Data Science for Health and Social Care (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip, PgProfDev

After completing the MSc Data Science for Health and Social Care programme you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principles and methods, governance and implications of data science in health and social care
• Create, identify and evaluate data-driven solutions to solve complex problems in healthcare and social services contexts
• Demonstrate the skills and capacity to analyze facts and situations and apply creative and inventive thinking to develop appropriate solutions
• Articulate and effectively explain information and adapt communication styles for different people, situations and audiences
• Work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment to deliver data-driven solutions

You will also develop:

• Observational, analytical, evaluation and synthesis skills that will provide you with a critical understanding of the principles methods, governance and implications of data science in health and social care
• Research and inquiry skills that will allow you to create, identify and evaluate data-driven solutions to solve complex problems in health and social care contexts
• Personal skills and intellectual autonomy will give you the capacity to analyze facts and situations and apply creative and inventive thinking to develop appropriate solutions
• Communication skills that will allow you to articulate and effectively explain information and to adapt your communication style for different people, situations and audiences
• Leadership and time management skills, and emotional intelligence will allow you to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment to deliver data-driven solutions
• Technical skills that will allow you to proactively extract knowledge and insights from data in new ways to drive innovation in health and social care

Graduates of the MSc Data Science for Health and Social Care are well prepared to step into a variety of roles that bridge the gap between data science and healthcare. With the skills to analyze and interpret complex data, you can drive innovation and improvement in healthcare delivery, policy and management.

Sectors and roles

• Public health and epidemiology: Using data to track disease trends and inform public health decisions.
• Hospital and healthcare systems: Enhancing patient care through data-driven management and operational efficiencies.
• Pharmaceuticals and research: Conducting data-intensive studies to develop new drugs and treatments.
• Healthcare consultancy: Advising healthcare organizations on data strategy and implementation.

Support for career advancement

The University of Edinburgh’s Careers Service offers extensive support, from CV workshops to personalized career advice, ensuring you are fully equipped to make an impact in your chosen field.

The MSc in Data Science for Health and Social Care is a part-time, online programme taught for over 3 years.

You can exit the programme after:

• Year 1 with a Certificate award
• Year 2 with a Diploma, or
• Year 3 with an MSc degree

Alternatively, you can also study stand-alone courses as postgraduate professional development (PPD).

All teaching is delivered online and you will be expected to use self-directed learning, peer-discussion boards, tutorials, peer presentations and other similar online learning activities to help engage with and get the most from the course materials.

Year 1

This year you’ll study 60 credits worth of classes.

You will take one compulsory course: Introduction to Data Science in Health and Social Care. This is worth 20 credits and is taught over 10 weeks.

You will also take 40 credits worth of courses. See the table below for details of all compulsory and optional courses.

Year 2

You will study for 60 credits of courses. See the table below for details of all compulsory and optional courses.

Please note Research Design in Data Science for Health and Social Care is a compulsory element if students wish to complete the dissertation year.

Year 3

To complete the MSc programme, you must select and complete one of the following course options:

• Dissertation (60 credits)
• Work-based placement with industry or public sector organisation (60 credits)
• Student-Led Individually Created Course (20 credits) plus 40 credits of elective courses

See the table below for details of all compulsory and optional courses.

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) option

PPD is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full master's Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit.

Alternatively, after one year of taking courses, you can choose to transfer your credits and continue to study towards a higher award on a master's Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout the year, you may only start a master's Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme in September.

Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a master's Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

Online learning

How online learning works

• Interactive learning environment: Study fully online with our intuitive online platform.
• Flexible access: Log in when it suits you and access learning content 24/7 from anywhere in the world.

Teaching and assessment

• Teaching: Engage with a rich blend of online course content and interactive tutorials, as well as discussions with your peers. Throughout your learning journey, you are able to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace, making this an ideal option for our many international students.
• Assessment: Demonstrate your understanding and skills through a mix of individual assignments, online discussions, and projects.

Time commitment

Expect to dedicate 10-12 hours each week to your studies. This part-time programme is designed to fit around your professional life, allowing you to learn at a pace that suits you.

Technical requirements

• Equipment: A reliable internet connection and a computer capable of running the latest browser and software required for data analysis.
• Software: All necessary learning platforms and tools are provided online by the University.

Support for online students

You are never alone in your studies. Our dedicated support includes 24/7 technical assistance, access to the University of Edinburgh’s extensive online library, and personalized support from your student adviser. Additionally, online study skills workshops and career development services are available to enhance your learning and professional growth.