PGCert after completing 60 credits of taught modules or a PGDip after completing 120 credits of taught modules. The list of modules below shows which are compulsory.

Modules

• HPDM092: Fundamentals of Research Design (15 credits)
• HPDM182: Statistics for Health and Life Sciences (15 credits)
• HPDM097: Making a Difference with Health Data (30 credits)
• HPDM098: Stratified Medicine (30 credits)
• HPDM099: Research Project (60 credits)
• HPDM172: Computational Skills for Health and Life Sciences (15 credits)
• HPDM171: Coding in Python for Health and Life Sciences (15 credits)
• HPDM139: Coding for Machine Learning and Data Science (15 credits)

Fees

• UK fees (2025/26 entry):
  • MSc fees (1 year): £13,200 full-time
  • MSc fees (2 years): £6,600
  • MSc fees (3 years): £4,400
  • PGCert (1 year): £4,400
  • PGDip (2 years): £4,400
• International fees (2025/26 entry):
  • MSc fees (1 year): £30,900 full-time
  • MSc fees (2 years): £15,500
  • MSc fees (3 years): £10,300
  • PGCert (1 year): £10,300
  • PGDip (2 years): £10,300

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

Careers

This course is suitable for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career or further study in health data science. We welcome students from computer science, maths, physics or engineering but who do not necessarily have any experience in biology or health – and students from health and life sciences that are keen and interested to expand their skillset into health-related data. The course is flexible and the first term will adapt to your prior experience, so you will have all the necessary support to transition into this highly technical discipline from entry-level knowledge.

Teaching and Research

Our purpose is to deliver transformative education that will help tackle health challenges of national and global importance. This programme is a genuinely interdisciplinary experience – the programme is delivered by experts from mathematics, computing, biomedical science, the NHS and industry.

Programme Directors

• Dr. Harry Green: Lecturer in Health Data Science
• Prof. Michael Weedon: Professor of Bioinformatics and Human Genetics
• Dr. Robin Beaumont: Senior Research Fellow

Facilities

This programme is based at the St Luke’s campus in Exeter, just a 15-minute walk from the city centre and just over a mile away from the Streatham Campus. The campus is close to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and RILD building, which is home to the NHS funded Exeter Health Library. Students have studied at St Luke’s campus for over 150 years and the campus enjoys a vibrant atmosphere set around the lawns of the quadrangle.

Facilities at St Luke’s campus include:

• Life Sciences Resource Centre
• Clinical Skills Resource Centre (Heavitree Hospital site)
• Medical Imaging Suite
• Medical Sciences Laboratory