Health Informatics with Data Science MSc
Year of entry 2023
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 12 months full time
- 36 months part time
- Entry requirements
- A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a relevant subject e.g. Social Sciences, STEMM, Nursing (or equivalent) OR previous work experience (minimum 2 years) of handling and/or analysing data.
Full entry requirements - English language requirements
- IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in each component
- UK fees
- £11,750 (total)
- International fees
- £25,000 (total)
- Contact
- pgmed-admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
Demand for individuals qualified in health informatics and data sciences is increasing. With healthcare demand currently exceeding supply worldwide, health providers and leading multinationals are investing massively in information technology to provide solutions.
Our forward-thinking course provides insightful training around modern applications of data and informatics in health management and planning.
Created by experienced academics and professionals, our course is designed for both recent graduates and professionals looking to advance their careers, to gain knowledge and understanding of health informatics and health data science techniques, and to gain skills currently sought after by employers.
Leading expertise
Study with experts in health informatics and data science.
Create a bespoke learning journey and choose optional modules to reflect your own interests, including artificial intelligence.
Learn from a curriculum informed by the latest understanding, with academic teams across the School of Medicine.
Flexible learning
Both full-time and part-time options available so you can apply your learning while you study.
Tailor your degree to your specific career ambitions, or the needs of your sector with optional modules.
To prepare you for these unique challenges ahead, at Leeds you’ll:
explore a new and innovative approach to health informatics, statistics and computer science that focuses on patient benefit and evidence-based, high-quality healthcare.
address human and technical challenges in healthcare and health data science.
develop your knowledge of fundamental statistical, social, and governance concepts
study a multidisciplinary approach to health informatics with a social science perspective as well as health economics and behavioural sciences.
Through years of teaching and research, we’ve developed a strong national and international reputation in health informatics and data science. Our staff are actively engaged in delivering education and skills, and are involved in a variety of ongoing research projects to improve and redesign NHS services to better serve patients.
Developing research capacity in health informatics and data science is a priority area for the UK’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), and staff contribute expertise to the NIHR Academy’s Research Methods Incubator. With us, you will be actively involved in listening to, and informing, the informatics and data science agenda for health.
You will benefit from our location too. The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is the largest UK hospital Trust. Leeds is also the headquarters for many Department of Health organisations, including NHS Digital and NHS England, who have historically provided guest speakers to the course. Leeds is also home to a thriving digital economy, including leading healthcare technology providers TPP (SystmOne) and EMIS.
Course details
You will study modules totaling 180 credits. These are made up of six core (compulsory) taught modules and a research project, plus two optional modules from a range offered in Health Informatics, Data Science or Health Sciences.
This gives you the opportunity to tailor your study to areas of interest. The Research project will be your opportunity to put what you’ve learned into practice, to work with a supervisor and tailor a project to an area that is relevant to your own personal and professional development. This is a chance to demonstrate focused expertise to transform your career outlook.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Statistics and Modelling for Health Sciences | 15 |
| Foundations of Health Data | 15 |
| Human Factors in Health Data Science | 15 |
| Informatics and Data Science in Health Care and Research | 15 |
| Law, Ethics and Governance for Health Data Science | 15 |
| Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Health | 15 |
| MSc Health Informatics Project | 60 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Spatial Analytics and Visualisation for Health | 15 |
| Health Economics | 15 |
Learning and teaching
Our course is taught through a variety of lectures, practical classes, tutorials, seminars and supervised research projects. We use IT extensively, meaning that materials will be available to support your studies at your own pace and in your own time.
In addition to group learning, you’ll also be able to use University facilities for independent study. These include computing facilities and the Health Sciences library, with its extensive collection of online journals.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
The modules are assessed by a variety of methods including essays, reports and presentations. Your results for every module contribute to your final degree classification.
Applying
Entry requirements
First degree in a relevant subject e.g. Social Sciences, STEMM, Nursing (or equivalent) 2:1 OR previous work experience (minimum 2 years) of handling and/or analysing data.
This is an academically rigorous course. Applicants with other qualifications may be accepted if they can demonstrate suitable professional experience. Contact the admissions office if you are unsure of your eligibility.
This course is also available as an intercalated programme to students who have completed three years of a UK medical degree (or international equivalent) and are normally ranked in the top 50% of their year of study. Read more at Intercalation.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the Admissions Team.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in each component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. You could study a part-time online course starting in January, or a full-time course in summer. Find out more about online pre-sessionals.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Application deadline 31 July 2023 for all applicants.
The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Documents and information you’ll need
- Evidence of work experience in supporting statement or CV as specified in entry requirements, if no relevant first degree.
- References not required as standard, although the programme leader may request a targeted reference on a case basis, especially in instances of non-standard entry
- If not already present, a CV which covers all relevant work experience in detail will be requested for non-standard applications.
- A supporting statement is required, covering three question prompts.
Applications are considered on the basis of the applicant’s qualifications and experience. Applications may close before the deadline date if numbers accepted reach capacity.
This course is taught by
Contact us
School of Medicine Postgraduate Admissions
Email: pgmed-admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £11,750 (total)
International: £25,000 (total)
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
Career opportunities
This exciting course provides superb training for:
- graduates looking for an opportunity to specialise in health informatics or health data science
- health service employees seeking to enhance their careers by gaining skills in data science
Past students have gone on to successful careers in health management, analytics or informatics, with some founding their own businesses in digital health and others continuing their studies with a research degree. Our graduates are employed in a wide range of roles at various levels of seniority, in health, industry, government and NGOs.