Global Public Health with Data Science MSc

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Course Overview

Attendance

UK Fees £5,350 *
International Fees £8,750 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 2 years

* Price per academic year

Course summary

The Global Public Health with Data Science MSc is a unique course bringing new insights to public health. As we enter a new era of healthcare, combining global public health with data science can support decision making, advance evidence-based policies and drive strategies in combating diseases by analysing data on omics, health, lifestyle and the environment.

This course offers a profound opportunity to investigate issues related to global public health in all three economies of the world (high, middle and low income countries), and to study components of different healthcare systems around the world and health inequalities at national and international level. You’ll appraise, analyse and critically evaluate the underlying and direct causes of diseases in both developed and developing countries, as well as develop expertise on health promotion, health economics, epidemiology, disease control, prevention, detection and management approaches. Overall global health security and pandemic preparedness/response are essential components of this course.

Health data science draws on knowledge of health, life sciences, mathematics, statistics, epidemiology, and computational science to support better planning of bespoke quality health services and cost-effective delivery of treatments. Studying the health data science module alongside a range of global public health topics will equip you with the appropriate skills to understand and capture the burden of disease and determinants of health in developing and developed countries from a big data analysis perspective.

On completion of this course, you’ll be able to inform the implementation of health care decision making and help improve the health of populations globally and nationally.

Top reasons to study with us

  • A unique opportunity to combine the study of global public health with data science to solve problems being faced in public health
  • Our course team has extensive teaching experience validated by the UK professional body the Higher Education Academy. We are confident teaching students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities.
  • Learn in a diverse, safe and enabling environment which is equitable and inclusive

Course structure

You'll be taught through a combination of methods, helping to both improve your knowledge in the field of public health and build your critical faculties through experiential learning, helping you to develop the key communication skills required of professional scientists.

Teaching methods include formal lectures, practical sessions, student-centred learning activities, poster presentations and oral presentations. Where appropriate, teaching materials will be recorded and accessible online for all students.

The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.

Core modules

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 students to the basic concepts of data science and to learn its application in healthcare. The main module objective is to aid students to understand and implement 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 introduces the student to health promotion theories and strategies through a lens of health inequalities. It explores the role of policies and action to address inequalities. It provides experience in the associated needs assessment, design and evaluation of health promotion interventions. Emphasis is placed on the critical analysis of health promotion policies, programmes and strategies to deliver health for all through a social determinants of health lens. Health care systems are considered with respect to their role of addressing inequalities in health.

In this module, you’ll learn about a number of topics, such as: transmission and epidemiology of communicable diseases and the influence of mode of transmission; outbreaks and epidemics, including emergence, control and the role of vaccines, therapeutics and intervention strategies; epidemiology, pathogenesis and laboratory diagnosis of selected infectious diseases with focus on those which are new or topical; the use of new technologies for the characterisation of pathogens and their detection.

This module will introduce you to non-communicable diseases and epidemiology. It explores the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCD) on public health and their root causes. Emphasis is placed on the critical analysis of health strategies used to prevent, detect and manage NCDs.

The timely use of health care services can lead to enhanced health outcomes in all contexts. Reducing the delay to timely health seeking practices requires the development of health systems that are efficient and effective. Selecting how to fund healthcare is based on health economic principles. The module’s aims are to analyse principles of microeconomics and their application to healthcare and to examine issues of efficiency and equity and their application to healthcare and global health – to this aim we will be using examples from high-middle-low income countries. It will also provide an overview of the basic principles of health economic evaluation, modelling and decision making to evaluate interventions in healthcare and resource allocation.

The purpose of this module is to teach the principles and practice of research with a focus on qualitative and quantitative study designs and methods of data collection and processing. It will show how these designs and methods can be applied to evaluation studies as well as to research. It will provide a supportive and intellectually challenging environment within which students develop their knowledge, understanding and skills as researchers.

This module consolidates and extends the skills learned in other modules and particularly Research Methods I. It culminates in the conduct of a supervised research project relevant to a student’s area of professional practice and course specific discipline.

Optional modules

This module will explore recent advances in evidence-based integrative medicine. A broad range of both Western and non-Western approaches to health and wellbeing will be evaluated which will be based around diet, exercise, therapies and activities. These approaches will focus particularly on chronic disease, long-term illness and aging. The module will include appraisal of the validity for the integration of these interventions and modalities.

This module introduces the political influences on health and nutrition policies and the challenges that nations encounter when trying to implement them. This module will examine the history of global health and nutrition policies and which policies have been more effective and why. Students will investigate policy making and analysis tools. Students will explore policy making and governance frameworks in order to carry out a stakeholder and policy analysis for their assessments. They will be supported to become more reflective practitioners, to develop skills like effective team leadership and performing well under stress, while managing conflict. There is a strong emphasis on developing your skills for professional practice, including professional accountability.

This module focuses on the evidence-based research which has informed key UK policy development in health and wellbeing. The evidence for the impact of social prescribing and wellbeing on individuals and communities will be evaluated, while also considering critics of this field. International applications of social prescribing across different health systems and the key roles of professionals delivering social prescribing will be discussed. The module will explore concurrent development and implementation of inclusivity legislation, and its effect on health and wellbeing.

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Prospectus

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)

[email protected]

Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)

Open evenings

Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Careers

The University's Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Grow your network

Forge professional connections with peers and future colleagues.

Transferable Skills

You'll gain the knowledge and experience to work in organisations including public and allied health, the private, public, third and voluntary health sectors, government departments, UN health agencies, statutory bodies, health institutions and the higher education sector.

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Industry Links

Our staff have links with companies within the public and private sector, and will welcome a range of guest speakers from organisations including:

  • UN - WHO
  • UN - UNICEF
  • Imperial College London
  • University of Oxford
  • University College London (UCL)
  • Capgemini (past)
  • Department of Health and Social Care (UK-GOV)
  • Cognizant
  • Daiichi Sankyo
  • Merck
  • Philips
  • Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy - Netherlands

Job Roles

The skills and knowledge gained from this course will equip you well for various roles within the health sector, government departments, UN health agencies, statutory bodies, health institutions and higher education. You’ll also develop transferable skills valued by employers, including leadership, data analysis and interpretation, strategising and planning, decision making in complex situations, and independent learning to enhance continuing professional development (CPD).

This course will prepare you for roles in a variety of areas, including:

  • Civil servant
  • Health improvement lead
  • Researcher
  • Data analyst
  • Health policy advisor
  • Health program manager
  • Health promotion official
  • Community health official
  • Business intelligence analyst
  • Data scientist
  • Health data scientist
  • Data science consultant/educator
  • Statistician
  • Researcher

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.

Westminster Employability Award

Course Leaders

Profile photo of Teddy Seyoum's profile photo

All for Health, Health for All.

Dr Teddy Seyoum

Senior Lecturer

Dr Teddy was a member of the recent United Nations joint FAO/UNICEF/IFAD/WHO/WFP high level political forum on the state of food security and nutrition in the world and is a special advisor to the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia on all aspects relating to public health.

He has conducted, co-ordinated and directed research and projects on behalf of charitable organisations, the private sector and government agencies and engaged with key public health stakeholders and policy-makers nationally and internationally in both developing and developed countries.

He is the academic liaison tutor in Global Public Health between the University of Westminster and the Westminster International University in Tashkent.

More about meSee full profile of Dr Teddy Seyoum

Dr Dipankar Sengupta

Senior Lecturer

Dr Sengupta is an experienced data scientist with over seventeen years of experience in academia and industry, specialising in designing and implementing data-driven solutions. He has a track record of leading and collaborating on complex projects, driving new initiatives to address specific domain challenges (primarily in healthcare), and developing sustainable solutions.
He is proficient in relational databases and machine learning, has strong analytical skills with expertise in data interpretation, is skilled in using R and Python for data analysis, and is adept at working with ETL processes. 
 

More about meSee full profile of Dr Dipankar Sengupta
Dipankar Sengupta's profile photo

Data is vital for public health, with data science enhancing our understanding, aiding decision-making and leading to better outcomes.

Course Team

The course team has an international reputation for teaching and conducting research that progresses the conceptualisation, integration and implementation of different paradigms of global public health with data science into our society.

Why study this course?

Fantastic central London location

We're in the centre of one of the world’s greatest cities and use this vibrant setting to ensure that our students discover innovative solutions to the problems facing our world.

Taught by experts

You'll be taught by academics and practitioners, experts in the field, who have a passion for supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

Multidisciplinary approach

By combining global public health with data science, you’ll be equipped to analyse data to inform decision-making in solving public health issues.

Entry Requirements

 A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant discipline including science or social science subject.

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.

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 applications

 A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant discipline including science or social science subject.

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.

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 applications

More information

University preparation courses

Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.

To find out more, visit University preparation courses.

Learn new skills

Volunteer and gain new skills

We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.

Get extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £5,350 (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 you tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £8,750 (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 you tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

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
Year
Year
1
22%Scheduled hours78%Independent study
Year
2
22%Scheduled hours78%Independent study
Scheduled hoursIndependent study

How you’ll be assessed

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:

  • Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
  • Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Year
Year
1
18%Practical82%Coursework
Year
2
8%Practical92%Coursework
PracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2023/24

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 group related to this course:

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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

Visit our student hub

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

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

More information

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