Digital Health - Athlone

The programme was developed and will be delivered by lecturers from the fields of computer and software engineering and nursing and healthcare. This is pivotal in preparing graduates to bridge the gap between healthcare and computing; to lead the transformative evolution of technology in healthcare delivery. As identified by the World Health Organization (2021) digital health can help health be systems more efficient and sustainable, enabling them to deliver good quality, affordable and equitable care. Likewise the eHealth strategy in Ireland (Health Service Executive (2023) suggests that the use of technological-enabled solutions will lead to improved population wellbeing, health service efficiencies and economic opportunities. The teaching strategies involve a problem based approach with development of practice based skills working with practice based problems which mirrors the challenges faced in the healthcare environment.

Year 1 – Semester 1
Research Methods in Healthcare
Credits: 10
This module aims to enhance the student’s knowledge and understanding of the research process and to develop an advanced understanding of research methods and its application to practice.

Data Analysis and Visualisation for Healthcare Systems
Credits: 10
This module will analyse the mechanisms utilised to harmonise data representation in healthcare environments. It will define generalised mechanisms by which data from disparate systems is represented. Once a generic data structure is specified, learners will generate dashboards, interactive reports, charts and graphs, which will then be published through a variety of mediums

Digitalisation in a Modern Health System
Credits: 10
The aim of this module is to develop the student’s critical appraisal and evaluation of the potential of digital technology to transform the modern health system in terms of improving patient outcomes, improving clinical utility and enhancing the sustainability and integration of healthcare.

Year 1 – Semester 2
Implementing Intelligent Healthcare Systems
Credits: 10
This module will enable the student to analyse, select and evaluate the most appropriate artificial intelligence strategy for a range of real world healthcare scenarios.

Data Analysis and Visualisation for Connected Healthcare
Credits: 10
This module will analyse how improvements from connected health will be realised by providing students with the technical capability to replace infrequent, clinical-based measurements with unobtrusive, continuous sensing, monitoring and assessment.

Quality, Governance,and Leadership in Digital Health
Credits: 10
The aim of this module is to develop the students understanding of the quality and governance issues that pertain to the provision of an effective and efficient quality healthcare service using digital technologies.

Year 1 – Semester 3
Generating Evidence for the Healthcare Setting
Credits: 30
The aim of this module to equip the student to critically evaluate evidence using iterative structured approaches and original research designs. The students will critically discuss the ethical implications of conducting research in a healthcare setting and engage in the dissemination of their work.

This programme is primarily aimed at those working within the healthcare sector both clinical/non-clinical or the IT industry who wish to develop their knowledge and skill in the digital health sector.

Hold a Honours Degree with related field of studies (Level 8, 2:1 or above). Students prior learning may also be recognised including prior experiential learning (non-certified), and accredited (certified) learning. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

International Students
Hold a Honours Degree with related field of studies (Level 8) with 60% average. In line with admission policies, non-native English speakers are required to have an IELTS level of 6.5 or equivalent examination with no band less than 6.0.

Applicants applying for entry to this postgraduate programme should supply the following information directly to the International Office for programmes commencing in September.

Apply via the online application process
Detailed curriculum vitae.
Certified transcripts of examination results and English language translations of qualifications not issued in English.
Evidence of ability to follow classes in English which satisfy TUS Minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Letter of recommendation from appropriate Head of School or lecturer at home institution.

1 year full-time

Course Commencement Date: September

Career Opportunities
Graduates from this MSc have the potential for employment in multiple domains of the healthcare industry. There are many areas for career advancement, both nationally and internationally. Level 9 attainment is identified as an essential requirement for career progression and promotion in areas such as data analysis, healthcare informatics, and digital health innovations.

Graduates of the MSc programme may progress onto a programme of Doctoral studies in the health and digital space.