About this course
Build confidence in statistics, programming and responsible AI for healthcare innovation. Our MSc Data Science & AI for Health Innovation (Conversion) is designed for students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds who want to transition into the rapidly growing field of health data science and artificial intelligence. This programme provides a supportive introduction to statistics, programming, machine learning and health data analysis, helping you develop both technical expertise and confidence in applying data science approaches to real-world healthcare challenges.
Introduction
Please note, this programme is currently undergoing revalidation as part of our Curriculum 2027 review and may be subject to changes.
Healthcare is increasingly shaped by data science, artificial intelligence and digital technologies. From electronic health records and wearable devices to AI-assisted diagnostics and public health monitoring, healthcare systems now generate vast amounts of data with enormous potential to improve patient care and health outcomes.
As the use of healthcare data and AI continues to expand, there is growing demand for professionals who can analyse, interpret and communicate complex information responsibly and effectively.
This programme is specifically designed for students who may not have previous quantitative training but are motivated to develop expertise in health data science and artificial intelligence. Through a supportive and carefully structured learning experience, students progressively build confidence in statistics, coding, computational methods and data analysis.
The programme combines core foundations in statistics, programming and health data science with opportunities to explore specialist areas including machine learning, artificial intelligence, prediction modelling and healthcare evaluation.
Designed around flexibility and student support, the programme allows students to tailor their studies around their own interests and future career ambitions while developing highly valued analytical, computational and professional skills.
The programme also has strong links with the Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL), an internationally recognised multidisciplinary research centre based at the University of Liverpool. CHIL brings together experts from academia, the NHS, local government, charities and industry to develop responsible approaches to data use and AI for health and society.
Graduates from the programme are well placed for careers across healthcare, digital health, public health, research and healthcare innovation, with opportunities continuing to grow rapidly both within the UK and internationally.
Why study this programme?
Build confidence in a supportive learning environment
This programme is designed specifically for students transitioning into health data science from a wide range of backgrounds. Teaching is carefully structured to help students progressively develop confidence in statistics, programming and analytical thinking.
You will learn within a welcoming and collaborative academic environment where curiosity, professional development and student support are actively encouraged.
Tailor your learning to your ambitions
As your confidence and experience develop, optional modules allow you to explore areas aligned with your own interests and career ambitions, including applied statistics, machine learning, healthcare evaluation and artificial intelligence.
This flexibility helps students develop distinctive profiles suited to careers across healthcare, industry and research.
Learn from experts who care
You will study alongside approachable staff with expertise across statistics, health data science, artificial intelligence and healthcare research.
Teaching is enriched by guest lecturers and research collaborations connected to organisations including the NHS, industry and the Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL), helping students connect learning to real-world healthcare challenges and innovation.
Who is this course for?
This programme is designed for students who are interested in health data science and artificial intelligence but do not have previous quantitative or technical training.
Applicants may come from a wide range of backgrounds including:
- Health sciences
- Psychology
- Life sciences
- Social sciences
- Business
- Humanities
- Education
- Healthcare professions.
The programme is ideal for applicants looking to:
- Transition into health data science or AI-related careers
- Build confidence in statistics and programming
- Develop analytical and computational skills
- Apply data science approaches to healthcare challenges
- Prepare for future postgraduate research or specialist training.
No prior experience in programming or advanced statistics is required.
Specifically, this master’s programme is suitable for you if you hold a 2.2 degree from a UK university (or equivalent). Your first degree could be in any subject as this programme will train you in basic statistical and computing skills.
Our postgraduate Health Data Science portfolio also includes specialist pathways tailored to different backgrounds and career ambitions.
Applicants with previous quantitative training may be interested in the MSc Data Science & AI for Health Innovation, which provides a more advanced pathway for students wishing to further develop expertise in statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence and healthcare analytics.
For applicants seeking a more research-intensive experience, the MRes Data Science & AI for Health Innovation combines advanced methodological training with a substantial independent research project, making it excellent preparation for PhD study and research-focused careers.
What you'll learn
The curriculum combines accessible foundations in health data science with opportunities to explore specialist areas in statistics, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Students develop expertise in:
- Understanding how health data can improve healthcare and patient outcomes
- Applying data science approaches to real-world healthcare challenges
- Building confidence in statistics, programming and computational methods
- Collecting, managing, analysing and interpreting healthcare data
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence for healthcare innovation
- Responsible and ethical approaches to AI and healthcare data use
- Communicating analytical findings effectively to different audiences
- Collaborative and interdisciplinary working
- Designing and completing an independent health data science research project.