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Course overview
This unique programme provides a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing graduates for impactful careers in the rapidly growing field of health data science. We will equip you with skills in AI, health data and advanced computing required 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 modelling, and computer science.
Throughout our course, you’ll also gain hands-on experience tackling real-world data analytics problems and developing practical solutions.
The curriculum is designed with current industry trends and demands in mind. This practical exposure has been invaluable in preparing me for real-world challenges in my career.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each term.
In the first term, teaching will focus on the fundamentals required to perform Heath Data Science. This includes the basics of programming, data manipulation, statistical and mathematical analyses as well as the fundamental machine learning approaches employed in AI.
Course highlights
This 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.
You'll learn about the breadth of health data science and its applications. We'll teach you how to design, perform and enhance analyses with the appropriate 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.
The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.
- 68th in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (2024 QS World Rankings)
Course delivery
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 – Each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, self-guided study and assignment preparation.
Assessments - these include essays, exams, oral presentations, and computer-based problem-solving exercises.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Data Analytics and Statistical Machine Learning for Health Data Science | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Epidemiology and Health Informatics | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Essentials of Mathematics, Statistics and Programming | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Foundations of Computing Practices in Health Data Science | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Health Data Fundamentals | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Integrative Multimodal Data Analytics | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students must either take the 60 credit module, or both the 40 and 20 credit modules
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Health Data Analytics | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Health Data Science Challenges | 40 | Semester 2 |
| 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 a related subject.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
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
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.