For students attending the Joint Master's Programme in Health Informatics Programme outline

This page contains information for the students at the Joint Master’s Programme in Health Informatics about the programme outline.

This programme is given as a joint programme between Karolinska Institutet (Health Informatics Centre at the dept of LIME) and Stockholm University (Department of Computer and System Sciences (DSV) which means that some courses are at Karolinska Institutet and some at Stockholm University. After completing the programme students will receive one degree, but with two titles, a Master of Medical Science by Karolinska Institutet and a Master of Science by Stockholm University.

Since the programme is created for students with medical or technical backgrounds you will not only take courses to complement your skills (students with technical backgrounds take courses in basic medical sciences, health care organisation and management, while students with medical backgrounds learn basic computer and systems sciences) but you will also learn a lot from each other.

Overview of the programme

Programme overview

The programme includes four semesters (120 ECTS) with different themes based on a progression from previous semesters: 

  • bridging knowledge (semester 1),
  • basic knowledge (semester 2) and
  • in-depth knowledge of methods and their applications in current health informatics topics (semester 3),
  • and finally a degree project in health informatics (semester 4).

It consists of core courses, integrated project work, and a master’s thesis. The curriculum combines classroom learning with hands-on, real-world exposure to clinical environments, industry projects, and research settings.

Year 1: Foundation and Methodology

The first semester introduces health informatics as a scientific field and practice area. Students with clinical backgrounds take bridging courses in computing and data science, while those with technical backgrounds study healthcare systems, clinical processes, and medical terminology. All students then engage in a course exploring healthcare needs, information management, digital systems, and their role in health service delivery.

In the second semester, the programme delves deeper into the core methodologies of health informatics. Students learn how to perform business analysis in healthcare, elicit and model user requirements, evaluate systems, and apply internationally recognized health IT standards. Training in data science and scientific research methods prepares students for both applied development work and academic inquiry.

Year 2: Application and Specialization

In the third semester, students focus on the practical application of their skills. They take courses in project management and explore current trends and research in the field. In addition, students choose one course in either information security or digital entrepreneurship.

The final semester is devoted to a master’s thesis, where students independently investigate a research question or develop a digital solution in collaboration with hospitals, healthcare companies, government agencies, or academic research groups. Many projects are carried out in real-world settings, offering invaluable professional experience.

Utilization of AI tools

Guidelines for the Utilization of AI tools

Schedule

Karolinska Institutet: Schedules will be published on Canvas no later than two weeks before the start of the course. You will be able to access Canvas once you are admitted to the programme.

Stockholm University (DSV): Schedules will be available on the SU course pages in iLearn. You will need a Stockholm University account to be able to log in, and you will get information about that in the beginning of September. If you have further questions please contact Director of studies Stefan Möller or the SU programme overview.

For information on start and end dates of the semester, please check the Academic Calendar.

Course dates and self study days

HT25 (PDF, 177.58 KB)
VT26 (PDF, 176.26 KB)
HT26 (Word, 43.31 KB)

Current semester 1 - 4

For newly admitted students

Read more about:

  • Introduction day
  • Roll call
  • Information on your courses
  • Many useful links to make your time at KI a great experience!
Content reviewer:
Marie Lind
07-05-2026