Ahmedabad University launches MSc Health Data Science programme, first batch from July 2027

Ahmedabad University has launched a Master of Science (MSc) in Health Data Science programme to train professionals in using data, artificial intelligence (AI) and computational methods to address complex health challenges. The programme, introduced by the university’s Bagchi School of Public Health, will begin its first cohort on July 1, 2027.

The two-year postgraduate programme aims to prepare graduates to apply data-driven methods in healthcare , biomedical research, public health and policy-making. According to the university, the curriculum combines statistics, computer science, AI, informatics, biomedical engineering, ethics and public health.

The programme includes one year of coursework followed by a one-year mentored interdisciplinary industry internship. Students will learn to analyse complex health datasets and develop evidence-based solutions for healthcare and population health challenges.

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Course curriculum and learning methods

The programme will cover digital health, applied machine learning, artificial intelligence and health analytics, along with foundational concepts in individual and population health.

Students will learn methods to analyse different types of health data, including medical imaging used in pathology and radiology, multi-omics data such as genomics and metabolomics, environmental exposure data and other complex datasets.

The curriculum will also cover advanced statistical and computational techniques, including multivariate and discriminant analysis, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing and integrative data analysis .

The university said the programme follows a progressive learning pathway to support students from different academic backgrounds. Teaching will include collaborative assignments, applied projects and work with real-world data related to health, healthcare and associated factors.

AI, ethics and healthcare careers

The programme has been introduced in response to the growing availability of digital health data and the increasing use of data-driven decision-making in healthcare, public health and biomedical research.

According to Ahmedabad University, the course aligns with national initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and aims to prepare graduates for roles across hospitals, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, digital health organisations, public health institutions, government agencies and research organisations.

The programme will also emphasise methodological rigour, responsible use of AI, ethical practices and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students will be trained to develop analytical solutions that are technically sound and relevant to different populations and stakeholders.

Dean on health data skills

Kaumudi Joshipura, dean of the Bagchi School of Public Health at Ahmedabad University, said the programme reflects the growing need for professionals who can combine computational and analytical expertise with an understanding of public health and healthcare systems.

“The mission of Bagchi School of Public Health is to improve human and planetary health through research, education and action,” Joshipura said.

She highlighted the growing use of technologies such as wearable devices, electronic health records, medical imaging, biomedical sensors, air quality monitors and mobile phone data in healthcare and environmental monitoring.

Joshipura added that these developments, alongside advances in artificial intelligence, are creating new opportunities for disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment and population health.

“Healthcare organisations increasingly need professionals who can combine analytical and computational skills with an understanding of health systems, epidemiology, and the responsible use of health data,” she said.

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Career opportunities after graduation

Graduates of the programme will be prepared for opportunities in healthcare, biomedical research, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, digital health companies, hospitals, public health organisations, government agencies and academia.

The programme is designed to help students apply statistical and computational methods to real-world health problems and support evidence-based decisions across clinical care, research and public health policy.

Students can find further details about the course on the official Ahmedabad University MSc Health Data Science programme page.