Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme combines modules on digital health technologies, data analytics, human-centred design and the health systems context needed to deliver safe, effective digital services. Core themes include:

• Health data and analytics: methods for working with clinical and administrative data, basic statistics, machine learning concepts applicable to health problems, and issues of data quality and governance.
• Digital health technologies: architectures and toolsets for electronic health records, mobile health apps, telehealth platforms and wearable sensors, together with interoperability standards and APIs.
• User-centred design and evaluation: usability, accessibility and co-design approaches for patients, clinicians and carers; methods for testing and evaluating digital interventions in practice.
• Implementation, policy and ethics: organisational change, service redesign, regulatory and ethical frameworks that shape deployment of digital health solutions within the NHS and other health systems.
• Research methods and project work: research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, and a substantial individual dissertation or industry-linked project that applies learning to a real-world problem.

Teaching typically mixes lectures, hands-on computing and lab sessions, case studies with NHS and industry examples, and group work. Assessment is by a combination of coursework, practical projects, presentations and the final research project.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a UK bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject (for example computing, health sciences, nursing, biomedical sciences, psychology or another allied discipline). A lower second-class honours degree (2:2) may be accepted if you can demonstrate relevant professional experience or strong quantitative skills; a 2:1 is commonly expected for direct progression from an honours programme.

Applicants without a degree but with substantial and relevant professional experience in health or technology may be considered on a case-by-case basis. You will also need to meet the university's English language requirements if English is not your first language (evidence from recognised tests or previous study in English is normally required).

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a range of roles at the intersection of health and digital technology. Typical career paths include:

• Health data analyst or informatician working in hospitals, clinical commissioning groups or public health teams.
• Digital health project manager or product manager in health tech companies or NHS innovation teams.
• Clinical safety or governance roles responsible for digital service implementation and compliance.
• User-experience or service design roles focused on patient-facing digital services and pathways.
• Research or doctoral study in digital health, health informatics or implementation science.

Alumni typically work for NHS trusts, local health authorities, health technology suppliers, digital consultancies and research organisations. The programme emphasises employability skills, professional practice and industry engagement to support transition into these roles.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers an applied approach to digital health, combining strengths in computing, health and social science teaching with opportunities to work on practice-based projects. The programme draws on staff with interdisciplinary expertise in health informatics, digital design and implementation research and benefits from links with local NHS organisations and the regional health technology sector.

Teaching emphasises practical skills through lab work, project-based assessments and opportunities for industry collaboration. Students also have access to university support services for careers and entrepreneurship, helping to bridge study and work in the fast-changing digital health landscape.