Overview
Health Data Science (HDS) is the science and art of generating data-driven solutions through comprehension of complex real-world health problems, employing critical thinking and analytics to derive knowledge from (big) data. HDS is an emergent discipline, arising at the intersection of (bio)statistics, computer science, and health. The MSc Health Data … For more content click the Read More button below.
MSc Health Data Science graduates will be well suited to an identified area of workforce demand, in both public and private health sectors. High-achieving graduates will have potential for consideration of PhD enrollment. The program is designed to appeal to both those new to Health Data Science and those already working in the field looking to upskill. The MSc is appropriate for both an Australian and international audience. Potential students from any undergraduate background and/ or who possess relevant work experience will be considered for admission via the Graduate Certificate.
The program can be completed in 18 months full-time or part-time equivalent. The 72 unit of credit broadening Master of Science (MSc) in Health Data Science by coursework program is fully articulated, including options for Graduate Certificate (24 UOC), Graduate Diploma (48 UOC), and MSc. The MSc offers a choice between a 24 UoC workplace/ internship research dissertation or a 6 UOC capstone project plus 18 UOC electives (from a selection of over 20 courses).
Learning Outcomes
1.
Global outlook - Graduates will be able to articulate a global perspective for the potential of Health Data Science to positively impact health at both individual and community levels.
- Global citizens
- Professionals
- Scholars
2.
Enquiry-based learning - Graduates will be able to generate novel data-driven solutions through comprehension of complex real-world health problems, employing critical thinking and analytics to derive knowledge from (big) data.
- Scholars
- Professionals
- Leaders
3.
Communication, adaptive and interactional skills - Graduates will be able to communicate knowledge arising from complex Health Data Science insights to diverse audiences, in a variety of media including data visualisation (Vis), oral and written word.
- Leaders
- Scholars
- Professionals
4.
Advanced disciplinary knowledge and practice - Graduates will be able to apply the advanced techniques of Health Data Science to novel health contexts.
- Professionals
- Global citizens
- Scholars
5.
Cognitive skills and critical thinking - Graduates will be able to apply Statistical Thinking to articulate context appropriate data-driven solutions.
- Professionals
- Leaders
- Scholars
Program Structure
Students must complete 72 UOC when taken as a standalone program.
1. Compulsory courses - 48 UOC
2. Prescribed elective courses - 24 UOC
Core Courses48 Units of Credit:
Research Course
Prescribed Electives
Enrolment Disclaimer
Please note that this Handbook is a comprehensive catalogue of our offerings and includes courses that can be taken to satisfy program requirements irrespective as to their availability for a particular year. Availability of courses is best checked using filters on this site or on the class timetable site.
You are responsible for ensuring that you enrol in courses according to your program requirements and by following the advice of your Program Authority. myUNSW enrolment checks that you have met enrolment requirements such as pre-requisites for individual courses but not that you are enrolling in courses that will count towards your program requirements.
You are responsible for ensuring that you enrol in courses according to your program requirements and by following the advice of your Program Authority. myUNSW enrolment checks that you have met enrolment requirements such as pre-requisites for individual courses but not that you are enrolling in courses that will count towards your program requirements.
Admission Requirements
Entry Requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements
Limitations on Recognition of Prior Learning
Program Requirements
Internship, Placement and Exchange Opportunities
24 UoC Health Data Science: Dissertation (HDAT9900 / HDAT9901 / HDAT9902) can be undertaken as part of a workplace placement.
Progression Requirements
A minimum WAM of 50% in 48 UOC of core courses (equivalent to the Graduate Diploma 5372) to progress to electives.
The 72 UOC broadening MSc Health Data Science by coursework program is fully articulated, including options for Graduate Certificate Health Data Science 7372 program (24 UOC) and Graduate Diploma Health Data Science 5372 program (48 UOC).
Students enrolled in the MSc Health Data Science may exit early at the Graduate Certificate 7372 or Graduate Diploma 5372 programs if they meet the requirements of these degrees.
The 72 UOC broadening MSc Health Data Science by coursework program is fully articulated, including options for Graduate Certificate Health Data Science 7372 program (24 UOC) and Graduate Diploma Health Data Science 5372 program (48 UOC).
Students enrolled in the MSc Health Data Science may exit early at the Graduate Certificate 7372 or Graduate Diploma 5372 programs if they meet the requirements of these degrees.
For more information on university policy on progression requirements please visit Academic Progression
Associated Programs
Nested Postgraduate Program
Graduate Diploma in Health Data Science - GradDipHDS5372 - Health Data Science
Graduate Certificate in Health Data Science - GradCertHDS7372 - Health Data Science
Professional Outcomes
Career Opportunities
The MSc in Health Data Science aims to graduate workplace ready professionals, appealing to an identified area of workforce need. Thus graduates will be well positioned for a range of roles in both the public and private healthcare sectors. High-achieving students will also be well suited to further academic study, particularly at PhD level.
Recognition of Achievement
Award with Excellence
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The Award with Excellence is awarded in coursework masters programs, including Masters (Extension) but with the exception of Masters (Extended) such as JD and MD, when a Weighted Average Mean (WAM) of at least 80% has been achieved and at least 50% of the requirements of the award are completed at UNSW. All eligible programs will award 'with Excellence' except in special circumstances where approval of Academic Board has been given for a program to opt out.
Program Fees
At UNSW fees are generally charged at course level and therefore dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors such as student's residency status. For generic information on fees and additional expenses of UNSW programs, click on one of the following:
Pre-2019 Handbook Editions
Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)