From Learner to Lecturer Championing Wales’ First Tech Industry Gold Health Informatics Programme
From Learner to Lecturer Championing Wales’ First Tech Industry Gold Health Informatics Programme
Swansea University’s MSc Health Informatics has made history as the first Health Informatics programme in Wales to receiveTech Industry Gold accreditation. Behind this milestone is a story of passion, resilience, and purpose, embodied by alumna and now Lecturer of Health Informatics/ Digital Health at the university,Sarika Mohan.
Sarika’s journey demonstrates exactly why accreditation matters: it creates pathways, elevates learner experience, and empowers future talent to lead digital transformation in healthcare.A journey sparked by curiosity and powered by purpose
Sarika’s story with health informatics begins in India, where she worked as a general dentist and led the digitalisation of patient records within her practice. That experience ignited her fascination for health technology.
“When we shifted from paper to digital records, I realised how much more efficient healthcare delivery could be. I was always the one asked to handle the tech side of things, and that really opened the door for me.”
Motivated to step into a field where she could shape the future of healthcare, Sarika chose Swansea University’s MSc Health Informatics because of its strong research reputation and medical school excellence.
“The Medical School is consistently ranked among the top in the UK for research.”
Diving into digital health: discovering new skills and new confidence
Returning to study after working professionally was challenging, but Sarika embraced the intensity of the Level 7 programme.
“It took me a minute to become a student again, but I developed so many skills I never had before. What stood out most was the variety in the assignments.”
Among these assignments is the highly regarded digital health solution project, where learners design and refine a prototype addressing a real healthcare challenge.
“You are not just learning concepts. You are using them to solve real challenges in healthcare.”
This hands-on approach reflects exactly what employers praised during the Tech Industry Gold accreditation process: blending academic rigour with real world relevance.
Finding her voice: growing confidence through student leadership
Keen to strengthen her soft skills, Sarika took on the role of student ambassador, an experience she credits with shaping her confidence and communication skills.
“I became comfortable saying, let me find out and get back to you. That experience made a huge difference. Now, as a lecturer, those skills help me connect with learners every day.”
Helping make history: contributing to the Tech Industry Gold accreditation
Shortly after completing her degree, Sarika achieved something truly remarkable: she returned to Swansea University as a lecturer on the very programme she studied.
As the Medical School pursued Tech Industry Gold accreditation, Sarika became directly involved in shaping the programme’s submission.
“It was a really positive experience. Ian, Oscar and Sarah guided us so well with regular meetings, clear expectations, and helpful feedback.”
The accreditation process enhanced and strengthened the programme, ensuring it aligned with employer expectations and the growing digital skills needs of the NHS and wider health sector.
“We are exploring ways to accredit practical elements like the digital health solution project so learners can earn additional digital credentials for their CVs.”
Sarika sees the Tech Industry Gold accreditation as transformational.
“It reassures learners and employers that an external body recognises the quality of the programme. It strengthens their CV and gives them access to industry insights we did not previously have.”
Closing the circle: returning to teach on the programme that changed her life
For Sarika, becoming a lecturer fulfilled a long-standing dream.
“I am grateful every day. I get to work with senior academics, learn from them, and deepen my understanding of the field. That makes me a better lecturer, and it is special to teach on the programme that shaped my own path.”
Her transition from student to lecturer embodies the power of opportunity, and the impact of a programme that blends academic excellence with real world application.
Raising standards, elevating futures: The power of Tech Industry Gold
Sarika believes the Tech Industry Gold accreditation represents a new era for the programme and its learners.Employer confidence
“Employers know that accredited programmes meet the skills required in industry. It gives our learners an edge.”
Stronger industry connections
“The accreditation opens doors for employers to speak to our learners directly about the skills they need, the job market, and career opportunities.”
Tech Industry Gold Digital credentials and enrichment
“Learners can now access enrichment activities and earn digital credentials that showcase their skills. These make a real difference when applying for roles.”
Sarika and her colleagues are already encouraging other programmes across the Medical School to follow Swansea’s pioneering step.
A story that symbolises the future of health informatics in Wales
Sarika’s journey, from transforming patient records in India, to studying at Swansea, to becoming a lecturer involved in shaping Wales’ first Tech Industry Gold accredited Health Informatics programme, represents the growing momentum behind digital health skills in the UK.
Her story is proof that when academic excellence meets industry relevance, learners not only thrive, but they also lead.