Course Overview
Course summary
AI is everywhere. If you want to future-proof your career, a solid understanding of AI is required, including in healthcare. Our MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach which will equip you with this knowledge and prepare you for the dynamic field of digital health.
Whether your background is in life sciences or computing, we’ll provide you with the necessary tools, methods, and experiences in using AI to analyse complex datasets. These datasets will be drawn from various aspects of healthcare, including diagnosis, disease prevention and wellness promotion. While you complete your bespoke data-intensive dissertation project in health, you’ll have the opportunity to use advanced computational tools and machine learning algorithms to identify novel personalised healthcare interventions.
Benefitting from the UK’s influential role in healthcare data, and our location in London, a hub of global AI development, you’ll learn about datasets, integrating genomic and clinical data from initiatives such as the UK Biobank, Genomics England and Pharm GKB, exploring patterns and hidden associations to inform diagnosis and treatment decisions. With leading companies like Google Deep Mind and the Alan Turing Institute based in London, you’ll be immersed in innovation.
You’ll develop a critical understanding of digital health knowledge bases, algorithms, and emerging trends in AI, whilst acquiring essential skills in data management, visualisation, analysis, and programming languages such as Python and R.
You’ll also consider ethical, social, legal implications (ELSI) and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) related to data generation, handling, mining, and results development. You’ll learn to identify biases, such as those derived from ancestry or sex, in biobanking datasets, and how these biases condition our understanding of the world.
This course will provide you with a robust foundation for a career in this rapidly evolving field. You’ll graduate ready to make meaningful contributions to personalised medicine and address the complex challenges of digital health with ethical considerations and an inclusive global perspective.
Top reasons to study with us
Be at the forefront – the UK is pioneering advancements in AI and Healthcare, with schemes such as the UK Biobank and Genomics England leading the way, making London the perfect place to study this subject, as it’s a hub for global AI companies and institutions such as Google DeepMind and The Alan Turing Institute.
Interdisciplinary focus – this course provides a unique opportunity to study at the intersection between healthcare, AI and big data and is suitable for students from either a bioscience or computing background
Industry relevant skills – our connections to external advisors and organisations including AstraZeneca, GSK and BenevolentAI allow you to gain the practical skills that are in demand in industry
Exciting research opportunities – our academic team are engaged in cutting-edge research, giving you the opportunity to collaborate in projects including those led by our Health Data Science research group
Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals – we focus on global healthcare challenges that impact the entire world, including underrepresented populations, preparing you to improve global healthcare access
Course structure
You’ll learn in an integrative way drawing on experiential, interdisciplinary and community learning alongside collaborative co-creation of solutions to evaluate innovative real-world policies and implement health and wellbeing practices.
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, simulations, scientific problem-based learning, and self-directed learning.
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules
This module delves deep into the intersection of biobanking personalised/precision medicine and digital health. You will gain an understanding of the principles and practices of biobanking and how digital tools and technologies are transforming its landscape. Emphasis will be placed on biobanking initiatives developed in the UK such as the UK Biobank, Genomics England and Our Future Health and how AI can be used to mine that knowledge. Within these biobanks, you will assess critical aspects of importance in your querying, access and integrity, together with interoperability, ethical considerations, and the role of digital health in shaping the future of healthcare provision and research.
Advanced and integrated analysis techniques are required in order to harness the potential of ‘big data’ to advance healthcare delivery. Therefore, the purpose of this module is to introduce you to the basic concepts of data science and to learn its application in healthcare. The main module objective is to aid you in understanding and implementing the computational methods that help in extracting insights from healthcare datasets and developing new diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, or monitoring
applications to address global health challenges.
This module teaches the principles and practice of research with a focus on study design and methods of data collection. It will show how these designs and methods can be applied to evaluation studies as well as to research. The module provides a supportive and intellectually challenging environment within which you will develop your knowledge, understanding and skills as a researcher.
This module will provide an overview of modern techniques in Machine Learning and Data Mining that are particularly customised for Data Science applications. You will be introduced to a range of toolkits, such as R and Python and they will explore the features and strengths of different machine learning and data mining methodologies using selected data sets related to specific public sector or businesses application domains.
This module allows students to hone their research skills by undertaking a substantial piece of research. Within this module, students will learn how to formulate a research proposal, investigate an appropriate research topic, keep research records, analyse the results of their research, discuss the findings with reference to previously published work, and convey the importance of their research through effective communication. The project proposed and undertaken must be commensurate with a master's level qualification and include rigorous and critical data analysis with a high level initiative. Students are expected to work largely independently, but within a team and with structured support given by the supervisors. Learning in this module is facilitated through theme-specific tutorials and interactive workshops, covering aspects such as research compliance, research sustainability, effective communication, and preparation for employment/ career development.
Option modules
This module offers a comprehensive exploration of Big Data's challenges, encompassing its inherent volume, velocity, variety, and veracity. It sheds light on both traditional SQL and evolving NoSQL database architectures, emphasising their pivotal roles in the contemporary data landscape. The curriculum goes beyond technical facets, delving into the nuances of data governance, data quality, and the surrounding regulatory and ethical and EDI considerations that are paramount in today's digital age.
This module will explore topics in science communication and will help you to develop transferable skills and perspectives in the many ways that scientific knowledge can be disseminated. In relation to applied practice, the nature and means of human communication will be explored and assessed. Central themes include considerations of the purpose of science in society and the likely impact its findings and their communication have on human behaviour. This module is heavily focussed on interactive workshops, and includes training in science journalism, public speaking and presentations, online engagement, and TV and radio production.
This module covers the theoretical and practical aspects of data visualisation including graphical perception, dynamic dashboard visualisations, and static data ‘infographics’. Tools used include R and Tableau. The module prepares students for becoming data visualisation specialists.
An depth study on the scope of commercial biotechnology and starting and financing an operational company. The role of intellectual property protection, preparing a business plan and communicating business ideas, assessing projects, managing a company, and managing finances are all included, as well as how to comply with industrial safety legislation and regulatory requirements.
This module will introduce the theoretical and practical underpinnings of systems biology. The emphasis is on studies of entire systems assisted by the use of bioinformatics and how the knowledge from these may be applied to medicine. The module will examine databases and other resources as well as discuss key issues to the studies of entire systems.
Professional recognition
The University of Westminster is a member of the Turing University Network, providing universities with an interest in data science and AI with the opportunity to engage and collaborate with The Alan Turing Institute and its broader networks.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
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Careers
Whether your background is in biosciences or computing, this course will equip you with the specialist knowledge and skills to succeed in the field of digital health and leverage AI to improve patient care. Not only will you gain the technical skills to do this, but you’ll also learn how to apply these skills in a commercial setting, opening up a range of career possibilities in a city like London, which is a hub for healthcare innovation, technology, and research. There’s no better time to specialise in AI and Digital Health as the demand in this field rises, meaning you’ll graduate ready to meet this ever-growing skills gap.
Be at the forefront
The UK is pioneering advancements in AI and Healthcare, making our London location the perfect place both to study and build your professional network.
Industry-relevant skills
Our connections to external advisors mean this course has been designed to equip you with skills that employers need, including the use of R and Python.
Real-life scenarios
Hands-on projects and case studies of real-world data scenarios will prepare you for entering the workforce.
Industry links
Academics teaching on this course have recognised expertise and experience on an international level, giving you mentorship and insights not just from the course team but from external speakers and guests working within the field of AI and healthcare. We have connections to external advisors and organisations, including AstraZeneca, GSK, and the Alan Turing Institute, ensuring you gain valuable insights and the practical skills that are in demand in the industry.
Graduate employers
- Graduates from this course will be prepared to work in a range of areas, including:
- NHS and other Healthcare providers
- Public and governmental policy bodies
- Small, Medium and Large Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies.
- Pharma or big data-centred consultancy
- Academic research and development laboratories
Job roles
This course will prepare you for a number of roles, including:
- AI researcher
- Data scientist
- Healthcare IT specialist
- Precision medicine consultant
- Researcher/PhD student
- Digital Health Strategist
- Clinical Informatics Specialist
- Bioinformatics Analyst
- AI Policy Analyst
- Genomic Data Scientist
- Digital Health Project Manager
- User Experience (UX) Designer for Digital Health
- Health Data Analyst
- Machine Learning Engineer in Healthcare
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leader
Dr Manuel Corpas
Lecturer
As a distinguished bioinformatician with a passion for genomics and its revolutionary applications in personalised medicine, Dr Corpas has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between raw genomic data and actionable clinical insights. He's currently a Lecturer of Genomics at the University of Westminster as well as Chief Scientist and Founder of Cambridge Precision Medicine, leading efforts to develop computational methodologies that enhance our understanding of human genomes.
Dr Corpas was recently appointed as a Fellow at the Alan Turing Institute, the UK's national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. This is a platform through which he aims to further his research, contribute to the advancement of AI and genomics, and make a lasting impact on personalised medicine. He strives to create a future where healthcare is more precise, tailored, and accessible. He is driven by the belief that through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to open science, we can unlock the full potential of genomics for the benefit of all.
In this day and age health delivery cannot be understood without using big data. Our MSc is by design 'data centric' and delves into some of the most challenging and exciting problems of our time right at the intersection of healthcare and AI.
Course Team
Why study this course?
Interdisciplinary focus
Students from both a health or computer science background will benefit from our interdisciplinary focus and expand their skillset.
Learn from experts
Our academics are experts in the field, with experience on an international level that provides valuable insights and opportunities for networking.
Make a positive impact
Our focus on EDI and global healthcare challenges will prepare you to solve problems globally, including for underrepresented populations.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant discipline including health or allied health related subject, or in social care related subjects.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Subject Requirements
Biomedical Sciences, Applied Biotechnology, Computer Science or a closely related discipline.
Work Experience/Professional
Professional qualification of equivalent status and associated work experience or an equivalent qualification deemed suitable by the course team.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for application
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant discipline including health or allied health related subject, or in social care related subjects.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Subject Requirements
Biomedical Sciences, Applied Biotechnology, Computer Science or a closely related discipline.
Work Experience/Professional
Professional qualification of equivalent status and associated work experience or an equivalent qualification deemed suitable by the course team.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for application
Learn new skills
Improve your communication skills
Effectively communicate complex and sensitive information, relevant to health and wellbeing, to individuals or a range of stakeholders.
Learn how to professionally bid and deliver programmes
Develop competence and confidence to professionally bid for and deliver programmes for Integrative Health and Wellbeing in the workplace, demonstrating entrepreneurship.
Develop your interpersonal skills
On completion of our course, you’ll have a range of interpersonal skills including leadership, facilitation, coaching, reflective and supervisory practice.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £10,700 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,500 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into three broad categories:
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Research groups
Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
Find out more about the following research groups related to this course:
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,
Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.
For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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