Supporting clinicians worldwide with flexible, part-time Cambridge courses in healthcare data science and evidence-based practice 

We’re partnering with BMJ Learning to support clinicians worldwide in developing the skills to understand and apply healthcare data in practice. 

This collaboration brings together Cambridge’s expertise in part-time, flexible learning with BMJ Learning’s global platform for healthcare professionals, helping clinicians build the skills to interpret and apply data in real-world settings. 

Building data confidence in a changing healthcare landscape 

Healthcare systems generate vast amounts of data every day. Used effectively, this data can improve patient outcomes, strengthen healthcare delivery, and support decision making at both clinical and system levels. 

However, interpreting complex data and using it responsibly requires specialist skills. 

Through this partnership, we’re making it easier for busy professionals to develop these capabilities through flexible, online study. Designed to fit around work and existing commitments, these part-time Cambridge courses offer a practical and academically rigorous route into healthcare data science. 

Dr Kieran Walsh, Clinical Director at BMJ Group, said: 

“In today's world, health professionals need the skills to understand, interpret, and apply health data in decision-making. This needs to happen at both clinical and system levels. 

This collaboration brings together Cambridge's academic expertise in data science education with BMJ Learning's global healthcare audience, enabling clinicians worldwide to access state-of-the-art training in evidence-based healthcare data science.” 

Two courses now available through BMJ Learning 

The first courses available through this partnership focus on core skills in healthcare data and evidence-based practice: 

• Harnessing data for healthcare advancement  
  Introduces the principles of healthcare data science and explores how data can improve patient care, healthcare delivery and population health. Learners develop practical skills in collecting, managing, analysing and interpreting healthcare data. 
• Mastering critical analysis in evidence-based healthcare (Launching May 2026) 
  Develops the ability to critically evaluate healthcare research and apply evidence in clinical and policy contexts, including interpreting studies and translating findings into practice. 

Both courses are delivered online and designed for a global audience of healthcare professionals seeking practical, career-relevant skills. 

A flexible pathway between CPD and a Master’s degree 

These courses form part of a broader healthcare data science pathway developed by Professional and Continuing Education. 

Positioned between short CPD courses and a full master’s degree, they combine academic depth with real-world application. Drawing on statistics, computer science, epidemiology and health sciences, the programme supports the effective and ethical use of healthcare data. 

Learners can progress at a pace that suits them while gaining skills they can apply immediately in practice. 

Combining academic expertise with global reach 

Courses are developed and delivered by the University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education medical and life sciences team, led by Dr Emma English, ensuring academic rigour and relevance. 

BMJ Learning hosts the courses on its platform, providing access to a global community of healthcare professionals and supporting learner engagement and experience. 

Dr Fatemeh Torabi, Course Director for Healthcare Data Science at the University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education, said: 

“Healthcare systems generate vast quantities of data. At scale, these countless individual data points create valuable opportunities to improve decision making and ultimately enhance patients' lives. 

Equipping healthcare professionals with the skills to collect, analyse and interpret this data responsibly is essential for improving patient care and health system performance. 

Through this collaboration with BMJ Learning, we can extend the reach of Cambridge’s healthcare data science education to clinicians and health professionals globally.” 

Expanding access to Cambridge part-time study 

At Professional and Continuing Education, we’re committed to making Cambridge education accessible to learners at every stage of life. 

Our part-time, online courses support learners at every stage of life to develop new skills, deepen their knowledge and pursue their interests alongside existing commitments. 

This partnership with BMJ Learning extends the reach of Cambridge teaching to a global healthcare audience and supports the growing need for skills in using healthcare data effectively. 

The partnership will initially run for 12 months, with the potential to expand the range of courses available through BMJ Learning.