Health Informatics with Data Science MSc

Course overview

This course is the 12-month full-time MSc. For our 24-month part-time MSc, please visit this page.

Demand for individuals qualified in health informatics and data science is on the rise. The demand for healthcare services is currently exceeding supply worldwide, and health providers and leading multinationals are heavily investing in information technology to generate solutions.

This forward-thinking course provides insightful training into how modern applications of data and informatics in health management and planning can both use and generate evidence to influence policy and practice.

Created by experienced academics and professionals, the course is designed for both recent graduates and professionals looking to advance their careers. It will develop your knowledge and understanding of health informatics, health data science techniques and the real-world application of research methods – skills that are highly sought after by employers.

We combine health, data and social science expertise with a research focus to develop knowledge, skills and awareness of sources and uses of evidence in healthcare.

Developing research capacity in health informatics and data science is a priority area internationally. Staff contribute expertise to the Research Methods Incubator of the UK National Institute for Health and Social Care Research (NIHR) Academy. You’ll be actively involved in listening to and informing the informatics and data science agenda for health.

Leading expertise

• Learn from experts in health informatics and data science, including in machine learning and AI (MSc and PGDip only).
• Multidisciplinary research expertise is embedded within the curriculum.
• Learn from a curriculum informed by the latest understanding and practice, with academic teams in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, Institute of Health Sciences, plus strong collaborations with Computer Science.

Flexible learning

• Both full and part-time options are available so you can apply your learning as you complete the course.
• Create a bespoke learning journey and choose optional modules to reflect your own interests.
• Tailor your degree to your specific career ambitions, or the needs of your professional sector, including a choice of research projects (MSc only).

To prepare you for these unique challenges ahead, we’ll support you to:

• 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.

Through years of teaching and research, we’ve developed a strong reputation, both nationally and internationally, in health informatics and data science. Our staff are actively engaged in delivering education and skills training; they’re involved in a variety of ongoing research projects to improve and redesign health services to better serve patients.

More information

You’ll benefit from our excellent location, too. The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is the largest UK hospital Trust. Leeds is also the headquarters for many Department of Health and Social Care organisations, including NHS England. Guest speakers from regional and national organisations, such as the Office of the National Data Guardian and the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, contribute engaging talks to the course. Leeds is also home to a thriving digital economy, including leading healthcare technology providers TPP (SystmOne) and EMIS.

Applying

Entry requirements

A 2:1 in a relevant undergraduate degree e.g. Social Sciences, STEMM, Nursing (or equivalent) OR previous work experience (minimum 2 years) of handling and/or analysing health 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.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the Admissions Team.

The course is also available as an intercalated MSc programme to students who have completed three years of a medical degree and are ranked in the top 50% of their year of study.

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. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

Career opportunities

97% of our recent Health Informatics with Data Science graduates feel they've taken meaningful next steps since university.

This exciting course provides superb training for:

• Graduates looking to specialise in health informatics or health data science.
• Health service employees seeking to enhance their careers by gaining skills in data science.

Our graduates have gone on to have successful cross-industry careers in health management, analytics or informatics, with some founding businesses in digital health and others pursuing research degrees. Our graduates are employed in a wide range of roles at various levels of seniority, in health, industry, government and NGOs.