Program Overview

MSc Health Data Science (Online) - 2026 entry

Overview

Master cutting-edge skills in the field of health-related data; a fast-growing area in which the UK excels in, with access to the largest biobanks, genomic and health service resources. Tackle real-world challenges through hands-on research project opportunities within the NHS, pharmaceutical and health data companies. Work with some of the world’s leading health data resources, including the UK Biobank, NHS medical records, the 100,000 genomes project and the new 5 million NHS patient cohort. Build industry-ready skills with a strong focus on Python – a coding language used across the technology space.

Quick facts

• Duration: 24 months
• Mode of study: Online, Part-time
• Credits: 180 Masters level credits
• Tuition fees: £15,000
• Flexible payment options: Available

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 will introduce you to Python language, focusing on the analysis of health data with machine learning and statistics techniques. Additionally, you'll build your computing skills with Linux, manage databases using SQL, and collaborate on coding projects with GitHub. You'll also explore the core concepts of evidence-based medicine and learn how to apply Operational Research to improve health services planning and reconfiguration.

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. The projects will be completed online using resources such as UK Biobank.

Modules

• Stage 1, Year 1 – 90 credits of compulsory modules
• Stage 1, Year 2 – 90 credits of compulsory modules

Compulsory modules

• HPDM206Z: Computing Skills and Python
• HPDM207Z: Research Design and Statistics
• HPDM208Z: Stratified Medicine
• HPDM209Z: Making a Difference with Health Data
• HPDM210Z: Data Science Research Project

Entry requirements

• A 2:2 with honours in a strongly numerate subject (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics) or health/life sciences.
• Prior coding skills are not required.
• Alternatively, we will consider applications where there is evidence of strong skills in maths, computing or engineering, but not necessarily a degree.

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.

• The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.

Pay as you study

• Total fees for this programme is £15,000.
• To make it easier to budget, you don’t need to pay the total fee upfront.
• Instead, you can pay for each module as you are about to start studying it.

What opportunities does this programme lead to?

• Who is this course for?
  • 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.
• Employer-valued skills this course develops
  • The programme uses the Python programming language, one of the most desired computer programming languages by employers.
  • The computing skills you develop will equip for a wide range of careers in healthcare and beyond.
• Work-based learning
  • The majority of students do their project with an external provider – providing a chance to work in the real world with real health data.
  • Project providers include those in the NHS, pharmaceutical industry and health data companies.
• Career paths (graduate destinations)
  • Exeter’s Masters in Health Data Science (Online) provides students with excellent careers opportunities.
  • Students from the first two on-campus cohorts have obtained positions with employers in the NHS, including NHS Digital, the Office of National Statistics, Data science and AI companies.
• Dedicated careers support
  • You will receive support from our dedicated Career Zone team, who provide excellent career guidance at all stages of career planning.