MSc Medical Statistics and Health Data Science
Overview
The MSc in Medical Statistics and Health Data Science will enable you to engage with the complex statistical and data science healthcare challenges facing the global community, providing high-quality training in statistical and computational methods that are applicable to low-, middle- and high-income settings.
As a medical statistician or health data scientist you will play a vital role in improving the health of populations by conducting statistical research (such as designing clinical trials and epidemiological studies, analysing data and interpreting results) to advance medical knowledge, track or prevent diseases, and improve medications and treatments.
Challenges have arisen over the last decade in the increasing availability of enormous datasets related to human health and healthcare. Health data science combines expertise in epidemiology and statistics with programming skills to enable analysis of these very large and diverse datasets.
You will be trained in the theory and practice of cutting-edge methods in medical statistics and health data science (for example: causal inference, advanced regression models and machine learning). Teaching will focus on building strong quantitative and computational skills, and effective interpretation and communication of research findings. All concepts, skills and tools are illustrated using real-life case studies and health-related data. You will gain professional skills - such as teamwork, presentation skills, and writing for publication - essential for a successful medical statistician and health data scientist.
Population Health Sciences is a leading centre for research, with numerous opportunities for PhD study and employment on research projects. Internationally recognised for excellence in the development and dissemination of research methodology spanning the design of randomised trials, statistical methods and data science approaches, you will benefit from this established expertise as a student on the MSc.
Programme structure
Teaching methods include lectures, practicals, group work, workshops and seminars. All but two units are compulsory; the dissertation is also compulsory and is undertaken during the final term and over the summer. The programme will introduce you to the statistical software R for statistical computing and graphics, and data handling, manipulation and analysis.
The taught units will contribute 120 credits and the dissertation 60 credits to the overall degree. Your dissertation on a research topic of your choice will take the form of a journal article, opening the possibility of submission for publication, and a poster presentation.
Part-time study requires daytime weekday attendance on specific days each year (usually 1-2 days).
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Medical Statistics and Health Data Science.
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent). Degree must have a strong quantatative element.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- UK: full-time
- £11,300 per year
- UK: part-time (two years)
- £5,650 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £24,900 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding for 2023/24
HDR UK offer scholarships of £10,000 for home students. Find more information on the HDR UK website.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
You will gain the knowledge and skills for a career in a wide range of professional settings including universities, the pharmaceutical industry, central government, national health services, and other private and public organisations collecting and analysing health data.
With a shortage of well-trained medical statisticians and health data scientists, as a graduate you will be in high demand. You will be well placed to apply for a PhD in population health. The MSc prepares you for a career which could develop into leadership roles, such as academics (lecturers, professors), or directors of research in the private or the public sector.
Contact us
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- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
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