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Frequently Asked Questions for the postgradute taught course on Health Informatics
Applying to the programme
- What are the requirements for this course?
A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. A relevant Master’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution is desirable. If you are an international student please consult the equivalencies list.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency. The English language level for this programme is: Good
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
- Do I need the English test results before applying?
Not necessarily. If you have not fulfilled the English language requirement at the time of submitting your application, we may still offer you a place in the programme conditional of you fulfilling the English language requirement by June of the year that you start. In this case you will receive a CONDITIONAL offer letter.
However an application showing a good English level is a stronger application and has more chances to succeed. Find in this link the English tests approved by UCL
- Can I switch to a different degree?
You can always enrol on a PGCert/PGDip and then choose to upgrade to MSc later and viceversa.
- How do I apply?
Applications can be made via the below online applications link. If you select our department, Institute of Health Informatics, all the programme options should appear and you can select the one you want. www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/apply.
About the programme
- What degrees are available?
PGCert = Required to complete 4 modules - 15 credits each (60 credits in total) – 4 compulsory modules.
PGDip = Required to complete 8 modules - 15 credits each (180 credits in total) – 4 compulsory modules + 4 optional modules.
MSc = Required to complete 8 modules - 15 credits each + Dissertation - 60 credits (180 credits in total) – 5 compulsory modules (4 + Dissertation) + 4 optional modules.
The 4 compulsory modules are: 1) Essentials of Informatics for Healthcare Systems; 2) Principles of Health Data Analytics; 3) Health Information Systems and Technologies 4) Standards and Interoperability
- How is the programme delivered?
The programme is delivered fully online for the academic year 2020/21. This will consist of a mix of asynchronous and synchronous lectures, seminars, Q&A, group works and assignments. Please note some modules are taught through UCL and some through the University of Manchester (UoM).
- Is attendance compulsory for this programme?
SYNC days are compulsory, you won't be able to submit your assignments if you don't complete your contact hours.
- What material is available on the Virtual Learning Environment?
All teaching material will be made available via Moodle. You will be able to access past lectures, literature and handbooks. You will also be able to communicate with tutors and fellow students using the internal forum pages.
- Can I work while studying?
There are opportunities both at UCL and beyond for part-time, short-term or casual work. JobShop, run by Students' Union UCL, maintains a database of such opportunities. Restrictions on working in the UK will apply if you are on a Tier 4 visa - in other words, if you are an international student from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. More guidance to working in the UK can be found on the UCL Students website.
It is important to ensure that your studies do not suffer because of your work commitments. You will need to be sure that you are available for the timetabled elements of your studies, and that you allocate enough time each week for reading, coursework, research or assignments. Your supervisor or tutor will be concerned to ensure that you achieve your best in your academic work, but will also be accustomed to the fact that graduate students may have commitments, such as work and family, which they much also fit into their lives.
- What are the teaching dates for 2021/2022?
The timetable for 2021/22 has not been published yet but you will find a copy of 2020/2021 calendar under the Modules and Degree Structure page.
- What are the fees for 2021/2022?
The fees for 2021-22 are:
MSc: UK/EU: Full-time: £12,500 / Part-time: £6,250 / Overseas: Full-time: £28,500 / Part-time: £14,250
PG Dip: UK/EU: Full-time: £8,330 / Part-time: N/A / Overseas: Full-time: £19,000 / Part-time: N/A
PG Cert: UK/EU: Full-time: £4,170 / Part-time: N/A / Overseas: Full-time: £9,500 / Part-time: N/A
Part-time: As a part-time student you are not expected to pay your full programme fees in your first year. Instead, fees are charged per year of study and are issued every September. Above would be the fee for the first year of study. You can pay for each yearly fee in three instalments.
Modular (flexible): As a modular student you are not expected to pay your full programme fees in your first year. Instead, fees are charged per year of study and are issued every September. You can pay for each yearly fee in 3 instalments. If you are registered as a modular student, your fees will be generated and charged on Portico after you have chosen your modules and the module selection deadlines have passed. The fee is based on the credit value of the modules you are taking. This is worked out by dividing the full-time fee (e.g MSc: £12,500) by the total number of credits your programme is made up of (MSc = 180 credits).
Please note that fees do increase for continuing students every year (historically by about 5%) and this applies to Modular students also.