Health Data Science

Entry requirements

You will have, or be predicted, at least a 2:2 degree in a strongly numerate subject (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics), or a health/life sciences degree – prior coding skills are not required. Alternatively you will have demonstrably strong skills in maths, computing or engineering, but not necessarily a degree.

We will require a personal statement detailing your reasons for seeking to study Health Data Science. If you come from a health / life sciences background, this should demonstrate an ability, interest, or understanding of what this highly technical discipline involves. The first term of the course has two separate tracks to adapt to your prior knowledge of coding and data science.

Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.

Months of entry

September

Course content

• Gain cutting edge skills in the field of health-related data; a rapidly growing area in which the UK excels with access to the largest biobanks, genomic and health services resources.
• You will be taught by world-leading academics in genomics, epidemiology and health services research from mathematics, computer science and biomedical backgrounds
• Flexible, interdisciplinary course designed for both applicants with quantitative skills interested in health, and students from a health background interested in data science
• Opportunities for real-world research project opportunities with the NHS, pharmaceutical and health data companies
• This course offers on employable, transferrable skills and focuses 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 reflects that interdisciplinary environment, and the first term is flexible to your prior experience - with either an introduction to scientific computing or machine learning – alongside health statistics and research design. The second term focuses on two areas of world-leading research at Exeter: health services research and personalised medicine.

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.

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

We invest heavily in scholarships for talented prospective Masters students. This is in addition to the UK Government’s Postgraduate Loan Scheme. For information on how you can fund your postgraduate degree at the University of Exeter, please visit the postgraduate study pages on our website.