Healthcare Informatics

Students studying for CPPD (not for credit) attend the teaching sessions but do not complete the associated assignment. A certificate of attendance is given at the end of the course.

Aims 

The unit is designed to introduce students to the importance of Healthcare Informatics in a modern clinical setting to improve patient care through an understanding of the healthcare data needs of clinicians, health organisations, governments and patients.

• Describe the various types / properties / structure / usage of multiple types of patient level and aggregated data used in the field of healthcare
• Describe the framework within which datasets are described, mandated / notified, implemented and reported in the NHS.
• Describe the UK governance framework relating to the use of personal data in healthcare
• Describe the differences between terminologies and classifications and their usage
• Describe an approach to data stewardship and proper curation in the management of healthcare data
• Describe the elements which underpin

Themes 

• The design, and wider implications, of information systems and data in a modern healthcare environment
• The relevance of data models and flows within the NHS
• The importance of informatics in a modern health system and how this information can improve patient care
• The impact of healthcare data
• The structure and organisation of healthcare databases, systems and data storage
• The governance, regulatory and ethical elements of healthcare data

Teaching dates 2025-26: 

• Monday 27th April 2026
• Tuesday 28th April 2026
• Wednesday 29th April 2026
• Thursday 30th April 2026
• Friday  1st May 2026

The module is delivered through face to face teaching sessions requiring in-person attendance at Madingley Hall, Cambridge.

Applications are invited from Speciality Registrars or equivalent, GPs, dentists and newly appointed consultants. 

Eligible employees from Cambridge Universities Health Partners (CUHP) partner organisations such as, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUHFT), Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (FT) and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT), will be encouraged to apply; however, places will also be made available to other suitably qualified individuals. 

Applicants are normally expected to hold a 2.i degree or higher from a UK university or an equivalent from an overseas university.  

There is provision to accept applicants who do not satisfy the standard academic criterion. Such applicants must produce evidence of relevant and equivalent experience and their suitability for the course. 

English language requirement  

To ensure that all participants can participate fully and get the best from studying with us, you will need to be confident understanding and following arguments presented in written and spoken English at University level. 

If English is not your native language, you will need to satisfy yourself that you have an appropriate level of English language proficiency in line with the following recommended tests (achieved in the same sitting and no more than 2 years before the date of booking): 

• IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0 (a minimum of 7.0 in Listening, Writing and Speaking; 6.5 in Reading)
• TOEFL Internet: Overall score of 100 (a minimum of 25 in each individual component)
• CAE: Grade A or B (with at least 193 in each individual element) plus a Language Centre assessment
• CPE: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 in each individual element) 

Alternatively, you may have undertaken all, or part, of your education in English and/or may have extensive experience using English on a regular basis in your professional life. 

Note that: International students must ensure they have the appropriate immigration status to undertake the course, and this will need to be checked by the University. Students who do not hold an immigration status that permits study and work in the UK will be based overseas and attendance on modules can be supported as a visitor to the UK. There are restrictions on using the visitor route for study and this may restrict the number of modules that can be undertaken across one year. Further information is provided on the International Students website and prospective students are advised to read this in full. 

The fees for home students in 2025-26 will be £1,854.42 and £3,708.83 for overseas students.  

Participants will be expected to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence incurred during teaching sessions in Cambridge.

Candidates are required to submit a brief summary of 200-250 words outlining how the module will benefit and enhance their clinical role. 

Select the 'Apply now' button on this page and follow the instructions when prompted.