Course contact details
Postgraduate Admissions
Email:pgadmissions@abdn.ac.uk
Phone:01224 272090
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX
Health Data Science (Taught)
- MSc
- 12 Months
- Full-time
- 14 September 2026
- Postgraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Health Data Science combines health research, statistics and computing sciences to address health and care problems using data. Our MSc programme enables students from both healthcare and computational backgrounds to develop their health data science skills, supported by an interdisciplinary team of academics, NHS and industrial partners. 10% NHS staff discount.
Nationally and internationally there is a critical shortage in data intensive analytic capacity applied to healthcare. The effective and efficient use of data has the potential to create the transformative step change needed through targeting health and care improvement.
Our interdisciplinary MSc in Health Data Science aims to develop the next generation of health data scientists. The programme is delivered by academics from our Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science (ACHDS). The Centre for Health Data Science aims are to create innovative, interdisciplinary, data science solutions to the big challenges for health and health care, to improve health for individuals, local communities and globally.
The programme offers a wide range of specialist elective options to allow students to build a personalised masters depending on their background, interests and skills and includes a work-based placement or research project. At the end of the programme students will be able to evaluate, critique and demonstrate competency in the practical application of current data intensive analytical methods and current health and care research methods.
The MSc is ideally suited to healthcare professionals who wish to develop data health science skills or for students from computational and/or data intensive science backgrounds who wish to work in the health sector.
Modules
The programme will involve a variety of teaching methods including face to face lectures, tutorials, PowerPoint videos with accompanying self-tests and quizzes, video interviews with accompanying guides, computer-based practical sessions, self-study of recommended reading material and discussion boards. This mixed approach to teaching ensures that a range of different learning opportunities are provided for all students.
Assessment method
A variety of different approaches are combined to assess student understanding, progress and performance throughout the programme. Both formative and summative assessments include reflective learning, writing computer programmes, written and activity-based assessments, structured and multiple-choice questions. Whenever possible, the assessment will utilise real life scenarios and/or data and equip the student with transferable skills for subsequent careers.
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs, i.e. accommodation, food, books, entertainment, clothing, phone bills, local travel and laundry. These expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
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Entry requirements
For entry, you will usually have a 2:2 UK undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline, including life sciences, medicine, computing or maths.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 6.0 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 21 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online test is not accepted. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for 1 year). Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 176 with: Listening - 162 or above; Reading - 162 or above; Speaking - 162 or above; Writing - 169 or above. |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations.
We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test.
Postgraduate Higher requirements are used by the Schools of Business; Divinity, History and Philosophy; Education; Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture; Law; and Social Sciences. The MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management and the MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience also make use of the Postgraduate Higher requirements.
Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Tuition fees given are at the full-time rate. The part-time fee rate for taught postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate.
Sponsorship information
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/.
The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
NHS staff receive 10% off online postgraduate degrees and short courses offered by our School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; and our School of Psychology.
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