Ranking
Top 100
QS World University Rankings
Health Data Science MSc
- CampusDubaiDelivery formatIn person
- Start dateFull-time: September. Part-time: January or September.Duration18 months part-time (Jan 2025) / 1 year full-time (Sep 2025) / 2 years part-time (Sep 2025)
- AwardMaster of Science
- Entry requirements2:1 Honours degree in Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science or other relevant subject
- FeesAnnual fee for January 2025 entry AED 69,228 (part-time)
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Course overview
This unique programme in the UAE provides a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing graduates for impactful careers in the rapidly growing field of health data science. We’ll equip you with skills in AI, health data, and advanced computing needed to shape the future of the clinical and biomedical worlds.
Learn about the breadth of health data science and AI. Our programme explores everything from medicine, biology, and healthcare systems to ethics, clinical practice, machine learning, mathematical modeling, and computer science. Throughout the course, you'll also gain hands-on experience tackling real-world data analytics problems and developing practical solutions.
This programme is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education.
The course may be challenging, but it is very intensive, as it should be. However, the tutors are extremely supportive and you can receive help with any question at any time.
Course structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each term. This is based on a full-time Masters course.
In the first term, you'll study Foundations of Computing Practices in Health Data Science, Essentials of Maths and Statistics and Epidemiology and Health Informatics.
Course highlights
This Masters programme takes you into the fascinating world of cutting-edge technology, health data, and the limitless potential of artificial intelligence. We’ll teach you how to design, perform, and enhance analyses using the latest methods and technologies to address practical medical and clinical questions.
In addition, you'll receive comprehensive training in clinical bioinformatics, health informatics, epidemiology, clinical systems, integrated multimodal data analysis, and omics analytics. Our approach ensures you gain the skills needed to innovate and excel in the evolving landscape of health data science.
- Develop Computational Expertise: Acquire essential computational techniques for analysing health data, with no prior computing experience required.
- Explore Healthcare Systems: Gain in-depth knowledge of healthcare systems, including their operational structures, ethical considerations, and governance frameworks.
- Harness Transformative Potential: Discover how health data science can revolutionise healthcare by leveraging patient-specific information, such as electronic health records and genomics, to drive advancements in research, clinical care, and innovation.
68th in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (2024 QS World Rankings)
1st choice for leading graduate employers
Enhance your future potential and gain hands-on experience. Our programme gives you hands-on experience working in diverse, multi-disciplinary healthcare settings and related research environments. You'll gain practical experience and learn how health data science can be applied to deliver patient-centred care. By working in real-world settings, you'll develop valuable skills that will give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Course delivery
This programme is available at our Dubai and Edgbaston campuses. You’ll learn from world-leading academics and researchers at a top 100 UK university. From the outset we’ll challenge and encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner.
This course consists of six taught modules and a dissertation.
- Taught modules – these will equip you with the expertise and tools needed to unravel the potential of health data and how it can transform medicine. You’ll learn how to use advanced computational techniques to unlock new frontiers in clinical and biomedical research and be at the forefront of innovation in this rapidly evolving field.
- Individual project – this offers you the opportunity to demonstrate your acquired knowledge and skills from the taught modules. Dissertations must include a computational work in the health data field, and you’re encouraged to select your own topic with the guidance of a supervisor.
- Assessments - these include essays, exams, oral presentations, and computer-based problem-solving exercises.
We offer a combination of evening and weekend classes which are designed to accommodate working professionals and those who choose to study full-time. Classes are typically on two evenings from 18:00-21:00 and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00-16:00. Each module is block taught over two weeks. Part-time students enroll in the same classes as their full-time counterparts; however, they take fewer number of modules each year.
Module information
The course comprises 120 credits of taught material. There is also a 60 credit research project.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Data Analytics & Statistical Machine Learning | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Epidemiology and Health Informatics | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Essentials of Mathematics, Statistics and Programming | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Foundations of Computing Practices in Health Data Science | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Health Data Fundamentals | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Integrative Multimodal Data Analytics | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Interdisciplinary Health Data Research Project | 60 | Semester 2 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
In Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science or other relevant subject.
For international students there is an English language requirement of IELTS of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band. We will consider students with a 6.0 overall score on a case by case basis. If you are made an offer of a place to study and you do not already meet the language requirement, you have the option to enroll on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional Course. If you successfully complete this, you will be able to fulfill the language requirement without needing to take a further qualification.
English language requirements
In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a good level of written and spoken English. You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation.
- AED 69,228
Part time – annual fee for January 2025 entry
The fees quoted are for one year only; for those studying courses over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Career opportunities
The demand for health data scientists is skyrocketing. Prepare yourself for an exciting career in either industry or academia where artificial intelligence, clinical sciences and biomedicine intersect.
Careers Network
In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.