Digital -Health MSc
What will you learn?
The Digital Health programme is designed to equip students with the skills to succeed in the industry, particularly in digital health or further academic study. Students also learn to work with data and ethically communicate with artificial intelligence solutions. The master's programme emphasises critical thinking, ethics, and data integrity. The programme also generates digital healthcare solutions, such as apps and digital platforms, and there is a focus on the admissions to the programme, admitting people with technical education (computer science or engineering) on the one hand and people with health education (medicine, nursing, psychology, or similar) on the other. Admission is based on interviews, and each cohort comprises approximately 15 students. Our students can develop and improve academically while deepening their interests with elective courses that increase their knowledge of the subject when combined with mandatory courses.
Why Digital Health?
Digital Health is the future. There needs to be more people who understand the healthcare system's needs and what technological solutions have to offer, as well as how technological innovations can improve processes, diagnoses, follow-up, and the daily lives of healthcare professionals, patients, and relatives. The programme aims to unite individuals already professional experts who have completed health or technical education. Their contact will enable them to be at the forefront of the critical revolution to assist the expanding number of people requiring healthcare. The strategy is to support the healthcare system with a data-driven approach and innovative digital solutions, creating such experts with this programme.
This new master's programme is an important step in educating future experts in Iceland, who are leaders in designing and developing digital health technology and with expertise in using data from the health system for good. The opportunities for technologies in the healthcare system are truly there. For example, there are all sorts of processes that could be improved with technological innovations, and this master's programme is exactly for individuals who are passionate about improving the healthcare system through an innovative digital and data-driven revolution.
Anna Sigríður Islind
Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science at Reykjavik University
The Master’s programme in Digital Health Technology is a fantastic alternative for students who wish to be a part of developing healthcare solutions using cutting-edge technology and making a meaningful contribution to the area. The programme emphasises practical skills and application, giving students the information and expertise they need to excel in this fascinating and quickly increasing sector.
Thesis project examples
Our students undertake a variety of innovative theses that highlight the flexibility and breadth of our academic programme. Recent examples include:
- Digital Health as an Embedded Part of Nursing Homes: An in-depth Examination of The Impact of the Electronic Health Record.
Research centres
The programme comprises two research centres, the Centre for Information Systems and Data Science Research (CISDAS) and the Institute of Biomedical and Neural Engineering. CISDAS (Institute for Information Systems and Data Science Research) is a research institute that specialises in progressive technological solutions, with the primary goal of improving people's lives and well-being using digital and data-driven approaches. The centre focuses on digital healthcare technologies and a data-driven approach to improving decision-making in the future healthcare system. The Health Technology Center focuses on 3D printing, virtual reality, and modern engineering approaches to health technology.
How will you learn?
Courses are both practical and theoretical. The programme provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes both theoretical and practical courses. It is available in English and offers small class sizes, fostering close interaction between students and faculty. Students can tailor the programme to their interests and participate in cutting-edge research with one of the many research centres within the university.
Programme highlights
- Small class sizes: Benefit from a more personalised education experience, with most classes limited to no more than 20 students, allowing for close interaction with faculty.
- Research centre integration: Upon commencing their thesis, students are integrated into the research centre associated with their supervisor. This integration offers numerous benefits, including invitations to seminars and other activities, exposure to international visiting faculty, and access to an extensive network of researchers.
- Independent study: Delve into your research interests under faculty guidance through independent research projects.
Research and industry collaboration
- Thesis options: Engage in deep research with a one-semester or full-year thesis project. For those not pursuing a full-year project, we offer independent research opportunities for up to 16 ECTS.
- Internship: Analyzing and Optimizing Health Informatics through Practice
Course or research tracks
The Master's programme in Digital Health typically takes two years to complete and offers two different options for study: course-based or research-based.
The first two terms of the programme consist of courses. Depending on whether a student chooses to complete a 60 ECTS thesis, the third term will either be devoted to that project or will include additional courses and an internship in industry or the healthcare sector. The fourth term is dedicated to the final project for all students.
Careers
Future prospects
The new master's programme in Digital Health Technology is critical in preparing Iceland's future specialists and leaders in this area. The programme seeks to teach students to enhance the healthcare system through new digital and data-driven approaches. The opportunities for technology in the healthcare system are extensive, and this programme is intended for people who are enthusiastic about taking the opportunities.
The healthcare sector is a critical stakeholder in the digital revolution and will benefit greatly from today's rapid technological growth. Digital medical records for patients, standardisation of medical data and procedures, clinical assessment, and artificial intelligence technologies are some of the concerns that healthcare professionals must address and implement. Digital health technology aims to create academic and clinical tools to improve the healthcare sector's efficiency and effectiveness. On the one hand, we have a sublime goal of adapting the programme to the student's previous studies and occupations and the students' future vision.
Structure
Students can choose between two different options for study: course-based or research-based. A research-based programme requires a 60-credit final project, whereas a course-based programme requires 30 credits and can include a group project.
Entry requirements
Admission
