Health Service Modelling Associates Programme (HSMA)

The Health Service Modelling Associates (HSMA) Programme helps people working in health and social care develop practical skills in data science, modelling and operational research.

The free, 15-month programme combines online training, mentoring and hands-on project work. You’ll learn new techniques and apply them to a real-world challenge within your organisation – helping you turn data into insight and support better decision-making.

Since launching in 2016, HSMA has supported hundreds of people to build their analytical skills and tackle complex challenges across health and care.

“It is without question the single most important training that I have completed within 20 years of my career as an analyst / data scientist. It should be mandatory for anyone in the NHS or social care setting who analyses or works with data.”

Professionally accredited

HSMA is the first course to be accredited by the Association of Professional Healthcare Analysts (AphA). This recognises the quality of the programme and its contribution to developing analytical skills across health and care.

What will I learn?

HSMA gives you the skills to use data and modelling to understand problems, test ideas and support better decisions.

You’ll get hands-on experience in areas including:

• Python and R programming
• Data science and statistical analysis
• Discrete Event Simulation, for modelling processes and patient pathways
• Geographic modelling and visualisation
• Artificial Intelligence, including machine learning to support operational decision making
• Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)

You’ll also develop skills in problem-solving, project work and communicating your findings – helping you put your learning into practice in your organisation.

And you won’t be doing it alone. You’ll become part of a growing HSMA community, connecting with other associates, trainers and experts from across health and care.

Who can attend?

HSMA is open to people working in health and social care organisations in England.

It’s designed for people who want to build their analytical and modelling skills, whether or not they have previous experience in data science or programming.

Previous participants have included:

• Analysts
• Service and operational managers
• Clinical leads
• Junior doctors
• Quality improvement leads
• GPs
• And many others working to improve services through data and evidence.

You don’t need to be a programmer or data scientist to get started. HSMA is designed to help you develop these skills as you go.

You’ll need support from your organisation to commit time to the programme and work on a real-world project alongside your training.

HSMA 7

HSMA 7 is the seventh round of the HSMA Programme, launching in spring 2027.

The 15-month programme combines six months of structured training with a longer period of supported project work. You’ll spend around one day a week on training, development and applying your learning to a real challenge in your organisation.

HSMA 7 builds on the experience of six previous rounds, bringing together a new cohort of people from across health and social care.

Applications for HSMA 7 aren’t open yet. Visit the HSMA website to find out more and sign up for updates about applications.

HSMA-λ (Lambda)

HSMA-λ (Lambda) is a new series of shorter workshops for people who want to understand how data science and modelling can support decision-making – without needing to learn how to code.

Launching in Winter 2026/Early 2027, the workshops are aimed particularly at leaders, managers and decision-makers in health services.

You’ll get an introduction to some of the techniques used in the main HSMA programme and, importantly, learn what they can be used for, how to ask the right questions and how to make sense of the results.

No coding or technical experience is needed.

HSMA-λ also provides an opportunity to identify potential projects and connect colleagues with the main HSMA programme.

Sign-ups for HSMA-λ aren’t open yet. You can register your interest here. Please note that completing this expression of interest does not guarantee a place at the workshops.

Visit the HSMA website to find out more and register your interest.