Health Data Science (Online)

Entry requirements

A 2:2 with honours in a strongly numerate subject (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics) or health/life sciences. Prior coding skills are not required.

Alternatively, we will consider applications where there is evidence of strong skills in maths, computing or engineering, but not necessarily a degree.

Months of entry

January, May, September

Course content

• Tackle real-world challenges through hands-on research project opportunities within the NHS, pharmaceutical and health data companies.
• Master cutting-edge skills in the field of health-related data; a fast-growing area in which the UK excels in, with access to the largest biobanks, genomic and health service resources.
• Work with some of the world’s leading health data resources, including the UK Biobank, NHS medical records, the 100,000 genomes project and the new 5 million NHS patient cohort.
• Build industry-ready skills with a strong focus on Python – a coding language used across the technology space.

Modern medical science is becoming increasingly driven by interdisciplinary teams making discoveries from analysing large datasets. The University of Exeter is leading the way with world-class research, data science-driven environments in genomics, diabetes, neuroscience and health services.

This course will introduce you to Python language, focusing on the analysis of health data with machine learning and statistics techniques. Additionally, you'll build your computing skills with Linux, manage databases using SQL, and collaborate on coding projects with GitHub. You'll also explore the core concepts of evidence-based medicine and learn how to apply Operational Research to improve health services planning and reconfiguration.

Our research projects are unique - you’ll have the opportunity to carry out a research project, working real-world health data with external partners including the NHS and companies involved in health data. The projects will be completed online using resources such as UK Biobank.

Information for international students

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

Fees and funding