Data Science and Analytics for Health MRes

This course is open to NHS Digital staff only.

From understanding diseases better to improving the appointment process, data science and analytics are integral to the way the healthcare system works in society today.

Our Data Science and Analytics for Health MRes degree provides a comprehensive training in the management, modelling and interpretation of health and healthcare data used by clinical, behavioural and organisational sources.

The course draws on recent advances in information technology, data management, statistical modelling (for description/classification, causal inference and prediction), machine learning and artificial intelligence. It’s designed to enable you to develop both the technical and applied skills required for addressing real‐world challenges in real‐world health and healthcare contexts.

Studying in our School of Computing gives you access to a whole range of specialist facilities, whilst being taught by academics who are experts in their fields. We’re responsible for producing internationally excellent research and have long-established links in industry and with the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) which is at the forefront of big data research.

Once you’ve graduated, you’ll be fully equipped with the most up-to-date practices and techniques, alongside the technical skill set you’ll need to pursue an exciting career in industry.

Why study at Leeds:

• Research produced by the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics and our School’s globally-renowned research conducted right here on campus feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking.
• Benefit from studying at a university that's partnered with the Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in key areas of computing including data science and analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
• Build industry experience by conducting a workplace-based project which focuses on applying and evidencing programming competencies within the context of real-world topics, giving you the chance to put your learned technical skills into practice.
• Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics who specialise in a wide range of computing topics.
• Study in the Sir William Henry Bragg building which provides excellent facilities and teaching spaces for an outstanding student experience.

This course recognises and utilises recent advances in information technology, data management, statistical modelling (for description/classification, causal inference and prediction), machine learning and artificial intelligence. It intends to equip health data scientists and health data analysts with the skills required to: harness the empirical insights available within large and varied data sources; and apply these to pressing clinical, social and organisational questions within the broad and varied context of health and healthcare services.

This course draws together:

• established expertise in applied data science relevant to the statistical modelling of complex data and the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence to accelerate the application of modelling for insight and discovery through causal inference and prediction.

• key public and private sector partners with extensive experience of managing a range of complex health and healthcare data sources, and harnessing these to inform professional practice, service delivery, public policy and commercialisation.

Project work

A distinctive feature of this course is the inclusion of extended periods of hands‐on data science practice working on applied and collaborative workplace‐based projects across a range of health and healthcare services. You'll be under the supervision of service‐specific specialists and academic experts in the management, analysis and interpretation of health and healthcare data.

These projects will offer you the opportunities to:

• apply, test and further refine your skills in data science and analytics
• experience working within established data science teams addressing pressing and pertinent health and healthcare problems
• develop invaluable transferable skills relevant to interdisciplinary team science
• generate analytical tools, empirical findings, and evidence‐based insights with the potential to have tangible impacts on health and healthcare policy and practice.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Data Science and Analytics for Health MRes Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Data Science and Analytics for Health MRes Part Time in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

<p><strong>Want to find out more about your modules?</strong></p><p>Take a look at the <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/computing-masters-module-information/doc/data-science-analytics-health-mres">Data Science and Analytics for Health (MRes) module descriptions</a> for more detail on what you'll study.</p>

Learning and teaching

Campus‐based blended learning with workplace‐based research project supervision.

Programme team

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams. Optional modules may also use alternative assessment methods.

Entry requirements

A bachelor (or Masters degree) in computer science, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine or a quantitative health discipline.

Either a 1st class degree at bachelor or Masters level Or 2:1 (hons) plus (minimum 3 years) first‐hand work‐related experience in one or more quantitative science or healthcare settings.

A-level: AAA including Mathematics or Computing or equivalents.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

This course is open to NHS Digital staff only.

Application deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

8 September 2024 – UK applicants

Apply (Full time)

Apply (Part time)

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

English Language

TOEFL iBT – score of 91 overall, with listening and reading components no less than 24, writing component no less than 24 and speaking component no less than 24;

Pearson PTE Academic – score of 64 overall, with no component less than 64.

Important information

Prior to being made an offer, you will be invited to attend an online interview in order to assess your suitability for this course. You do not need to have identified a work placement to apply for this course.

As part of your application you will need to include the following information:

• details of the organisation you hope to undertake your extended Workplace-Based Research and Development project (if known) including name, email address and telephone number of your contact
• two references (one academic, one professional)
• contact details in order for us to organise the online interview.

Skills

Applicants must be able to demonstrate an ability to programme through their degree, work experience or supporting statement.

Motivation

For applicants meeting all of the above, motivation will be verified by programme team based on the supporting statement, emails or interview as required.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

Fees

• UK: £14,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Data science and analytics have become key to streamlining the workings of many businesses – especially in healthcare. The healthcare industry looks after huge data sets so rely on qualified data scientists to provide practical insights and help contribute to improving the way the health system works in general. And this demand is only going to grow.

This MSc will give you the advanced and technical skill set in this field that’s in demand across the healthcare industry – and beyond.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

On completion of this course, you'll be strongly positioned to enter an exciting and rewarding career path in one of at least three main areas:

• as skilled data science researchers in research‐intensive settings (including academia) – with good research funding prospects and substantial potential for societal and economic impacts arising out of the outputs from your applied, workplace‐based health data science projects;
• as health and healthcare data science entrepreneurs – developing business ideas based on the application of your advanced data science skills in extended workplace‐based research projects within the health domain; and
• as key research and development staff within public, private/commercial or voluntary sector organisations – generating and capitalising upon the novel insights and discoveries accessed through the application of advanced data science techniques to rapidly expanding clinical, behavioural and operational data sets.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Find out more about career support.