Ranking
68th
QS World Rankings 2027
Applications open
Apply now for the MSc Health Data Science programme at the Jinan-Birmingham Joint Institute.
Course overview
This unique programme provides a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience at the Jinan-Birmingham Joint Institute in Guangzhou, preparing graduates for impactful careers in the rapidly growing field of health data science. We will equip you with skills in AI, health data and advanced computing required to shape the future of the clinical and biomedical worlds.
Learn about the breadth of health data science and AI. Our programme explores everything from medicine, biology, and healthcare systems to ethics, clinical practice, machine learning, mathematical modelling, and computer science.
Throughout our course, you’ll also gain hands-on experience tackling real-world data analytics problems and developing practical solutions.
Why study MSc Health Data Science at Jinan-Birmingham Joint Institute
Course structure
This programme takes you into the fascinating world of cutting-edge technology, health data, and the limitless potential of artificial intelligence. We’ll teach you how to design, perform, and enhance analyses using the latest methods and technologies to address practical medical and clinical questions.
Detail
Join us on this two year full-time programme comprising of taught modules during terms one, two and three followed by a dissertation. The taught modules are assessed using a combination of coursework and end of year examinations for taught modules.
Course highlights
Birmingham is ranked 68th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us in the top 10 amongst UK universities.
Delivered wholly in China at our Joint Institute by experts from Jinan University and the University of Birmingham, giving you the best of both cultures and universities.
Healthcare is increasingly driven by data, from electronic health records and clinical systems to genomic and population-level datasets. Our MSc Health Data Science programme equips you with the interdisciplinary skills needed to analyse and integrate these complex data sources using modern data science, artificial intelligence, and statistical modelling approaches.
Through hands-on training in health informatics, epidemiology, clinical bioinformatics, and multimodal data integration, you will learn how to transform large-scale health data into actionable insights that support translational research, improve patient care, and inform healthcare decision-making.
- Gain practical experience analysing real-world clinical, population, and biomedical datasets.
- Develop advanced skills in machine learning, AI, and multimodal health data integration.
- Prepare for high-impact careers in healthcare analytics, digital health, research, and policy.
Our unique approach
- Gain hands-on experience analysing clinical, genomic, and population health datasets using modern data science methods.
- Develop practical skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and multimodal health data integration.
- Delivered through our Joint Institute in China, combining expertise from two leading international universities.
Course delivery
The Jinan University - University of Birmingham Joint Institute in Guangzhou is one of the leading Sino-UK joint institutes. You will join a thriving student community at JNU’s Panyu Campus. You will be taught entirely in English by experts from both universities, with colleagues from the University flying out from Birmingham to teach you in person.
The programme includes taught modules developing practical skills analysing clinical, biomedical, and population health datasets, culminating in an independent dissertation project.
- Taught modules: Introduce core concepts in health data science, statistics, machine learning, and health informatics.
- Practical computing sessions: Develop hands-on skills analysing clinical, biomedical, and population health datasets.
- Research-led teaching: Learn from academics actively working in health data science, AI, and biomedical data analysis.
- Independent dissertation project: Supervised research applying advanced data science methods to real-world health datasets.
Assessment
The programme will be assessed using a variety of methods including unseen examinations, problem solving exercises, oral presentations, and independent projects.
Feedback will be provided on work submission for both formative and summative assessments, feedback may be shared, individual, written or oral.
We expect students to continue their learning outside of timetabled sessions, per 20 credit module we would anticipate students will need to undertake around 130-150 hours of self-study.
This programme is delivered by both University of Birmingham and Jinan University at the Joint Institute in Guangzhou, China.
Lecture
Projects
Seminar
Practical assignments
Module information
This programme is a two year full time taught masters degree (180 credits) consisting of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit research project. The dissertation is completed under the direction of a project supervisor which will give you the opportunity to work one-to-one with a leading expert in their field.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Year: 1
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Epidemiology and Health Informatics | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Essentials of Mathematics, Statistics and Programming | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Foundations of Computing Practices in Health Data Science | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Health Data Analytics | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Health Data Fundamentals | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Statistical Machine Learning | 10 | Semester 1 |
Year: 2
2027/28 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Integrative Multimodal Data Analytics | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Interdisciplinary Health Data Research Project | 60 | Full Term |
Entry requirements
As well as meeting the China requirements, to gain a place on this programme you will need to meet our general entry requirements plus those specific to this course. This programme is open to applicants from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
- A 2:1 Honours Degree
in Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science or a related subject.
The programme is taught entirely in English. You will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 121 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 564 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online via the link supplied. For more information on how to apply please visit the JNU course page.
Applications open
Visit the JNU course page for more information
Ask any questions you have
Join the QQ group to ask any questions you may have
- Application deadline
7th August 2026
Career opportunities
The demand for health data scientists is rapidly growing as healthcare systems generate unprecedented volumes of clinical, biological, and population data. Our MSc Health Data Science programme equips you with the skills to analyse and interpret complex health data using modern data science and artificial intelligence approaches. With a strong focus on translational medicine, you will learn how to transform data into actionable insights that improve patient care, inform public health, and drive innovation across healthcare, industry, and research careers.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
At the Jinan-Birmingham Joint Institute we also have a dedicated Careers Skills and Development Officer, who works with you through group and one-to-one appointments (both online and in-person).
This role supports you to complete a CV, write personal statements, and plan professional development opportunities for your career or further study. They also work with the Director of Student Experience and Alumni to develop talks from external speakers and opportunities to visit the UK.
Student experience
At the Jinan-Birmingham Joint Institute, your university experience isn't just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life.
The vibrant Guangzhou campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and facilities will quickly make you feel at home. With exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.