Discover how to collect, analyse, interpret and present health data on this MSc. You’ll combine this knowledge with the fundamentals of computer science. Using statistical analysis, data visualisation and digital technology, you’ll learn how to identify data-driven enhancements to health care interventions and produce a significant piece of health data science research.
Offering specialist training for current and aspiring health data scientists, this MSc combines research-focused teaching, training and development in an emerging discipline.
Whether you’re an experienced professional, recent graduate or intercalating medical student, you’ll benefit from our collaborative team-based approach. We’ll tackle important health research questions and work with new forms of health data, you’ll discover how health data science can enhance our understanding of disease and health care.
You’ll receive a comprehensive overview of statistical concepts and explore the role of databases in modern information systems. A combination of theory and practice will prepare you for analysing, manipulating and interpreting the vast amounts of data generated in health care settings.
We’ll also reveal the exciting potential of digital technology for enhancing health care interventions. This includes focusing on actionable analytics, thinking about how to transform data from information into actions that drive real-world improvements in health care settings. Further specialisation in advanced biostatistics, artificial intelligence and data mining is possible.
The culmination of the MSc is a significant research project that enables you to make an original contribution to knowledge in health data science.
This programme is supported by Health Data Research UK – the national institute for health data science.
This MSc has strong links to Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL), which has built an internationally recognised, multi and trans-disciplinary research centre tackling global health challenges with civic data and technology. CHIL provides dissertation research projects for students, focusing on areas such as healthcare data analytics, digital health solutions, public health informatics, and the application of technology in community health initiatives. These projects offer students the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research, contributing to meaningful advancements in global health.
The programme opens up a multitude of career opportunities globally, including in the health sector, industry, and academia. In the UK alone, demand for data scientists and data engineers has more than tripled over the past years, increasing by 231%, which translates to approximately 52,000 new jobs.
This master’s is suitable for you if you have a quantitative background (for example, a background in mathematics, statistics, computer science, physical science, biomedical science including epidemiology, biological sciences, or medicine*) and want to analyse and address health care problems using data.
Plus, if it suits you better, you can study some of the course modules as standalone CPD (Continuing Professional Development) modules. For more information contact: hdsseo@liverpool.ac.uk
*Please note these are examples only and are not the exhaustive list of backgrounds we accept. Please see our entry requirements for full details.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Please note, work towards the Dissertation module runs across the length of the programme. The dissertation itself is completed in semester three.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Please note, work towards the Dissertation module runs across the length of the programme. The dissertation itself is completed in semester three.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ACTIONABLE HEALTHCARE DATA ANALYTICS (DASC505) | 15 |
| DISSERTATION (DASC500) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Please note, work towards the Dissertation module runs across the length of the programme. The dissertation itself is completed in semester three.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (DASC500) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Each 15-credit module involves around 150 hours of study.
You can expect to spend 2-3 hours a week per module in taught study and 3-5 hours a week per module in self-managed independent study. The programme has a blended format with a mix of face-to-face and online lectures, workshops and practical sessions.
Full-time students will complete the programme in three semesters and part-time students will complete the programme in six semesters.
You’ll be assessed through a variety of written critiques and reports, software practical exercises and written exams. You’ll also be asked to present your work in a variety of formats, from oral presentations to a conference poster. All modules have active learning embedded within them.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
You can study some of the modules on this course as standalone CPD (Continuing Professional Development) modules. Contact us using the buttons at the bottom of the course page to find out more.
Intercalation allows you take a break from your medical degree, usually after year 3 or 4, and study an additional qualification. Most intercalating students choose to study a master's degree. This gives you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at an advanced level and acquire new skills and knowledge that will enhance and/or complement your medical degree.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and complete 60 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) for the work you have completed. This usually amounts to one semester when completed full-time.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and have completed 120 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) for the work completed. This usually amounts to two full semesters when completed full-time, without having to complete the final dissertation module.
The Institute of Population Health draws on over 100 years of teaching delivered by dedicated staff with real-world, practical experience. We are a hub for an extensive network of professionals, academics and researchers, you can be confident that a degree from us will prepare you for a lifelong career in healthcare services.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
What I enjoyed the most was conducting a genome-wide study on real-life data from the UK Biobank, which I undertook as part of my dissertation. It was great to work with academics in and across departments on this project, learn valuable research skills and work on developing the research idea into a full publication.
Ultimately, this MSc programme prepared me to work on real-world clinical data and implement many modelling approaches to help solve various aims related to Childhood Lupus.
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Developing transferable skills to enhance your employability is a key theme of the programme.
Potential employers are involved in the delivery of the course and you will be able to attend careers events with representation from higher education institutions, the NHS, industry and government agencies. This will ensure you have a variety of opportunities to network and build useful contacts.
Whenever possible, your dissertation project will be linked with external partner organisations, connecting you to potential employment and career progression opportunities.
The health sector is a fast-growing employment sector around the world. There is an increasing need for professionals with strong quantitative skills to evaluate health care interventions and information systems.
The MSc Health Data Science is tailored to develop the statistical and computational skills needed to pursue a successful career as a data scientist working in academia, healthcare or biopharmaceutical sectors.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £12,500
Part-time place, per year - £6,250
Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Part-time place, per year - £14,550
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should include substantial quantitative methods content in statistics and/or computer science. As part of your application, you will be required to provide a personal statement outlining your learning ambitions, past achievements in academic or professional activities relevant to the programme and data science experience to date. Please note, some of the optional modules on the course require programming skills of a standard equivalent to a first degree in computer science. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with no component below 105 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
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Last updated 25 February 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions