Teaching starts 27 January 2025
Apply by 9 December 2024 to begin your studies in January.
Apply nowFast-track your career in healthcare with a Masters in Applied Health Sciences.
Our MSc in Applied Health Sciences is a uniquely flexible programme.
Choose from a wide range of online and on-campus courses to build an MSc, Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) at your own pace.
Tailor your qualification to your research interests and career goals. And choose to study 100% online or via a mix of online and on-campus courses.
You can focus on applied health disciplines including:
- Global Health
- Health Data Science
- Health Economics
- Human Nutrition
- Public Health.
Choose your entry route
This programme has been designed with flexibility in mind. It gives you a choice of entry routes:
- Enter directly to the MSc, PgDip, or PgCert.
- Use our online short courses to earn an MSc, PgDip, or PgCert one or two short courses at a time.
- Transfer from other relevant programmes delivered by our Institute of Applied Health Sciences. For example, if you’re studying for our PgCert in Research Methods for Health, you can use your credits towards a PgDip or MSc in Applied Health Sciences.
Who can join our MSc in Applied Health Sciences?
Our flexible MSc is open to anyone looking to build a certified postgraduate qualification in this area.
Excellent training will be provided to enhance your skills and career prospects in public health policy, healthcare delivery, healthcare management or research.
Choose an online Applied Health MSc with an award-winning UK university
Train with healthcare experts
Be part of a university leading the way in nutrition, women’s health, infection control and clinical scanning, transforming lives and medical practice around the world.
Award-winning research
We’re proud winners of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the highest national honour for a UK university, for sustained excellence in health research over the last 40 years.
Why we were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary PrizeReal-world impact
Our work has changed clinical practice, policy, legislation and academic method, directly impacting the lives of millions of people.
Our research impactJoin one of the UK’s best medical schools
We’re ranked first in the UK for Medicine by the Guardian University Guide 2025.
Outstanding research quality
We’re rated 1st in Scotland for Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care research in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
What you’ll study
You can choose to study for a:
- Masters (180 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
- or start with one of the short courses that make up this degree (15 credits).
Coordinators will work with you to guide your selection of courses at an early stage, helping you align your qualification to your research interests and career aspirations.
How you’ll study
This Masters in Applied Health Sciences is delivered flexibly, so you can manage your study hours to suit you.
You can earn your qualification:
- 100% online, studying anywhere in the world, without a study visa, or
- via a mix of online and on-campus courses delivered at our Foresterhill Health Campus in Aberdeen.
Online learning
Online courses are delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your online studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You do not need to purchase any books at all. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:
- online lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops
- projects
- videos, podcasts and audio clips
- reading materials
- discussion boards with colleagues and tutors
- online access to our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
On-campus learning
On-campus courses are delivered via a mix of on-campus and online learning. You’ll study at our Foresterhill Health Campus in Aberdeen, one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe. It’s home to one of the leading medical schools in the UK, a large teaching hospital, maternity and children’s hospitals, and the Rowett Institute. Find out about our Health Campus.
On-campus activities include formal lectures, seminars, small group work, student presentations and discussion groups.
Your tutors
Whether you study online or on campus, you’ll learn from the same leading academics, active researchers, and health professionals in our Institute of Applied Health Sciences (IAHS). IAHS is a multidisciplinary grouping of University and NHS researchers who have been training healthcare professionals for decades.
For nutrition courses, you’ll learn with academics and researchers from our Rowett Institute. The Rowett is one of the leading and oldest nutrition research institutes in Europe. It’s been informing government health policy and establishing links between diet and health for over 100 years.
Working with the NHS
The University has excellent links with NHS Grampian. The NHS jointly owns the Foresterhill Health Campus with us, and NHS staff, clinicians and researchers input into your teaching.
Assessments
You’ll be assessed online for both online and on-campus courses. We use a variety of methods to assess your understanding, progress and performance throughout the programme, including:
- essays or reports
- online tests
- presentations.
Hours for taught courses
If you plan to study part-time, we recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term. Students typically take one or two 15-credit short courses per term.
15 credits
- Around 150 hours of study and assessment time to complete.
- You’ll study 10 – 15 hours per week per term.
30 credits
- Around 300 hours of study and assessment time to complete.
- You’ll study 20 – 30 hours per week per term.
This is an indicative guide to the time required for a typical student at this level to achieve the learning outcomes.
You can largely set your own study hours each week to cover the materials. MyAberdeen is available 24/7, so you can log in and study when it suits you.
Activities at fixed times
There may be some activities scheduled at fixed times, such as meetings with your tutor or assessments with deadlines. But otherwise, you can access and work through each course at your convenience.
On-campus hours
For our on-campus courses, the hours you’ll spend on campus each week will vary by course.
At the moment, you’ll usually spend 1 – 2 hours in face-to-face teaching on campus per week per course. You’ll have the rest of your teaching delivered online.
Hours for 30-credit projects and case studies
A 30-credit project or case study is around 300 hours of study time. That’s around 20 – 30 hours per week per term.
You’ll dedicate a full term to your project or case study.
Hours for 60-credit projects
A 60-credit project is around 600 hours of study time.
This is around one term of full-time study.
You can dedicate a full term to your project and work on it full-time. Or you can complete it part-time, spreading the hours you dedicate to it over two terms.
Hours for 90-credit project
A 90-credit project is around 900 hours of study time.
If you’re studying part-time, that’s around 300 hours (20 – 30 hours per week) per term, for three terms.
When you study with us, you can expect a first-class support structure so that you’re never alone in your studies.
But learning online does mean you have to motivate yourself and manage your own time.
Your most important commitment will be time – the time to work through, reflect on and understand your teaching materials.
Before you start a course that involves a high degree of independent study, we recommend looking at the time you will be able to devote to your studies each week:
- Be realistic
- Create a weekly schedule as a guide
If you have any questions about studying online, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help.
You’ll have access to the same first-class support structure whether you’re studying with us online or on campus.
As an online student, you’ll have contact with your tutors via MyAberdeen, email, and Microsoft Teams. You can use discussion boards and social media to chat with your fellow students too.
Online or on campus, we provide the same wide range of services to support you in your studies and beyond:
- Careers and Employability Service – including one-to-one advice sessions
- Disability support
- IT support
- Library support
- Student Support Service – help with finances, stress, wellbeing and non-academic issues
- Student Learning Service – study support, with advice sessions available via phone or Skype
- Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) – run by students for students
- Toolkit – clever apps and free training that can make your study life easier
Wherever you choose to study with us, you’ll feel part of our very special Aberdeen learning community.
We’re a member of the Access scheme run by the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL).
Access study spaces, books and journals in your area
The SCONUL Access scheme allows you, as a University of Aberdeen student, to access books and resources at university libraries across the UK and Ireland, or visit them for a quiet place to study.
You’ll be able to use study spaces, books and journals at over 150 university libraries which belong to the scheme.
Your support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.
Dr Leone Craig
Leone is the degree coordinator. She’s here to answer questions about study options, course choices or degree content before you start, and to help you throughout your studies.
Clare McHattie
Clare is part of the School’s postgraduate teaching support team. She’ll be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.
Get in touch
The online education team is here to answer any questions you have right now about this qualification, or about studying online.
Ask us a questionWhere this will take you
Your MSc qualification
You’ll graduate with a respected MSc in Applied Health Sciences from one of the UK’s six ancient universities.
You’ll receive exactly the same degree qualification online as you would on campus. Your degree title will not mention online or distance learning.
Your MSc qualification will be recognised by employers and educational institutions around the world.
Careers
MSc Applied Health Sciences will help you progress your career in healthcare. Your MSc qualification will be recognised by employers and educational institutions around the world.
This uniquely flexible degree allows you to develop your knowledge, experience, and a portfolio of work relating to your interests, strengths, previous training, and career aspirations.
Whatever your professional goals, a qualification tailored this closely to your strengths and areas of interest will help you unlock a rewarding career.
Lifelong career support
Our career support doesn’t stop when you graduate.
You have access to our free careers service while you study, and beyond.
- 1:1 appointments
- CV checks
- Interview prep
- Job opportunities
Fees and funding
The fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in the 2024/25 academic year.
We have confirmed that our fees will rise by 5% for the 2025/26 academic year. Our indicative costs include a 5% fee rise each year.
Pay as you go
This is a pay-as-you-go degree.
You do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront.
You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term.
How it works
- You decide how many credits to study for each term.
- At the start of term, you pay only for the credits you’re taking that term.
- This gives you control over your costs and workload for each term of your degree.
Your personalised cost breakdown
Use the degree scheduler to plan your studies and see your cost breakdown, term by term.
Learning resources
Access to all the books and resources you need are included in your tuition fee. They’ll be made available to you online and you do not have to buy your own copies.
Printing
You may wish to set aside a small budget for printing, depending on how you like to work.
There are several ways you may be able to get help funding your studies:
- Employer sponsorship – we accept full and partial fee payments from sponsors
- Student loans
- Scholarships – search our funding database for scholarships
Find out more about funding options.
Student card
All our students are entitled to a University of Aberdeen student card. This gives you access to a range of student discounts around the city and online.
20% Alumni discount
You’re entitled to 20% off our postgraduate taught degrees and short courses if you have a degree from the University of Aberdeen. View Alumni discount details.
10% NHS discount
NHS staff receive 10% off online postgraduate degrees and short courses offered by our School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; our School of Psychology; and our ILM leadership courses. View NHS discount details.
How discounts work
Discounts are applied during your application process. Only one discount can be used per application. If you are eligible for more than one discount, we will apply the largest discount for you.
Choose the University of Aberdeen for MSc Applied Health Sciences
Leaders in health teaching
We’ve been training health professionals for decades and delivering online teaching for over 20 years.
Over 525 years of excellence
Study with the fifth-oldest university in the English-speaking world, founded in 1495.
NHS and alumni discounts
NHS staff receive a 10% discount on a range of our online courses and degrees, and our alumni receive 20% off.
Entry requirements
MSc, PgDip, PgCert
- A health-related honours degree (a 2:2 or at least 60%), or
- equivalent experience in healthcare practice or research.
We also consider applications from students with a pure science, social science or a humanities degree who have a keen interest in health.
These are our minimum requirements for direct entry to the MSc, PgDip or PgCert. They are given as a guide and do not guarantee entry.
Short course route to online MSc Applied Health Science
If you do not meet these entry requirements, or are not ready to commit to a full MSc, you may be able to use our online short courses as a route into this degree.
Find out about our short course route to entryEntry requirements
We welcome students from around the world.
See our minimum entry requirements above. If you do not have qualifications from the UK, check equivalent qualifications from your country.
Visa requirements
If studying online:
- you do not need a visa to study online with us.
If studying on campus:
- you will need to make your own transport, accommodation and visa arrangements to study with us on campus here in Aberdeen. If you have a visa query, you can email us at immigration@abdn.ac.uk.
English language requirements
Teaching is delivered in English.
If English is not your first language, use our English requirements checklist to see if you need to provide evidence of your English language skills when you apply.
English language tests and scores
If you do need to provide English language test scores, these are the tests and minimum scores we accept.
IELTS Academic, IELTS UKVI Academic, and IELTS Online (not IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training)
- 6.5 overall
- 6.0 for listening, reading, speaking and writing
TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- 90 overall
- 21 for listening, reading, speaking and writing
Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency
- 176 overall
- 169 for listening, reading, speaking and writing
LanguageCert Academic / LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall
- 65 for listening, reading, speaking and writing
LanguageCert International ESOL C1 Expert (Written and Spoken)
- All skills: C1
Oxford ELLT Digital – English Language Level Test Online
- 7.0 overall
- 6.0 for listening, reading, speaking and writing
PTE Academic (online test not accepted)
- 62 overall
- 59 for listening, reading, speaking and writing
Duolingo – tests taken from 1 July 2024 onward
- 120 overall
- 105 for listening, reading, speaking and writing
University of Aberdeen English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE)
- Pass
- Valid for one year. Refresher can be offered if out of date
Pre-sessional academic English preparation programmes undertaken at other UK universities
- Pass at an equivalent of 6.5 (C1)
- B2 in all four skills
- Certification must be within one year prior to the start of your course
For more information about language qualifications see our English Language Requirements page.
You apply through our online Applicant Portal. It allows you to upload relevant qualifications and documents.
What you need to apply for this degree
- Degree transcript
- Personal statement
- Degree certificate
- CV / Resume
Apply now
Start with our step-by-step guide. It explains degree transcripts, what to write in your personal statement and how to use our Applicant Portal.
You can apply to start in either September or January.
Apply as early as you can. This is so we have time to review your application and get a decision to you. We also want to ensure you have time to enrol before teaching starts.
January 2025 intake
For our January 2025 intake, the application deadline is 9 December 2024.
You will need to accept your offer and provide any outstanding documents to meet the conditions of your offer by 18 December 2024.
Teaching starts on 27 January 2025.
September 2025 intake
Teaching starts on 22 September 2025.
Application deadlines will be announced in due course.
You will need access to:
A computer (PC, laptop or Mac) operating on either:
- Windows 10 or later
- macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later.
Most teaching materials are smartphone- and tablet-friendly. But we recommend a proper laptop or desktop for completing assignments comfortably.
Reliable internet access
We recommend:
- a wired connection
- a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps so you can take part fully in live sessions.
Speakers or headphones
- We recommend a headset with built-in microphone and earphones if you’re likely to study in an environment with background noise.
- A webcam is optional, but you may like to use one for some interactive sessions.
Software
We’ll give you access to Office365 applications. This means you can use online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and install these programs on up to five personal devices.
If your course requires specialist software, we’ll provide you with access to this and a licence that lasts throughout your studies.
See our detailed IT requirements for more information.
Try our degree scheduler
Choose your courses
See all the courses that are part of this degree and choose what you want to study.
Manage your study schedule
Control the pace and cost of your degree. Decide how much you want to study each term.
Save to your wishlist
Save your schedule to your wishlist so you can view and edit anytime.
Master of Science
180 credits
£16,270
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in January 2025.
Postgraduate Diploma
120 credits
£10,850
This indicative cost is based on 120 credits of study over two years, starting in January 2025.
Postgraduate Certificate
60 credits
£5,290
This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in January 2025.
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- January or September
- INDICATIVE COST
- £16,270
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in January 2025.
Apply via our Applicant Portal