Applied Clinical Data Analytics

Course Overview

The taught postgraduate course in Applied Clinical Data Analytics employs a unique and innovative spiral curriculum, designed specifically for training healthcare professionals in analysis of healthcare data. Domain experts in Clinical Data Analytics from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences will deliver the program. Assignments are all real-world examples of clinical research including clinical trials, systematic reviews, observational research, and data from administrative clinical datasets.

• The course is designed to train healthcare workers without a background in data analytics, statistics, or computer programming, to analyse and interpret healthcare data.

• Applies research and data analytics knowledge to clinical and health data to effectively answer research questions.

• We will teach students to understand and learn how to apply traditional statistical techniques and machine learning by completing weekly assignments and an end of year thesis.

• Students will learn data import, cleaning, exploration and analysis using the R programming language and R packages for data analysis, machine learning and source control using GitHub.

• We will teach research methodology and appropriate statistical analysis using R for randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, case control studies and prospective cohort studies.



The Applied Clinical Data Analytics Masters was a 2024 finalist in the Irish Healthcare Centre Awards in Education, Learning & Development. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of every member of our team. Being named a finalist reaffirms our commitment to excellence in training healthcare professionals in the analysis of healthcare data.



Course Outline

University of Galway have launched a graduate course in Applied Clinical Data Analytics that employs a unique and innovative spiral curriculum, designed specifically for training healthcare professionals in analysis of clinical data.



This programme is delivered by domain experts in Clinical Data Analytics from primarily within the School of Medicine and wider College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science. Working within a dynamic active learning environment on clinical data will facilitate the development of profession appropriate, individual, collective and inter-professional data skills. Assignments are all real-world examples of clinical research including clinical trials, systematic reviews, observational research, and data from administrative clinical datasets.



Range of Teaching/Formal Learning:

Tutorial-based teaching, flipped classroom, problem based learning, real life case studies will be applied and students will learn by applying statistical tools to work through data sets.



Research project:

Self-directed research project with continuous supervision and feedback.

Full-time students must complete six core modules (Figure 1) across semester 1 and 2 worth 60 ECTS. Students are also required to complete a Thesis project (30 ECTS) split into two parts. Part-time students complete this program over 2 years, completing 40 ECTS in year 1 and 50 ECTS in year 2 (Figure 2).



Please see course webpage above for module details.

Students must have completed one of the following:

1. An undergraduate degree in Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Medicine.

2. Another healthcare-related undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2nd Class Honours.

3. A biomedical related undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2nd Class Honours.



Applicants from non-healthcare related degrees will be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the coordinators (minimum requirement of 2nd Class Honours). Applicants with significant relevant experience will also be considered.



For applicants where English is a second language, we adhere to University of Galway guidelines, requiring IELTS scores of 6.5, TOEFL scores of 88, and/or Pearson PTE scores of 61, with no less than 5.5 in any component. The Duolingo test score requirement is 110 overall, with no less than 110 in any one component, and valid for two years.



Applicants who do not meet the primary entry criteria as described above will be declined entry into the program. The remaining applicants will be reviewed in closer detail, with significant weight placed on: A) The applicant’s essay describing their motivation for applying to this course and their career aspirations following the successful completion of the MSc. B) The applicant’s previous academic performance. C) The applicant’s referee’s comments.



This programme is eligible under the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP, Ireland's official register of approved educational programs that can accept international students requiring study visas, ensuring programs meet quality standards for immigration purposes.



*Or equivalent international qualification.

The applicant will submit their output through an online portal. Launch-date of that portal will be listed at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/taught-postgraduate-courses/applied-clinical-data-analytics.html



Course applications are then made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.



Closing Date

Please view the offer rounds website at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/postgrad-admissions/key-dates/

1 year, full-time (12 months); 2 years, part-time (24 months).

Next start date: September 2025

Career Opportunities

There are various career paths in healthcare, research, and technology sectors. These roles often require a combination of skills in data analysis, and proficiency in relevant tools and technologies such as statistical software, database management systems, and programming languages like R that is taught on the Applied Clinical Data Analytics Masters.



Additionally, staying updated with advancements in healthcare regulations and technologies is crucial for success in these careers.