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

Data is revolutionising the way health and social care is delivered.

The demand for health and social care professionals with data science skills is unprecedented.

This flexible online programme is aimed at:

• people currently working in health and social care or computational roles who wish to develop expertise in the field of data science
• those interested in starting a career in data science in the context of health and social care
• graduates who are seeking to develop data science skills that can be applied to health, social and care services

What you will learn

By studying the degree you will:

• gain knowledge of the fundamentals of data science
• develop expertise in accessing, interpreting and integrating data-intensive research into practice
• build the knowledge and skills to engage effectively with data-driven approaches to health and social care
• learn a range of skills, tools and understanding to use the transformational power of data to improve health and well-being and the management of care systems locally and globally

Why Edinburgh

By choosing to study with us you will:

• be joining one of the top 20 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• benefit from our strong track record of Data-Driven Innovation (DDI)
• become a student of the prestigious Usher Institute (part of the University), which is a world leader in DDI and one of five DDI hubs in Edinburgh and South East Scotland
• be able to customise your learning experience by selecting optional courses delivered by our world-renowned experts and leaders across the University
• have access to modern, intuitive fully accessible and responsive technology tools and systems
• join our vibrant, evidence-led cross-disciplinary community of academics and researchers
• be part of a cohort of international students focused on shaping the future of health and social care

About the Usher Institute and the DDI programme

At The Usher Institute public, private and third sectors collaborate to enable data-driven advances in health and social care.

Our DDI programme develops innovative and financially sustainable models of health and social care that improve lives, through the application of data science.

The Institute draws on:

• Scotland’s world-leading health data assets
• well-established governance and data-sharing protocols developed in partnership with the National Health Service and the Scottish Government

The Usher Institute has also become well-recognised for its contribution to the COVID-19 response, which includes:

• conducting research
• advising the Scottish and UK governments
• providing global public health advice and data

You can read more details on the Usher Institute and DDI programme websites.

Online learning

Online learning is a way for you to study an internationally recognised qualification without needing to attend classes on campus.

This is an ideal option if you wish to study for a postgraduate qualification alongside work or other commitments.

Online programmes are of equal value to on-campus programmes. The only difference is that the programme is delivered online, rather than on campus.

As an online student you have access to the University's excellent resources. We use the latest in educational technology tools and systems.

Our online learning platform enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace, making this an ideal option for our many international students.

The platform has a modern, intuitive, fully accessible and responsive interface. It delivers a powerful teaching and learning experience on any device with an internet connection, anytime, anywhere.

Studying online at Edinburgh

The programme is delivered fully online with a study commitment of 10-12 hours per week.

It has been designed to embrace the role that technology can play to enhance teaching, learning and assessment. We offer a flexible approach that caters to different ways of learning.

Each student will be supported as an active member of a vibrant global online community where the learning is facilitated by tutors, tasks and materials that foster active, relevant and collaborative learning.

We are globally recognised for our research, development and innovation and we’ve provided our students with world-class teaching for more than 425 years.

An Edinburgh degree works for you

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50 and placed 22nd in the 2024 QS World University Rankings.

Our graduates are ranked 26th in the world by employers1.

Excellence in research

The University of Edinburgh has an international reputation for innovative research across a wide range of disciplines.

According to the results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), the University is ranked fourth in the UK based on the quality and breadth of its research - known as research power - and is Scotland’s top-ranked institution.

The REF2021 results reveal that nearly 90 per cent of the University’s research activity is in the highest categories – 4 star and 3 star – which are classified respectively as ‘ world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’, a growth of 10 percentage points since the previous REF in 2014.

Innovation in teaching

The latest report from the Quality Assurance Agency awarded us the highest rating possible for the quality of the student learning experience. We are always working to develop innovative approaches to teaching in order to discover the methods that work best for students, including e-learning techniques and peer-assisted learning.

Experts in online learning

We offer the largest portfolio of postgraduate online degrees in the UK2, welcoming more than 8,000 online students since 2005. Our flexible and supportive programmes are well-established and an increasingly popular choice for students looking to balance further study with professional or family commitments.

Beautiful capital city

Ranked in the world’s top 10 student cities3, Edinburgh is a compact city with excellent transport links, which makes it easy to get around and to travel to other parts of Scotland.

Large enough to offer something for everyone, but small enough to feel like home, Edinburgh is a modern, sophisticated and beautiful European city with a diverse, multicultural community.​

Facilities and support to help you succeed

You will have access to one of the largest and most important academic libraries in the world, housing over 1.8 million printed volumes. You’ll also benefit from 30 open-access computer labs with 24-hour access across key locations, as well as free laptop loans.

We offer a free Student Counselling Service and a University Health Centre, and our Student Disability Service provides a range of support for students with disabilities. We also offer excellent childcare services, making it easier to juggle parenthood and study.

Impressive global community

Our ambitious internationalisation strategy ensures the teaching and research we deliver offers global benefits. We’re ranked in the world's top 20 most international universities4. Students from two-thirds of the world’s countries study here.

We collaborate with a host of world-leading institutions in fields as diverse as e-science, engineering, life and medical sciences, and arts and culture. We’re also a member of the global research network Universitas 21 and the European networks Coimbra Group and LERU.

Leading on social responsibility and sustainability

We are committed to being a world leader in addressing global challenges including poverty, climate change and the growing demand for energy, food and water.

As Scotland’s first Fairtrade University, we have been promoting better conditions for farmers and communities in developing countries since 2004.

We have championed environmental sustainability since the early 1990s and were a founder signatory to the Universities and Colleges Climate Commitment 2009 and to the 10:10 campaign.

The University is host to several Global Academies committed to tackling issues related to health, justice, environment, and agriculture and food security. The Academies cross boundaries in research and teaching, adopting a multi-disciplinary response to challenging global issues.

1QS World University Rankings 2024 2Higher Education Statistics Agency 2017/18 3QS Student Cities 2023 4Times Higher Education, World’s Most International Universities 2022