Data Science for Health and Social Care (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip, PgProfDev

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Medicine

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

Online learning

Part-time intermittent study
  • PgProfDev | 2 years | Start date: multiple dates
Part-time
  • MSc | 3 years | Start date: September 2026
  • PgCert | 1 year | Start date: September 2026
  • PgDip | 2 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Edinburgh Medical School

College

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

Programme website
Accreditation

Not available

Apply now

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Find out what it’s like to study online at Edinburgh, with insights into learning, community and the support available to online postgraduate students.

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Open Days on Demand

Dive into an extensive selection of programme-specific session recordings hosted by our Academic and Professional Services staff.


About the degree programme

Make a difference and boost your career with the MSc Data Science for Health and Social Care, where you will learn how to use data to improve lives, strengthen systems, and shape policy in the health and social care sectors. Whether you are starting out, changing direction, or advancing your current role, we will help you build the skills you need to deliver powerful, data-driven solutions that create lasting impact.

This is a part-time programme taught over three years and is fully online.

Through a powerful blend of theory and hands-on practice, this programme gives you the tools to leverage data for smarter decision-making and design evidence-based solutions that make a real impact.

You will build a strong foundation in the core principles of data science while developing the practical skills to interpret, analyse, and interrogate complex datasets. Learning is shaped around the needs of modern health and social care, preparing you to turn data into meaningful insights that can improve services, systems, and outcomes.

Study options

You can exit the programme after:

  • Year 1 with a Postgraduate Certificate
  • Year 2 with a Postgraduate Diploma
  • Year 3 with a Master of Science degree

Alternatively, you can also study standalone courses as postgraduate professional development (PPD).

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) - Stand-Alone Courses

PPD is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit.

Alternatively, after one year of taking courses, you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to studying towards a higher award on a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or Masters programme.

Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

Programme benefits

  • Study part-time from anywhere in the world and gain the skills to harness the power of data in health and social care. Learn to unlock the value of data to improve health, wellbeing, and care systems locally and globally on any device, anytime, without putting your life or career on hold.
  • Shape your own learning pathway with a wide range of courses covering both technical data science skills and topics in health and social care, selecting options that match your goals and customising your experience to fit your career ambitions.
  • Join the University of Edinburgh, ranked among the world's top universities, and the Edinburgh Medical School, a global leader in turning data-driven innovation into real-world health and social care improvements.
  • Become part of a vibrant international network of professionals and students tackling health and social care challenges from diverse perspectives, and build lasting connections across disciplines and borders.
  • Develop in-demand data science skills tailored specifically to the health and social care sectors. You will learn how to analyse, interpret, and apply data to drive meaningful decisions, improving outcomes, enhancing systems, and informing policy in these vital fields.
  • Position yourself at the forefront of a rapidly growing discipline. Whether you want to strengthen your current role, transition into a new career path, or step into data science for the first time, the skills you gain will open doors to diverse opportunities across health, social care, and beyond.

Usually, when undertaking courses, you learn methods, tools, techniques, etc. and understand them within the course, but don't always apply them to real-life scenarios. This is the first course I have ever undertaken which uses Health and Social Care data. This really helps me understand how to apply what I've learned to my work. Without sounding too cheesy, I am excited to use what I have learned and I really look forward to my classes (and that's a first for me). Feeling good about what you are learning and being able to apply what you have learned in some way lessens the burden of undertaking a master's when working full-time.

Paula 3rd Year Data Science for Health and Social Care student

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time intermittent study
Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Online Learning Scholarships

The University offers several scholarships specifically for online, part-time postgraduate programmes. These are very competitive. We publish data on the success rate for scholarship applications to help you understand the level of demand.

Scholarships will be awarded to outstanding candidates, and will be applied toward tuition fees.

Learn more about Online Learning Scholarships

Scholarship application success rates

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are funded by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission (CSC), dependent from the UK government's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

They are aimed at candidates from low and middle-income countries who would like to undertake part-time, distance learning study on eligible postgraduate programmes offered at Universities in the UK.

Each scholarship will cover full tuition fees and will be tenable for up to five years of part-time study.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

The Glenmore Postgraduate Scholarship

Four scholarships are available for eligible postgraduate programmes offered by the University. The scholarships will cover full tuition fees for the duration of the programme of study.

Glenmore Postgraduate Scholarship

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a health-related degree or in a relevant subject appropriate to the programme of study such as life sciences, social sciences, mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science or other related discipline.

We may also consider your application if you have a minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience; please contact the programme team to check before you apply. You may be admitted to certificate level only in the first instance.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

The Data Science for Health and Social Care programme is structured to give you a comprehensive understanding of data science applications within health and social care settings.

Year 1

You will take one 20-credit compulsory course to understand the basics of data science and R programming and its applications:

  • Introduction to Data Science in Health and Social Care

Furthermore, you will choose four option courses from a diverse range of courses, such as:

  • Data Ethics in Health and Social Care
  • Introduction to Statistics in Health and Social Care
  • Data Visualisation: Knowledge Transfer

Year 2

You will focus on the methodologies and frameworks used in designing data science projects in two 10-credit compulsory courses:

  • Foundations of Research Design in Data Science for Health and Social Care
  • Applied Research Design in Data Science for Health and Social Care

Furthermore, you will choose four option courses from a diverse range of courses, such as:

  • Natural Language Processing (NLP) in Health and Social Care
  • Implementation Science: putting evidence-based interventions into practice
  • Foundations of Machine Learning for Health and Social Care

Year 3

Your MSc dissertation is the culmination of your learning journey. It allows you to apply your new skills and knowledge to a real-world research project under the guidance of experienced supervisors. We have diverse Year 3 project pathways, including:

  • work-based placements with industry and public sector organisations
  • traditional dissertations
  • student-led individually created courses

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Part-time intermittent study
Part-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Disclaimer

The delivery of option courses in Years 1 and 2 is subject to demand and availability.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will learn through a mix of:

  • online course content
  • interactive online live sessions
  • reading lists
  • interactive discussions with peers

Assessment

You will demonstrate your understanding and skills through a mix of:

  • essays
  • presentations
  • projects
  • blog posts
  • other pieces of written work

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the MSc Data Science for Health and Social Care programme, you should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principles and methods, governance and implications of data science in health and social care.
  • Create, identify and evaluate data-driven solutions to solve complex problems in healthcare and social services contexts.
  • Demonstrate the skills and capacity to analyse facts and situations and apply creative and inventive thinking to develop appropriate solutions.
  • Articulate and effectively explain information and adapt communication styles for different people, situations and audiences.
  • Work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment to deliver data-driven solutions.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

Our programme team brings a wealth of teaching experience and expertise designing, delivering and leading postgraduate online education. 

Our programme is being developed in partnership with our Data Science, Health and Social Care colleagues within and outside of the University, and draws from world-leading expertise in data-driven innovation.

Read more about our team

How online learning works

This degree programme is taught entirely online. There is no need to come to the city or University campus. 

All learning and teaching takes place within our virtual learning environment (VLE). Through the VLE, you can: 

  • access all your learning materials and study resources, including e-books and library resources
  • interact with your tutors and classmates 

An online degree from the University of Edinburgh is academically equivalent to an on-campus postgraduate degree and involves the same level of work overall. The qualification you get is of equal value. Your degree certificate will not mention that you studied the programme online.

Watch our video to see how online learning works.

Time commitment

This programme is designed to be fully flexible to fit around your schedule. You can study in your own time and access all your learning resources, such as reading lists, discussion forms and slides from anywhere in the world.  

The programme is part-time, requiring approximately 10-15 hours of study per week. This allows you to manage your studies alongside your professional and personal responsibilities effectively.

Equipment and software needs

To study this online programme, you will need access to:   

  • a computer or laptop  
  • the internet  
  • the latest version of a web browser  

As an online student, you will have access to a range of software you can download to help you complete your coursework, including Microsoft Office 365. 

IT support is available if you have technical difficulties.  

IT and computing help

Opportunities to attend in person

Our programme is 100% online. Although you will not need to visit Edinburgh in person at any time during your study, we do very much welcome you to visit us if you find yourself in the area.

Graduation 

All students are offered the opportunity to graduate in person in Edinburgh, Scotland, at the completion of their studies.

Support for online students

Student life 

Even though you are not on campus in Edinburgh, there are lots of ways in which you can take part in student life and enjoy being part of our community. 

Online Students website 

Student representation 

Effective student representation is a vital part of our teaching and learning to enhance the student experience. 

Programme student representatives will be nominated and will communicate regularly with the teaching programme about any student concerns. A staff student liaison committee (SSLC) will be held each semester to discuss student feedback. 

The purpose of these meetings will be to discuss issues and good practice, but also to review feedback and work with students to monitor and improve the programme delivery and teaching content, as required. The student representatives will set the agenda and chair the SSLC meetings. 

More information about students getting involved

Postgraduate e-Journal Club

Our e-journal club (eJC), led by staff and students, focuses on Evidence-Based Practice and critical appraisal of research. It involves postgraduate learners from various programmes, enhancing skills and critiquing studies across disciplines like public health, clinical trials, and data science.

Aimed primarily at healthcare professionals, it supports Evidence-Based Practice and knowledge sharing. This platform fosters collaboration, peer review, and builds critical lifelong learning skills.

This club is available to all programme students.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Data Science for Health and Social Care are well prepared to step into a variety of roles that bridge the gap between data science and healthcare. With the skills to analyse and interpret complex data, you can drive innovation and improvement in healthcare delivery, policy and management.

Sectors and roles

  • Public health and epidemiology - using data to track disease trends and inform public health decisions
  • Hospital and healthcare systems - enhancing patient care through data-driven management and operational efficiencies
  • Pharmaceuticals and research - conducting data-intensive studies to develop new drugs and treatments
  • Healthcare consultancy - advising healthcare organisations on data strategy and implementation

Career opportunities for Data Science for Health and Social Care graduates

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Graduate profiles

Holly

Degree: PgCert Data Science for Health and Social Care

Year of graduation: 2025

Current work: Senior Clinical Teaching Fellow

I had no prior knowledge of data software, but the modules on using Python and R for data analysis and visualisation were intuitive. The varied modules on topics from statistics to epidemiology gave me a breadth of knowledge and skills, and these were extremely useful for my successful application to the public health register training programme. I also found the online learning convenient to fit around my work, and supported by a very approachable teaching team.

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 21 August 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You must submit one reference with your application.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

General enquiries

Programme Administrator

Edinburgh Medical School
Usher Building
5-7 Little France Road
Little France
Edinburgh
EH16 4UX

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)131 651 7990

Academic contact

Dr Brittany Blankinship

Interim Programme Director

  • College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Address

Usher Building
5-7 Little France Road
Little France
Edinburgh
EH16 4UX

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