Course summary
Learn the interdisciplinary skills you need to become an exceptional health data scientist. Join an online MSc Health Data Science that fits around full-time work. 10% NHS staff discount. Learn to use data effectively and efficiently to address challenges in health care. In this interdisciplinary degree, you’ll study health research, statistics, and computing sciences to develop your health data science skills. You’ll learn to evaluate, critique, and apply data-intensive analytical methods, and current health and care research methods. We need health data scientists In the UK and internationally, there’s a critical shortage of people skilled in the use of data science, including machine learning and AI, for health care. Help to transform health and care You’ll learn from academics in our Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science (ACHDS). Right now, they’re creating innovative data science solutions to big health care challenges, to improve health and care for individuals, local communities, and globally. You’ll find out how. Customise your learning In this degree, you can build a learning experience that’s tailored to you. Choose from a wide range of specialist elective courses to match your interests and skills, including projects and work-based placements. Who can join online MSc Health Data Science? This MSc is for: healthcare professionals looking to develop data science skills, and professionals with a computing and/or data-intensive science background who want to learn more about health research, or work in the health sector. It’s designed to help students from both backgrounds transition into health data science careers.
Modules
This interdisciplinary degree is delivered by our School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition. You’ll learn from staff in our Institute of Applied Health Sciences and the Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science (ACHDS). The ACHDS has an established global reputation in the health and data sciences harnessing academia, NHS, industry and public partnerships. You’ll also learn from academics and international experts from our School of Natural and Computing Sciences, our Business School, the NHS, and industry.
Assessment method
We use a variety of approaches to assess your understanding, progress, and performance throughout your degree. Assessment methods include: reflective learning; writing computer programmes; written and activity-based assessments; structured and multiple-choice questions. Whenever possible, your assessments will use real-life scenarios and/or data, and equip you with transferable skills for subsequent careers.
How to apply
International applicants
This programme is delivered flexibly, 100% online. You can learn with us anywhere, with no need for a study visa.
Entry requirements
For entry, you will usually have a 2:2 UK undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline, including life sciences, medicine, computing or maths. Other relevant work experience will also be considered.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 6.0 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 21 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online test is not accepted. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for 1 year). Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 176 with: Listening - 162 or above; Reading - 162 or above; Speaking - 162 or above; Writing - 169 or above. |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Higher requirements are used by the Schools of Business; Divinity, History and Philosophy; Education; Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture; Law; and Social Sciences. The MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management and the MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience also make use of the Postgraduate Higher requirements. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £16740 | Whole course |
| International | £16740 | Whole course |
| England | £16740 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £16740 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £16740 | Whole course |
| Wales | £16740 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £16740 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £16740 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in January 2026. The fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.
Our tuition fees will rise by 3% for the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 academic years. Our indicative cost includes a 3% fee rise each year.
Sponsorship information
The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen. NHS staff receive 10% off online postgraduate degrees and short courses offered by our School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; and our School of Psychology.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX