1. University of Aberdeen
  2. Program
  3. Masters
  4. Health Data Science, MSc

Health Data Science, MSc

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Aberdeen

Program Overview

The MSc in Health Data Science at the University of Aberdeen provides advanced training in statistics, computing, and health-research methods for analysing complex biomedical and healthcare data. It suits healthcare professionals and quantitative or computational graduates who want to work in health analytics, public health, or medical research.

Curriculum structure

Year of Study (one-year full-time):
Students begin with core modules such as Applied Statistics and Introduction to Health Data Science, gaining skills in statistical modelling, data handling, and the use of analytical software to interpret health datasets. They then progress to specialised subjects like Epidemiology, Database Systems and Big Data, and Machine Learning for Healthcare, where they learn population-level health analysis, big-data management, and predictive modelling for clinical decision-making.
The programme concludes with either a Masters Research Project or a Professional Work Placement, allowing students to apply data-science methods to real healthcare settings and develop practical experience in health informatics or research.

Focus areas:
Health data analysis; applied statistics; epidemiology; big-data systems; machine learning for healthcare; health informatics.

Learning outcomes:
Ability to analyse and interpret health datasets; apply statistical and machine-learning methods; design data-driven health research; manage large clinical databases; generate insights to support healthcare and public-health decisions.

Professional alignment:
Designed to meet workforce needs in health services, public-health agencies, medical research, and health-tech industries, preparing graduates for roles such as health data scientist, clinical-data analyst, or public-health informatics specialist.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Aberdeen is a well-established UK university with strong health-research partnerships and good graduate outcomes, offering strong employability in the rapidly growing health-data workforce.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Aberdeen, MSc Health Data Science students gain hands-on skills using industry-standard tools and dedicated research facilities, directly applying theory in areas like robotics and machine learning.

Key experiential components include:

  • Software & Tools: Professional access to PyTorch, TensorFlow, and ROS (Robot Operating System), with computing on high-performance GPU clusters.

  • Specialist Labs: Practical work in the Intel Neuromorphic Research Lab (using Loihi hardware) and the Aberdeen Robotics Lab.

  • Group Project: A core Team Project (CM 5038) to design and build a significant AI system in a team.

  • Industry Links: Supported internships and guest lectures, with strong ties to the local energy and tech sectors.

  • Research Centre: Teaching informed by the interdisciplinary Centre for Data and AI (IDA).

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Aberdeen's MSc Health Data Science gain interdisciplinary skills in statistics, machine learning, epidemiology, and health informatics, addressing critical shortages in healthcare analytics for roles in NHS, academia, and industry. The program's work-based placements and real-world projects prepare them for impactful contributions to public health and data-driven care improvements. Alumni transition successfully into analytics positions amid high global demand.​

Typical job roles: Health Data Scientist, Clinical Data Analyst, Health Informatics Specialist, Epidemiological Modeller.​

  • Careers service: employability workshops, placement coordination via Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science (ACHDS), NHS/industry networking​

  • Employment stats: strong prospects; median UK salaries £21.5k-£24k (rising with experience)​

  • Partnerships: NHS trusts, industry collaborators for projects/placements​

  • Accreditation value: ACHDS credentials signal expertise in health analytics​

  • Outcomes: NHS research, public health analytics, industry data roles​

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue PhDs in health data science at Aberdeen or similar institutions, extending placement/research projects into advanced epidemiological or AI-driven health modelling.

Program Key Stats

£23,000 (Annual cost)
Rolling


78 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

3 - 3.2
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
90
2:2
60
6
70

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  •  Health Data Scientist
  • Clinical Informatician
  • Epidemiological Data Analyst
  • Healthcare BI Specialist
  • Public Health Data Analyst
  • Clinical Trials Statistician

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts

Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.