MDS
MDS Master of Data Science (Health)
Gain the quantitative skills you need to effectively analyse data in the fast-moving field of health. Drawing on rich and varied sources of data, our graduates have the potential to make a big difference.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
MDS
Program Code
G5P323
Course length
1 year full-time
Typical offer
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £14,500 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £34,000 per year
Overview
From personalised medicine, to smart cities and sustainable solutions, data science is building a better world. At the same time, developments in technology have made the field of data science more accessible than ever, creating new opportunities to gain insight into the interactions between people and their environment – nowhere is this more true that in the health sector where the effective use of data is playing a vital role in tailored care for individuals and in improving health outcomes for the public as a whole. Drawing on this, we have created the Master of Data Science (Health), a conversion course that opens up a future in data science even if your first degree is in a non-quantitative subject. You will learn from practicing researchers who are making a difference across a range of industries. Shared core modules across the suite of MDS courses will equip you with general data science skills and an understanding of how to apply those skills effectively, while subject-specific modules focus on the complex data and specialist methods used in the health system. It is equally suitable whether you are planning to use quantitative analysis in a research capacity, or if you are a health or social care graduate who wants to develop transferable data and modelling analysis skills for the workplace. The course begins with a range of introductory modules before progressing to more advanced contemporary techniques such as statistical analysis (in R) and computer science (in Python). You will also take modules that explore the use of data for clinical and public health decisions, relevant modelling techniques such as survival and epidemiological methods, and address questions such as governance and privacy. The course culminates in the research project, an in-depth investigation into an area of interest in which you apply the skills you’ve learned during the course to a specific topic or issue in health or social care.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
MDS
Program Code
G5P323
Course length
1 year full-time
Typical offer
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £14,500 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £34,000 per year
What you'll study
Core modules
-
Critical Perspectives in Data Science
develops your understanding of the production, analysis and use of quantified data, and how to analyse these practices anthropologically. You will learn to think ethically and contextually about quantified data, and how to apply this knowledge to practical problems in data science, including your own research project.
-
Data Science Research Project
The is a substantial piece of research into an unfamiliar area of data science, or in your subject specialisation area with a focus on data science. The project can be practical, theoretical or both, and is designed to develop your research, analysis and report-writing skills.
-
Health Informatics and Clinical Intelligence
examines the concepts and skills for generating health and medical evidence from electronic medical/health records and health system datasets. You will explore areas such as fundamentals of health informatics; public health data; electronic health/medical records; and applications of health informatics.
-
Introduction to Statistics for Data Science
focuses on the fundamentals of statistics you will need for data science. The module covers topics such as exploratory statistics, statistical inference; linear models; classification and clustering methods; and resampling and validation.
-
Models and Methods for Health Data Science
introduces the knowledge and skills for the modelling and analysis of routinely collected health data. It includes areas such as the basics of epidemiology; health economic modelling; modelling techniques for discrete data; and survival analysis.
Optional modules
-
The remainder of the course will be made up of core and option modules which will vary depending on prior qualifications and experience. These have previously included: Introduction to Computer ScienceIntroduction to Mathematics for Data ScienceProgramming for Data ScienceText Mining and Language AnalyticsData Exploration, Visualisation and Unsupervised LearningStrategic LeadershipMachine LearningComputational Social ScienceSociety, Health and WellbeingEthics and Bias in Data Analysis
Learning
This interdisciplinary course is made up of modules that span departments across the University. It incorporates a wide range of learning and teaching methods which vary according to the modules studied. These include lectures, seminars, workshops and computer/practical classes. The taught elements are further reinforced through independent study, group work, research and analysis, case studies and structured reading. All modules are underpinned by research and embed elements of research training in both delivery and assessment. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to develop research methods, skills and ethics reflecting the methods used by the research-active staff. Overall, you will be encouraged and guided to be ‘research minded’ in all modules, and to develop these critical skills for use in future work or research.Assessment
The Master of Data Science (Health) is assessed via a combination of essays, online assessments, reports and presentations – both individual and in small groups. The course culminates in a major research project, which is conducted and written up as an independent piece of work with support from your appointed supervisor.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
£14,500 per year
International / EU Students
£34,000 per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - £ per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - £ per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
-
The Masters of Data Science programmes developing expertise on the capture and processing information derived from the vast volumes of complex data being generated across the globe that affects all our lives. A wide range of groups such as businesses, researchers, governments, communities, families and individuals can all use that data to make more informed decisions and therefore increase the chances of better outcomes for society, in fields such as health, environmental sciences, and social analytics. In an academic context, data science has a key role in underpinning research activity around many subject specialisms. Our Master of Data Science degrees are offered as conversion courses for those who hold a first degree that doesn’t have a strong component in data science. Seven qualifications are available including the broad Master of Data Science as well as specialist routes in Bioinformatics and Biological Modelling, Digital Humanities, Earth and Environment, Health, Social Analytics, and Heritage. Durham University is also home to the specialist Institute for Data Science, which acts as a hub for new ideas and works to realise its vision to help transform nature, society and culture. The Institute has many years of supporting taught degrees from Departments across the University. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
Data Science is a conversion course that incorporates content from many Departments across the University. This provides access to a selection of related state-of-the-art facilities from across the University, in particular Computer Science and Mathematics. Facilities will depend on the subject specialism but include laboratories, libraries, project spaces, lecture theatres, study and networking spaces as well as shared social spaces. Most departments are close to the historic centre of Durham which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Find out more -