Artificial Intelligence for Health

SEPTEMBER 2025 START

Course overview

Artificial Intelligence is playing an increasingly critical role in healthcare, creating a growing demand for professionals trained in AI and healthcare data. Aston University’s Artificial Intelligence for Health programme is designed to meet this need by offering a niche specialism that provides advanced scientific knowledge and practical skills. Students will have the opportunity to explore AI and data science solutions applicable to the healthcare sector, developing a deep understanding of modern approaches in digital health.

The curriculum, co-designed with AI experts and healthcare professionals, ensures students are prepared for the demands of the rapidly evolving intelligent healthcare sector. With strong partnerships, including the Aston Medical School, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, students will gain real-world experience.

AI for Health MSc is a cutting-edge program that empowers students to bridge the gap between healthcare and AI technology. Through hands-on learning and advanced research, you'll explore how digital tools and AI can transform healthcare delivery and management. This course equips you with the skills to meet the growing demand for AI professionals, positioning you to make a real impact in the future of healthcare.

Shereen Fouad

MSc Artificial Intelligence for Health

Programme Director

Why Artificial Intelligence for Health at Aston University?

Bridges industry gaps

This course is designed specifically to address industry skills gaps

Strong links with healthcare providers

Aston Medical School, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, and industry partners from the Aston University Computer Science Industry Club

Ranked 24th in the world

Aston University is ranked 24th in the world for reducing inequalities

Top 10% in the world

Aston University placed in the top 10% of all 5,663 institutions evaluated

Why Study a Postgraduate Degree at Aston University?

Course description

Our MSc in Artificial Intelligence for Health equips students with cutting-edge knowledge, practical experience, and industry insights, preparing them for careers in AI-driven healthcare innovation.

What we will provide
You will gain advanced knowledge and transferrable skills at the intersection of AI and healthcare technologies, with hands-on experience in proposing AI and data driven solutions to address real world healthcare challenges like diagnostics and precision medicine. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including modern computer labs, high performance computing facilities, research centres such as Aston Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Application (ACAIRA), and E4H (Engineering for Health Research Centre), and Aston Digital Future Institutes.

What you will provide
We seek passionate students who are eager to use AI to improve healthcare outcomes. Ideal applicants will have an engineering background a strong desire to contribute to the future of digital healthcare. Students from non-STEM fields with demonstrated analytical skills and mathematical proficiency are also encouraged to apply. A collaborative mindset and interest in interdisciplinary teamwork are key. This course is perfect for those pursuing careers in digital health, AI-related research, or further doctoral studies.

What skills we teach
We equip you with comprehensive skills in Python programming, machine learning, deep learning, AI mathematics, AI for biomedical imaging, and health data analytics. You will gain specialist technical knowledge and learn how to create ethical, well-justified AI solutions for real-world healthcare challenges. You will develop skills in designing, implementing, testing, and evaluating AI systems, while also mastering AI mathematics and ethical solutions for healthcare challenges. Alongside technical skills, you will develop key "Power Skills," like teamwork, communication, project management, and entrepreneurship.

Career prospects
Upon graduating from the AI for Health MSc course, you can expect a successful and rewarding career within the rapidly expanding field of AI and healthcare. The demand for professionals with expertise in AI-driven health solutions is growing as the healthcare industry increasingly adopts new technologies.

Discover What's Possible with Careers and Placements

You'll find support from our award-winning Careers and Placements Team as you seek your placement. They assist with CVs, applications, and mock interviews. You will be able to engage in industry seminars and networking alongside one to one coaching.

How you will learn

You will learn through a diverse range of teaching methods designed to enhance both theoretical understanding and practical skills. This includes a mix of lectures and hands-on lab work, where you will engage with real-world health challenges through collaborative group projects.

Problem-based learning is also central to the course, allowing you to simulate healthcare scenarios and apply AI solutions in practical settings. You will benefit from guest lectures delivered by industry experts and healthcare providers, offering insights into the latest innovations in healthcare technology.

Extracurricular activities

In addition to formal learning, you can join various student societies and clubs to connect with like-minded peers, and become a member of the ‘Industry Club,’ where you will have the opportunity to engage with industry projects, helping you build a professional network early on. There are also opportunities to collaborate with researchers at the Aston Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Application (ACAIRA), and Engineering for Health Research Centre (E4H), and Aston Digital Future Institutes (ADFI) on exciting AI and healthcare projects.

Our research centres organise summer school activities, involving MSc students, with various themes, including AI for Health. Find out more.

What you will learn

This programme is structured to provide a solid foundation in AI and Data Science during the first semester, with a focus on AI programming using Python and the mathematics underpinning AI technologies. You will also explore the ethical considerations and societal impacts of AI through the "AI Vision and Reality" module. As the course progresses, you will engage with more advanced topics such as Applied Machine Learning, Neural Networks, and Deep Learning, equipping them with the practical skills necessary for real-world applications.

After mastering the core AI concepts, you will move on to study Health Data Analytics and Management. This module will teach you how to handle, analyse, and interpret complex health data, preparing them to apply ethical AI solutions for improving healthcare delivery, outcomes, and operational efficiency. The AI in Biomedical Imaging module will focus on how AI can improve the accuracy of diagnoses, accelerate medical imaging processes, and assist healthcare professionals in detecting diseases earlier. Within the dissertation module you are expected to design, propose, and present AI solution to address health related problems.

I am delighted that Aston University are introducing the AI for Health MSc course, given the need to upskill our NHS workforce about this transformative technology in the healthcare domain. This course will be suited for existing data analysts, clinical scientists and clinicians with a special interest in artificial intelligence.

Dr Bahadar Bhatia

PhD. CPhys. Consultant Clinical Scientist, Medical Physics & Artificial Intelligence; Specialty Research Lead. Diagnostic Radiology, Imaging Clinical Group

Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust

Facilities

Aston University campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern computer labs, collaborative spaces, and access to our recent £1.3 million refurbished electronics labs. We have dedicated lab officers and laptop support technicians available to all students.

Course objectives

Provide a programme of advanced study that meets the needs of healthcare industry and public sector healthcare organisations, enabling students to learn by formal academic study at Master’s level.
Provide students with an in-depth and high level of scientific knowledge and understanding of AI solutions and data science that is applicable to healthcare sector.
Enable students to develop an informed and critical appreciation of modern AI and data science approaches in digital health.
Enable students to gain additional specialist knowledge and practical expertise through a research project of their choice.
Produce graduates who will be able to benefit from a broad spectrum of career opportunities spanning academic, commercial and industrial contexts.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage, you will study the following core and optional modules:

Module Title	Credits
Fundamentals for AI and Data Science Part 1 - AI programming using Python	15
Fundamentals for AI and Data Science Part 2 - mathematics underpinning AI	15
Applied Machine Learning	15
AI Vision and Reality	15
Aston Global Advantage	15
Neural Network and Deep Learning	15
Health Data Analytics and Management	15
AI in Biomedical Imaging	15
Total	120

Dissertation stage modules

Module Title	Credits
Dissertation	60
Total	180

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

Design solutions to real-world problems based on a knowledge of theories, principles and underlying concepts of artificial intelligence and data science.
Create and implement algorithms using advanced computational skills and be able to assess the applicability of these algorithms.
Analyse and critique methodologies and techniques related to data science and artificial intelligence and employ this knowledge to solve problems in healthcare sector.
Communicate complex artificial intelligence and data science concepts for academic, technical and non-technical audiences
Evaluate Data Science and Artificial Intelligence systems in light of their Ethical and Legal implications
Critically review academic and professional literature and conduct independent research using appropriate tools
Evaluate suitable AI solutions for solving problems specific to healthcare sector

Entry requirements

We welcome applications from graduates with a Bachelor's degree in a STEM-related field, such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or Physical Sciences (Biology or Chemistry), with a minimum grade of 2:2 (or equivalent). Applicants should also provide evidence of their Mathematics knowledge.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams before application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

See international student information below for international equivalent information.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Pathway Programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

Masters Foundation programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09.30am-4.30pm)

Read our guide to applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:

£11,200

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:

£24,000

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

More information on fees

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore scholarships for UK students

Explore scholarships for international students

Assessment

Students are assessed on this course through a range of methods, mainly through coursework, reports, and group presentations there are minimal exams on for this postgraduate degree. A final MSc project focused on a real-world application of AI in healthcare.

Career prospects

Typical roles you can pursue include AI specialists in healthcare, data scientists working in health-tech startups or large healthcare organisations, research positions focused on AI and health innovations, healthcare technology consultants, and public sector roles shaping healthcare policy related to AI. These opportunities place you at the forefront of digital healthcare transformation.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why study MSc Artificial Intelligence for Health at Aston University?

As AI is being used increasingly in the healthcare sector, the NHS and healthcare providers worldwide have identified a need for trained professionals in AI with a specialism around healthcare data. The programme is designed to fill a niche specialism offering for Aston University.

Why should international students choose Aston University?

Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding career support, advice and placement opportunities.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government has created a new post-study work visa.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham