About Programmes
About the programmes
What will I learn on this programme?
You will find more detail about what the programmes cover by following the individual programme links.
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How is the programme taught?
The programme is delivered entirely online, over the internet. It is designed in such a way that, with access to a computer with an internet connection, you will be able to study it at the times and in the places which suit you best. There is a small residential component to maximise the opportunity for students to support and learn from each other and to undertake activities more suited to a physical learning space.
The programmes are delivered using the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s virtual learning environment. Students will join a community of learners and use a range of flexible learning methods including participation in discussion forums, online seminars and wikis. You will also have aceess to resources in a range of formats. You will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with and learn from a wide range of people from different countries. All courses are taught through a combination of independent learner-centered study, reflection and online group working. The group work most frequently takes the form of discussion, using online discussion boards which you can post to at any time.
While no sophisticated technical computing skills are required a good working knowledge of office applications, email and the internet will enable you to make the most of the online environment and the programme content.
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How will I be supported?
There are a number of ways you will be supported during your studies these include:
- Allocated tutors on-line (via email and online discussion boards) and in person at residentials
- Individual feedback and moderation of discussion boards
- Allocated mentors on-line (via email and online discussion boards) for "in practice" courses
- Advice from the Directors of Studies, a Personal Tutor and Programme Co-ordinator
- An introductory online induction to familiarise students with using the online learning environment and the requirements for the Programme
- Face-to-face residential courses
- Peer support from other participants as part of the course activities and facilitated discussion
- Administrative support from the programme co-ordinator support via the VLE, email and phone
- Programme Handbook
- A variety of learning resources accessed via a bespoke RCSEd Virtual Learning Environment, including:
- Learning resources in text, digital, video and audio formats – these will be updated as new technologies are developed and accommodated
- Online reflective activities
- Online personal development planning and support
- Individual support via VLE including discussion boards for academic and peer support
- Access to on-line resources and the University of Edinburgh library services for distance learners
- Formal process for student input into the management of the programme and private on-line student only discussion board
- Students will be encouraged to participate in other RCSEd/University activities as appropriate.
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How do I know if this programme is for me?
Both these programmes will provide you with professional knowledge and skills and the ability to apply these with an evidence based and critical approach.
The Health Informatics programme covers all the areas associated with the collection storage and use of information and information technology for the effective delivery of healthcare.
The Health Information Governance programme focuses specifically on appropriate collection, storage and use of information in a healthcare setting with reference to relevant legislation and good practice.
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What are the programme’s formal learning outcomes?
Health Informatics
The aim of the programme is to:
- Empower participants through the development of advanced skills and knowledge in the interpretation and management of information in health.
- Equip participants with an understanding of the technical, social and management issues involved in informatics and how informatics can be used to provide healthcare and to improve the public’s health
To this end, students taking this programme will expect to:
- Acquire a depth and breadth of knowledge of the principles of health informatics
- Develop skills in the critical appraisal, assessment and use of information and information systems to support knowledge management and service delivery.
- Be able to apply those skills in strategic planning for the design, delivery and evaluation of healthcare information technology initiatives.
Health Information Governance
The aim of the programme is to equip health professionals and other working in health and social care settings with the knowledge and practical skills essential for developing and implementing the Information Governance Agenda in the UK and more widely in other countries. This encompasses:
- Interpretation and application of key information governance related legislation and guidance for collection, storage and use of information in healthcare delivery
- Improvement and implementation of information governance procedures and processes at a strategic and operational level in a healthcare setting
- Enhancing information management and knowledge management processes and practices at an organisational level
You will find more information about the programmes on the programme specific pages
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How much does it cost?
Continuous Part Time Study
For intakes September 2009 and April 2010:
- Certificate £2416
- Diploma £2417 (total cost for Diploma £4833)
- MSc £2417 (total cost for MSc £7250)
Intermittent Part Time Study
If you choose to complete the programme by ‘Intermittent Part Time Study’, you will be charged for each individual course in the year that it is taken. In academic year 2009/2010 these costs will be:
- 10 credit courses £405
- 20 credit courses £810
- 50 credit courses £2015
Information on funding and payment options can be found at: www.registry.ed.ac.uk/fees
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What study options are available?
Both programmes can be pursued by part-time study on either a continuous or intermittent basis.
Continuous Part Time Study
This is the standard option for completion Health Informatics and Health Information Governance programmes.
The period of study for degrees studied on a part-time continuous basis should be 36 months. The College may reduce this period by up to 12 months. However, the normal time for programme completion is as follows:
- Postgraduate Certificate - 12 months
- Postgraduate Diploma - 24 months
- Master of Science degree - 36 months
New for 2009 2010 session: Intermittent Part Time Study
This option provides students with the opportunity to adopt a more flexible approach to their learning. By offering the opportunity to enrol on a flexible education programme, students are more effectively able to plan their education and also tailor their education to funds available. By following this study route, students will also be better able to tailor their education to their lifestyle, work, and personal commitments.
For those degrees available on a part-time intermittent basis, the maximum period of study is 72 months from the date of enrolment.
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When can I start?
The next Programme start date will be 13 September 2010 therafter there will be intakes in Sept/Oct and March/April every year. Application closing dates will be advertised on the site.
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What qualification will I get?
This depends on the level of qualification you wish to attain. The programme has been designed to be as flexible as possible with staricasing from and exit points at Certificate, Diploma and Masters level.
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How long will it take?
It will depend on which mode of study you opt for:
Continuous Part Time Study
The period of study for degrees studied on a part-time continuous basis should be 36 months. The College may reduce this period by up to 12 months. However, the normal time for programme completion is as follows:
- Postgraduate Certificate - 12 months
- Postgraduate Diploma - 24 months
- Master of Science degree - 36 months
Intermittent Part Time Study
The maximum period of study is 72 months from the date of enrolment.
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What time commitment do I need to make?
Courses are either 10 credits and last about 11 weeks (approximately 100 hours of work in total), or 20 credits which run for approximately 22 weeks (approximately 200 hours of work).
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Is there a residential component?
You are required to attend two, residential schools in Edinburgh during your studies. These are self-funded and will occur at the beginning of your studies and towards the end of the taught component and before you start your MSc research project.
The next residential will be held 29 - 30 April 2010.
The residential schools are an important part of the programme as they give you the opportunity to meet your colleagues and tutors face to face and to undertake educational activities that can't easily be replicated in the e-learning environment. Past students have found them to be very valuable.
Important Note: Overseas students requiring a visa are strongly advised to apply for this as soon as they have been accepted on to the programme as they will not be allowed to proceed with the programme if they are unable to attend the residential due to visa delays.
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What equipment will I need?
You need regular convenient access to a computer with internet access. A reasonable connection speed will make the process of studying easier.
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What computer skills should I have?
You should have competent email, internet and office applications skills. Any experience of using or creating databases would be an extra help.
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What are the entry requirements?
Students will be expected to hold a good first degree in a relevant subject or an appropriate professional qualification together with appropriate and relevant work experience.
All applicants will be required to demonstrate that they have appropriate access to a professional environment which will allow suitable opportunities for reflective experiential learning.
Those applicants whose first language is not English, must be able to demonstrate a satisfactory level of both spoken and written English. This will normally take the form of scores of at least 6.5 on all elements of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or of a score of at least 580 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Click here for full University requirements.
In exceptional cases, and in order to provide more evidence for the admissions decision, students who do not satisfy the normal entry requirements can be admitted onto Course 1 and subsequently Course 2. Satisfactory completion of these two courses may then, at the discretion of the Programme Directors, allow admittance onto the full postgraduate programme.
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How do I apply?
Applications are made online and are available here
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When do I need to apply?
Applicants are invited to apply for the online programme now for the next intake to avoid disappointment (application available here). The closing date for final applications for the September 2010 intake is 6 August 2010.
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Is online learning for me?
Not sure if online learning is for you? Try the University of Edinburgh online quiz to find out.
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Is scholarship funding available?
The University of Edinburgh has a scholarship programme open to online students. It normally makes awards annually in June. For full details click here
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What payment options are avilable?
The University of Edinburgh invoices students in advance once they have been accepted on to the programme. All enquires regarding fee payment should be directed to Registry
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When will the residentials be held?
The next Residential for both Health Informatics and Health Information Governance Programmes will be held in the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh on 29 - 30 April 2010. This Residential is compulsory for all students wishing to study for the Diploma or MSc - we strongly urge those students studying towards the Certificate to attend. Students who do not attend the first residential will not be allowed to progress beyond the Certificate level or attend the residential retrospectively.
Important Note: Overseas students requiring a visa are strongly advised to apply for this as soon as they have been accepted on to the programme as they will not be allowed to proceed with the programme if they are unable to attend the residential due to visa delays.
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Contact Details
Programme Administrator
Ashley Stevenson
email: fhi-edin@rcsed.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)131 527 3410
Fax: +44 (0)131 527 1746
Website: www.rcsed.ac.uk
Postal Address: Faculty of Health Informatics
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Nicolson Street
Edinburgh
EH8 9DW
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