A new postgraduate programme at King's College London will equip the next generation of digital health leaders with the skills to harness technology and data to address healthcare challenges.
The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College London has launched a new Master of Digital Health (MDH) programme for 2027 entry, the first award of its kind in the UK.
As digital technologies become increasingly embedded across health and care, there is a growing need for professionals who can bridge healthcare, technology, data and research. The new programme has been developed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to translate digital innovation into safe, effective and equitable improvements in real-world healthcare settings.
Digital health involves using technologies and data to support health, healthcare delivery and wellbeing. This includes everything from wearable devices and remote monitoring to artificial intelligence (AI), electronic health records and patient-facing platforms such as health apps.
Led by Dr Ruth Plackett and Professor Josip Car, the new programme brings together expertise in healthcare, technology, AI, data science, behavioural science, ethics and research methods. Students will learn how digital health solutions are designed, implemented and evaluated in real-world healthcare systems, while considering the ethical, regulatory and organisational factors that influence their use.
Dr Ruth Plackett, Senior Research Fellow in Digital Health and Programme Lead, said: "Healthcare systems around the world are under increasing pressure from ageing populations, growing demand for care and workforce challenges. At the same time, inequalities in access to healthcare and health outcomes remain a significant concern."
Digital health technologies have the potential to help address these challenges, but it's essential that we understand how to implement them safely and ethically. What makes this programme at King's unique is the way it brings together different disciplines, equipping future leaders with the skills to use technology and data responsibly to improve care for patients and support healthcare professionals.
Dr Ruth Plackett, Senior Research Fellow in Digital Health and Programme Lead
Through academic study, case studies and applied learning, students will develop skills in health data analysis, AI, digital health innovation, intervention design and evaluation. They will also examine how regulation, governance and organisational contexts shape the adoption of digital technologies in healthcare.
Drawing on King's partnerships with the NHS, King's Health Partners and industry collaborators, the programme will connect students with expertise from across healthcare and technology, including contributions from Garmin and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
Designed for graduates and professionals from a range of backgrounds, the programme aims to prepare students to lead responsible digital transformation across healthcare, industry, research and policy.
