Masters Degrees (Health Economics)

Diploma MSc is an award-winning provider of online medical education for Postgraduate Diploma and Masters courses. We are now pleased to add the Health Economics Postgraduate Diploma and Health Economics Masters to our growing range of online courses. Our Health Economics courses are offered in conjunction with our partner, the University of South Wales, who have developed a strong reputation for delivering innovative learning.

Our online Health Economics courses are necessary to address the disparity between national and sub-national decision-making, and between different sub-national regions or institutions. They aim to standardise processes and give practitioners the ability to apply the same principles to their individual decision-making. The courses in Health Economics will enable healthcare professionals to be well equipped to elicit the maximum value from finite budgets. They will help students understand why Health Economics has and should become integral to healthcare decision making as well as understanding the underlying principles, methodologies and processes associated with this established and growing international discipline.

This very practical Postgraduate Diploma and MSc will focus on direct application to current topics, case studies and processes relevant to the student’s own remit and country of practice. Unlike other courses, it covers the key disease area pertinent to Health Economics for healthcare decision making.

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Health Economics

Our online 1 year Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Health Economics will focus on direct application to current topics, case studies and processes relevant to the student’s own remit and country of practice. The course is worth 120 credits and comprises 6 modules of 20 credits each.

On completion of the Applied Health Economics Diploma, you will be able to:
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the application of Health Economics in healthcare decision making.
Critically evaluate current research in Health Economics for healthcare decision making.
Apply a critical awareness of current issues in Health Economic evaluations.
Implement Health Economic evaluations in clinical practice scenarios.

Course Structure

Our 1 year course consists of 6 modules per year, each of 6 weeks duration.

Module 1 - Health Economic Decision Making and Health Technology Appraisal/Assessment
Module 2 - Principles of Obtaining Patient Access in Healthcare Systems
Module 3 - Health Economic Modelling and Analysis
Module 4 - Understanding the Use of Data in Health Technology Assessment
Module 5 - National and International Health Economic Decision Making
Module 6 - Sub-National (regional, institutional) Health Economic Decision Making

Assessment

The course puts assessment at the heart of learning by using clinical scenarios to facilitate problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. The scenarios act as both the focus for learning and assessment thus embedding assessment within the learning process.

Each of the 6 modules has the same assessment format. Due to the online nature of the course, students are expected to login and participate in the course regularly throughout the module (ideally on a daily basis).

Students use the skills gained during the lectures to engage with the different activities (see below).

Clinical case scenarios with case based discussion - 40%
Individual learning portfolio - 10%
Group/individual activity - 20%
Case based examination - 30%

Teaching Methods

Each module has the same format. Using an online platform and one tutor per 10-15 students, the self-directed distance learning is guided by tutor stimulated discussion based on clinically rich case scenarios. Group projects are undertaken alongside independent projects. Reflective practice is recorded in a reflective portfolio to help students consider how the learning can be translated into everyday work and practice. Teaching starts with 1 day of introductory lectures. Students may attend these lectures in the UK (Glyntaff campus, University of South Wales). The lecture series are delivered by the faculty and tutors, they are a pre-course organiser, giving students the tools required to undertake the online course such as:

Scientific writing.
Levels of evidence.
Harvard referencing.
Reflective writing.

The lectures series give an opportunity to meet face to face with tutors/other students prior to the online course.

MSc Health Economic

The MSc Health Economics course aims to create professionals who can independently access information and use the information to critically assess, evaluate and disseminate the evidence base related to Health Economics medicine. The online masters in Health Economics will enable more health care professionals to have the required knowledge to treat patients. It will develop problem solving and clinical skills together with preparing students to take a leadership role in Health Economics.

Entry to the 1 year MSc in Health Economics will require the successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Economics (120 credits) either from the University of South Wales or from another UK University.

Our Health Economics Masters of Science course has been developed for health professionals who are interested in a leadership role within Health Economics including NHS managers, Doctors, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, CCG's commissioning teams, CCG Pharmacy teams, Pharmaceutical Industry Professionals and Other suitably qualified and interested individuals.

The MSc Health Economics course is the only one of its title that is accessible online, and is not offered by any other institution. On completion of the course, you will be able to demonstrate:

An applied understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in an appropriate clinical setting.
An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the discipline informed by current scholarship and research.
Advanced level critical skills designed to deal with complex problems.
Advanced knowledge and competence in Health Economics.

Course Structure

Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal in Health Economics for healthcare decision making
Professional Project: Applied Health Economics for healthcare decision making

Teaching Methods

Module 1: Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal - MSc teaching methods for this module are similar to the PG Diploma course modules, however it is run over 12 weeks.
Module 2: Professional Project - To produce the professional project, students continue to use the online course; however much of the work is self-directed.

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The MSc in Health Economics and Econometrics is ideal for new graduates hoping to pursue a career in health economics or for those currently working in the health care sector who wish to develop skills in health economics.

This programme gives you the opportunity to follow a more econometrics based pathway underpinned by microeconomic theory, while taking the core modules required to study Health Economics (Economic Evaluation and Modelling for Health Care Decision Making).

The programme is targeted at those with an undergraduate economics-based degree and a desire to obtain a technical training relevant for a career in which these skills can be applied to the health care sector nationally and internationally. With its blend of applied health economic modules and specialist economic modules, the MSc in Health Economics and Econometrics is ideal for individuals wishing to embark on a career as a health economist in industry, the health service or academia. This is an area identified as a priority for the health service and health economists with these skills are in short supply.

The purpose of this programme is to fully equipped you to utilise, analyse and interpret the big data sets that are increasingly available across health systems in addition to understanding these in the context of health and economic related issues and policy. This programme builds on the strength and experience of the Department of Economics and the Health Economics Unit in providing high quality Masters programmes.

The MSc in Health Economics and Econometrics is hosted by the Health Economics Unit in collaboration with the Department of Economics. This programme incorporates two core modules provided by the Department of Economics (Microeconomics, Econometrics) and four core modules from the MSc Health Economics and Health Policy Programme (Introduction to Health Economics, Economic Evaluation, Statistics II, Modelling for Health Economics) and one relevant policy based optional module.

This programme provides a contrast to the long-established MSc Health Economics and Health Policy programme by providing a greater focus on the underpinning advanced economic theory and econometrics for those students with excellent undergraduate degrees in economics. However it retains the provision of the key skills associated with the conduct of economic evaluation, modelling as well as an exposure to economic policy (expected in many health economic posts).

About the College of Medical and Dental Sciences

The College of Medical and Dental Sciences is a major international centre for research and education, make huge strides in finding solutions to major health problems including ageing, cancer, cardiovascular, dental, endocrine, inflammatory diseases, infection (including antibiotic resistance), rare diseases and trauma.
We tackle global healthcare problems through excellence in basic and clinical science, and improve human health by delivering tangible real-life benefits in the fight against acute and chronic disease.
Situated in the largest healthcare region in the country, with access to one of the largest and most diverse populations in Europe, we are positioned to address major global issues and diseases affecting today’s society through our eight specialist research institutes.
With over 1,000 academic staff and around £60 million of new research funding per year, the College of Medical and Dental Sciences is dedicated to performing world-leading research.
We care about our research and teaching and are committed to developing outstanding scientists and healthcare professionals of the future. We offer our postgraduate community a unique learning experience taught by academics who lead the way in research in their field.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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Your programme of study

If you want to study health economics but you can't travel to University of Aberdeen the discipline is available now for online study from anywhere in the world. The programme is ideal of you are a health professional or want to work in the discipline and you can't relocate to study, you have a full time job or other commitments which don't allow you to study on campus. Health Economics is a very interesting programme due to the direct influence it can have on services, behaviours and population behaviour change. Services can be managed more effectively and health interventions screened more effectively in terms of benefits,

If you have a 2:1 degree from any discipline this programme is available for application. There are wide ranging healthcare and associated industries reliant on health economics and research to drive regulation and policy, purchasing provision and research in the public and private sectors internationally. HERU has strong links with policy makers in the UK including the Evidence Directorate of Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Analytical Services Division of the Scottish Government and NHS Education Scotland with NHS Health Scotland.

Health economics applies economic thinking to the analysis of health and health care. It is a relatively young sub-discipline but has grown rapidly. This MSc programme is aimed at students who wish to pursue a career as a professional health economist or who wish to undertake a PhD. Health economics is typically applied in multidisciplinary settings. This is reflected within the course providing you with health economics skills alongside generic economic and health service research skills.

Courses listed for the programme

Introduction to Economics and Health Economics

Applied Statistics

Optional Courses

Economic Evaluation - Principles and Frameworks

Economic Evaluation - Applications and Policy

Health Care Systems and Policy (distance learning)

Economics of Health Behaviour

Fundamentals of Research Design

Evidence - Based health

Health Informatics (Distance Learning)

Health Economics for Health Professionals Project

Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/111/health-economics/

Why study at Aberdeen?

• You will be studying in one of the leading centres for health economics in Europe at Aberdeen University with courses developed by the Institute of Applied Sciences and HERU
• You have access to over 85 000 books and 20 000 articles in journals
• The programmed draws on over 40 years research in health economics

Where you study

• Online
• September
• 9 months, 18 months or 24 months
• Part Time

International Student Fees 2017/2018

Find out about fees:

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/111/health-economics/

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/tuition-fees-and-living-costs-287.php

*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.

Scholarships

View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/finance-funding-1599.php

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/funding/

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Information on the Programme

The master programme Health Economics consists of 120 ECTS- (European Credit Transfer System) Points and is designed as a 4-semester full-time programme. It is a consecutive master degree based on a bachelor degree within the field of health economics.
The Core and Advanced Section of the master programme Health Economics contains 48 credit points. This area covers the basics of health economics.
The Specialisation Section, where students altogether complete 36 credit points, includes seminars as well as specialisation modules in health economics and medicine.
In the Supplementary Section, at least one module from economics and/or sociology has to be completed. Furthermore, to accomplish the required 18 credit points within this section, further modules from business administration and/or medicine have to be completed.

Detailed information concerning the curricular design is available on our homepage in the area of “study”.

Only the best for your career

The M.Sc. Health Economics at the WiSo-faculty of the University of Cologne widens the knowledge gained in your bachelor studies and makes you an expert in your respective area. For many managing positions of different industries and for certain professions in research and teaching, a master is indispensable.

Graduates find possible fields of employment primarily in consulting functions on a leadership level in private as well as public organisations like clinics, large medical practices, health insurers, institutions and in organisations and corporations within health care management as well as within the sport-, fitness-, and preventive and rehabilitation sector. The goal of the M.Sc. Health Economics is to make graduates mediators between commercial executives, chief physicians and the respective other people involved in the health sector and to solve arising conflicts of interest.

Take your professional future into your own hands and benefit from the theoretical and methodical-oriented approach of the WiSo-Faculty, which combines research as well as teaching with practical experience.Take your professional future into your own hands and profit from the theoretical and methodological approaches taken at the WiSo Faculty, combining research and teaching with practice and thus underscoring our motto: “Innovation for society".

Not international enough?

If this is the case, get information on the opportunity to complete a semester abroad at one of our numerous partner universities. Further Information can be found on the homepage of our International Relations Center.

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Comprehensive training in the theory and practice of health economics.

Overview

York pioneered study in 'health economics' and received the Queen's Anniversary Prize in recognition of its outstanding work at world-class level in this field in 2007. Studying for a Health Economics masters at York therefore means you'll be joining a programme with an international reputation for excellence.

The course will equip you with the experience and leading-edge skills you need for a career in research and health service decision-making. During your time at York, you'll have access to The Health Economics Resource Centre which provides a suite of rooms combining teaching materials, computing facilities and information resources.

Course Content

You'll study five compulsory core components, supplemented by a wide choice of optional units, to gain a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of health economics.

Taught by world-leading experts, you will complete modules to the value of 180 credits. This includes 100 credits of taught modules - some core and some optional - and an 80 credit dissertation.

Modules
For the Masters you will need to take 100 credits of taught modules. There are five core modules which amount to 90 of your 100 required credits:
-Evaluation of Health Care (20 credits)
-Health Economics (20 credits)
-Clinical Decision Analysis (10 credits)

One set from these choices:
-Econometrics 1 (10 credits) and Applied Microeconometrics (10 credits)
-Econometrics 1 & 2 (20 credits)
-Statistics and Econometrics (20 credits)
-Econometric Methods for Research (20 credits)

One set from these choices:
-Advanced Microeconomics (20 credits)
-Applied Microeconomics 1 (10 credits) and Applied Microeconomics 2 (10 credits)

In addition you can choose one 10 credit option from:
-Advanced Macroeconomics (10 credits)
-Applied Microeconometrics (10 credits)
-Design and Alalysis of Mechanisms and Institutions (10 credits)
-Evaluation of Health Policy (10 credits)
-Experimental Economics (10 credits)
-Health and Development (10 credits)
-Industrial Economics (10 credits)
-International Macroeconomics (10 credits)
-Labour Economics (10 credits)
-Management Decision Analysis (10 credits)
-Public Finance (10 credits)
-Public Sector Economics: Microeconomic Applications (10 credit)

Over the three months of summer, you'll complete a piece of independent research, guided by a supervisor. The 10,000 word dissertation is worth 80 credits and offers you the chance to examine a topic in depth and to develop your academic research skills.

Most students on the MSc in Health Economics choose to do a summer placement under the supervision of an experienced health economist. These differ from the standard dissertation as the placement supervisor suggests the research topic. A list of topics is circulated in the middle of the Spring term and you are allocated to your preferred placement before the Easter vacation.

The summer placements involve many different institutions including academic research units, the NHS and pharmaceutical companies. Most students are based in UK but in recent years placements have taken students to Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Finland, France, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Vietnam and the USA.

While you shouldn't try to organise your own placement, suggestions for topics and host institutions are always welcome. These should be given to your course director.

Careers

This course is ideal for people who want to work in research and health service decision-making. Potential employers will value the experience you'll gain on your summer placement. The MSc is also an ideal basis for progression to a PhD.

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The MSc is designed to meet the demand for health economics’ quantitative, theoretical and analytical skills for decision-making in the healthcare sector, both in developed and in developing countries.

Who is it for?

This course is designed for anyone with an economics background interested in developing a career as a health economist working for the public and private sectors, as well as international health organisations and NGOs.

Objectives

The aim of this course is to develop your analytical and modeling abilities and enable you to apply microeconomics and econometrics tools to understand the health care sector and the demand for health. This course will provide you with the experience and the skills you need to work as a health economists in private or public of institutions doing health economics.

Placements

Companies and organisations are invited to meet our students and propose subjects for their dissertation to be done during a placement. Organisations and students liaise directly with the approval of the academic supervisor.

Placements can be for instance with: Boehringer-I, Janssen –Cilag, Eli Lilly, Campbell Aliance, Office of Health Economics, Otsuka, Celgene, Curo, IMS Health, and many others.

Placements provide a unique opportunity to apply the skills learned during the MSc and acquire experience in the workplace.

Academic facilities

You will benefit from state of the art student-geared facilities, including a bright new gym and meeting points. Most importantly, you will benefit from City’s central London location.

Teaching and learning

The course is taught by research active academic staff, teaching assistants and industry and visiting lecturers.

We also have invited speakers that come to present specialised topics in health economics.

Assessments are typically a combination of unseen written examinations (70% for each module) and coursework (30% for each module) but this can vary by module. About two thirds of our students secure a placement at a firm. The placement is used to learn about the sector while writing the dissertation.

Assessment

The teaching takes place over two terms, from September to June. Full time: 20 weeks of lectures plus dissertation/literature review and examination periods over one year. Full-time students who pass all the taught modules during the main exam sessions will finish the programme at the end of September, when they submit their literature review/dissertation. Full-time students who successfully complete the taught modules in the August re-sit exam session will submit their literature review/dissertation in December.

Part time: 20 weeks of lectures plus dissertation/literature review and examination periods spread over one year and 3 months. Part-time students complete all modules over the course of four terms, from September to June, before undertaking their literature review/dissertation. Part-time students who successfully pass all the taught modules during the main exam sessions will finish the programme in December when they submit their literature review/dissertation. Part-time students who successfully pass all the taught modules in August will submit in March of the following year.

Modules

The teaching takes place over two terms from September to June. Full-time students who pass all the taught modules during the main exam sessions finish the programme at the end of September when they submit their dissertation or literature review. Full-time students who successfully complete the taught modules in the August resit exam session submit their dissertation or literature review in December.

Note: for part-time students, the modules are taught on weekdays during the daytime, alongside the students who are studying on the full-time Master’s programme. Please contact us for further details.

We are introducing a revised programme structure for students who join from September 2016. You will take three core modules, then subsequent modules are tailored to your chosen pathway.

Core modules for all students
-Economic Evaluation (15 credits)
-Advanced Economic Evaluation (15 credits)
-Health Economics (15 credits)

Core modules for the dissertation path
-Microeconomic Theory (30 credits)
-Econometrics (30 credits)
-Economics Research Project (60 credits)

Core modules for the literature survey path
-Microeconomic Analysis (30 credits)
-Quantitative Methods Health (30 credits)
-Economics Literature Survey (30 credits)

Elective Modules - on the Dissertation route you will take one elective, on the literature survey route you will take three.
-Health Economics
-Economic Evaluation Workshops (15 credits)
-Welfare Economics (15 credits)
-Epidemiology (15 credits)
-Development Economics (15 credits)
-Economics of Regulation and Competition (15 credits)
-The Economics of Micro-Finance (15 credits)
-Experimental Economics and Game Theory (15 credits)
-History of Economic Thought (15 credits)

Career prospects

This MSc prepares you for career opportunities in economic consultancies, think-tanks, the pharmaceutical industry, professional associations, governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations.

It also prepares you for a PhD in health economics, or teaching and research positions in academic institutions.

Examples: Abacus International, NICE, Optum, IMS Health, Research International, NHS, Kovis, Eli-Lilly, OHE, United Nations, Fidelity, Oxford Outcomes, Gallaher, Johnson&Johnson, Novo Nordisk, Synovate, Tomtah, as well as PhDs at UCL, York, City University London and Warwick.

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The European Master in Health Economics and Management (Eu-HEM) is a unique international joint degree program at four leading European universities:

Management Center Innsbruck
Erasmus University Rotterdam
The University of Bologna
The University of Oslo

The objectives of this Master program are:

Transfer of relevant scientific and technical knowledge and understanding as well as teaching students the relevant methodological and analytical skills.
Transfer of an advanced and practice-relevant level of technical and methodological skills of the students in the field of Health Economics and Management.
Transfer and development of a variety of relevant extra-functional skills demanded in the occupational field. Particular emphasis is placed on creating an interdisciplinary understanding of the professional field of health care.
Advancement of scientific and methodological know-how in order to fulfill the requirements for a PhD program in health economics and management or related fields of study.

The European Master in Health Economics and Management prepares students for careers in the healthcare sector by developing competences and expertise in the field of health economics and policy, healthcare management, health law and regulation. Eu-HEM is a two year 120 ECTS program, offering six fields of specialization:

Management of Healthcare Institutions
Economic Evaluation in Healthcare
Health Economics (Research Track)
Decision Making in Healthcare
Global Health
Healthcare Finance and Management

Depending on the specialization, students will study at least at two partner universities. At the Management Center Innsbruck, Eu-HEM is interconnected with the study offer of the master program International Health and Social Management.

An international education is key for future leaders in the field of health care. Upon successful completion, students will be awarded a joint diploma in European Master in Health Economics and Management, recognized and signed by all four partner universities.

For detailed information on Eu-HEM, please find: http://www.eu-hem.eu The Homepage provides all necessary information:

- structure and content of the program,
- admission requirements and procedure,
- contact.

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Double Masters – Double Excellence

The Double Masters Programme in Health Economics provides highly qualified students with the opportunity to profit from the first class expertise of two universities. Participants study at each university for one year and graduate with two Master's degrees from these renowned institutions: The Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, University of Cologne, and the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University.

Health Economics is an interdisciplinary science in-between economics and medicine. The Double Masters Programme in Health Economics has a strong focus on innovation in the healthcare sector and on current and future healthcare challenges.

The Double Masters Programme prepares students for responsible management positions in the public and private health care sector. Students develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the management of the health care sector and gain in-depth knowledge of health economics and innovation in healthcare, together with strong intercultural competencies. Upon completion of this programme, graduates will be able to apply economic concepts to medical questions and actively address challenges of today's complex and rapidly changing healthcare sector.

Holding a German and a Dutch Master's degree, the graduates will have excellent perspectives on the European and the international labour market.

Please note that the Double Master is a consecutive programme, i.e. you need for application a Bachelor (or equivalent) with strong proficiency in Business Administration, Management Studies or Health Economics (60 ECTS). Furthermore, a minimum of 15 ECTS in the field of medicine and further 18 ECTS in the methods of the Health Economics are required. Unfortunately, University of Cologne's admission rules do not leave room for substituting work experience for credits. Please take a look at your transcript and verify that you meet the above mentioned criteria. Moreover, please bear in mind that the TOEFL/IELTS/etc. are indispensable requirements for an application and have to be submitted until the application deadline. More information on the accepted language certificates can be found here: https://www.wiso.uni-koeln.de/en/studies/application/application-procedure-for-masters-programmes/language-skills/

Please read our websites to find more information about the study programme, the requirements and the application process: https://www.wiso.uni-koeln.de/de/studium/master/double-masters-programmes/health-economics-and-management/admission/

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The UCL MSc in Health Economics and Decision Science spans the disciplines of economics, statistics and epidemiology - training students in applied problems, while providing the theoretical foundations expected of an outstanding UCL postgraduate degree. Strong links to industry and a severe shortage of skills in this area will ensure that graduates of this program are highly employable.

Degree information

Students choose between a decision science or economics stream and complete eight taught modules and a project. Some students will have the opportunity of an industry internship. All graduates will understand how the political, economic and physical context of health systems, frames the application of economics and decision science. Graduates will be able to conduct rigorous cost effectiveness analyses of health technologies and interventions.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research project (60 credits).

Core modules - at least four modules (60 credits) must be selected from the following list. The selection of core modules is specific to the student's preferred stream.
-Health Systems in a Global Context
-Health Policy and Reform
-Economic Evaluation
-Introductory Microeconomics
-Medical Statistics
-Econometrics
-Key Principles of Health Economics
-Modelling for Decision Science
-Microeconomics for Health

Optional modules
-Bayesian Methods in Economic Evaluation
-Health Economics
-Social Determinants of Health
-Concepts and Controversies in Global Health
-Climate Change and Health
-The PPE of Health
-Medical Statistics II
-Research Methods and Evidence for Global Health
-Economics of Health and Population
-Urban Health

In addition to the modules listed, student may selected one optional module from any department in UCL.

Dissertation/report
All students undertake an indepedant research project, which culminates in a dissertation of up to 10,000 words (60 credits). Some students may conduct their research project together with industry partners.

Teaching and learning
Teaching will be delivered using a wide range of methods including classroom teaching, peer-led seminars, online lectures and practical exercises, moderated debates, group exercises and reading and writing tasks. Assessment varies from written examinations, to essays, portfolios and oral presentations.

Placement
A number of students will have the opportunity to undertake an industry placement. This will not be assessed as part of the course and access to placements is voluntary and based on open competition.

Careers

There is currently a significant shortage of specialists in health economics and decision science. Graduates of the MSc in Health Economics and Decision Science may go on to work within the pharmaceutical industry, local, national government departments, international organizations, think tanks, consultancy or in academia among other opportunities.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL offers a unique, multidisciplinary environment in which to study health economics and decision science. The teaching team comprises economists, statisticians, epidemiologists, mathematicians and public health doctors among others. As a world-leading university, we research, publish and consult in the topics we teach. Our strong links to industry, policy and academia enhance the relevance of our teaching and the employment opportunities of our graduates.

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About the MSc programmes

In the MSc International Health Policy programme, you analyse current and emerging health care problems and the range of health policies being developed to meet them internationally. The programme gives you the opportunity to examine important health policy issues through the application of basic health policy and economic principles. The MSc International Health Policy (Health Economics) allows you to concentrate on options geared to health economics analysis.

Both streams will take Financing Health Care, and a course on Health Economics. Students on the health policy stream will also take the following compulsory courses: Pharmaceutical Economics, Foundation of Health Policy, and Measuring Health Care Performance. Meanwhile, students on the health economics stream will also take the following compulsory courses: Statistical Methods in Health Care Economic Evaluation, Cost Effectiveness Analysis and Applied Health Econometrics.

You will benefit from contact with research staff in LSE Health and Social Care, including specialists in a range of subject areas.

Graduate destinations

Professional destinations after completing the degree include consultancies, pharmaceutical companies, health services, international organisations, government departments and agencies and NGOs as well as employment in research or further study for a PhD.

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Aimed at health care professionals and managers, as well as new graduates, this programme provides an introduction to the central issues in health economics and health policy involved in the management of primary health care.

This programme is suitable for people currently working in the health care sector (in both the public and private sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry) who wish to improve their understanding of and skills in health economics. It may also be of interest to new graduates who wish to pursue a career in health economics and/or health services research.

The MSc Health Economics and Health Policy course:

- brings together professionals from a vast array of work environments, locations and backgrounds offering the benefit of knowledge and experience sharing
- does not ask for an economics first degree
- has a wide variety of module options creating a flexible degree to suit your needs
- offers modules on a block basis (3 or 5 days) making it easier for you and your employers to manage your study leave

About the College of Medical and Dental Sciences

The College of Medical and Dental Sciences is a major international centre for research and education, make huge strides in finding solutions to major health problems including ageing, cancer, cardiovascular, dental, endocrine, inflammatory diseases, infection (including antibiotic resistance), rare diseases and trauma.
We tackle global healthcare problems through excellence in basic and clinical science, and improve human health by delivering tangible real-life benefits in the fight against acute and chronic disease.
Situated in the largest healthcare region in the country, with access to one of the largest and most diverse populations in Europe, we are positioned to address major global issues and diseases affecting today’s society through our eight specialist research institutes.
With over 1,000 academic staff and around £60 million of new research funding per year, the College of Medical and Dental Sciences is dedicated to performing world-leading research.
We care about our research and teaching and are committed to developing outstanding scientists and healthcare professionals of the future. We offer our postgraduate community a unique learning experience taught by academics who lead the way in research in their field.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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The MSc in Health Economics and Policy provides opportunities to gain a deeper and more critical insight into this area of knowledge. The programme is offered part-time via blended e-learning and an annual autumn Academy held in Lancaster.

It aims to promote advanced knowledge and a critical understanding of theory, research, policy and practice in health economics and policy.

The MSc in Health Economics and Policy aims to provide an opportunity for those seeking to enhance their academic knowledge of the discipline and be better qualified to successfully apply for positions in the public sector or pharmaceutical companies, if desired.

Modules include:
- PhD Induction Academy
- Health Economics: principles and practice
- Systematic approaches to literature reviews and evidence synthesis
- Data Analysis

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Course outline

The major aim of the Master of Science in Health Economics (MScHE) program is to provide first-class training in theoretical foundations and practical applications of health economic methods needed for decision-making, policy-making and development and research in health and health care, within the context of the ethical principles of society. More specifically, the foundation for specialization in health economics is provided through coursework in the core areas of health economics, specifically microeconomics, econometrics, and economic evaluation of health and health care programs.

In order to ensure the students have the experience and skills necessary to successfully participate in public health and health services decision-making there is an in-depth training in health systems and in economic principles that guide the organizations and functions in the health care system. Moreover, students are provided with current tools to participate in the frontier of health economic research and practice.

Course structure

The MscHE program is a modular programme, allowing for full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 years) study. Before commencing the programme applicants should decide which mode of study they want to follow. Both modes of study have the same course components, credit requirements and lead to the same final degree.

The course is structured into four (4) compact teaching modules, followed by a period of individual research work.

The first module - Introduction in Economics, Methods & Theory - consists of two (2) introductory self-study courses with an expected learning time of two (2) weeks of full-time study. One of them discusses the ethical foundations necessary for normative economics and provides an introduction to health policy, while the second supplies a review of the basic mathematical methods applied in economics. The inclusion of self-study courses at the beginning of the program clearly communicates to students that in this programme they need to be highly motivated and self-directed if they are to be successful.

The second module comprises several taught courses lasting six (6) weeks. They are designed to help the students to achieve a sound overview of health economic theory and methods. There is one (1) additional week for the exams.

The third module - Health Care systems & statistics - builds on the foundations established in the second module and introduces students during six (6) weeks. It is again followed by one (1) week for the completion of exams.

The fourth and final module - Applied Economic Research - focuses during ten (10) weeks on the advanced strategies and skill-building necessary for health-economic research and practice. This module is also completed by one (1) week of exams following the courses.

Thesis (25 ECTS)

After successfully completing the taught part of the program, students move on to the research work for their final thesis. This project is designed to enhance students’ ability to independently discern a research issue that is both relevant and substantial, choose the methodology for dealing with it, and gauge the impact of the findings at a practical and policy-related level. To make this a fruitful learning experience, students are systematically guided throughout the work on their thesis by an academic tutor.

Cooperation Partners

The MscHE’s international connectivity links it with leading institutions in research, education and industry, a fact that contributes greatly to the development of a diverse, globally engaged health-economics research community and workforce. Practical experience outside their programme of study can be arranged for students with the help of our industrial partners, governmental and research agencies, and academic research collaborators in Germany, Europe and abroad.

Curriculum

The Curriculum can be found here.

Formal requirements

Admission to the Master’s course is restricted. Please consult the Admissions Regulations for detailed information.

Admission prerequisites

The programme is open to medical doctors and other professionals with an initial health-related academic degree (above average) equivalent to 240 ECTS (usually a Bachelor degree after at least 4 years of full-time study) plus work experience of minimum one year in a health-related sector.

The language of instruction is English. Students whose mother tongue is not English must furnish evidence of proficiency in English, usually by certification of an IELTS score of min. 7.0, or TOEFL iBT of 100 or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English - CAE. Exemption from this requirement may be granted to students who have completed their prior education in English (written proof required with application).

High motivation, self-reliance and team skills are qualities that participants should both possess and display. In a two-page “personal statement” issued in English language, prospective participants are asked to document these qualities, indicate their academic and personal goals, and enlarge on the study and research interests prompting them to apply for the programme.

Letters of recommendation preferably issued by the latest employer or by a professor of the university awarding the academic degree complete the application.

Application and admission

The application for the MScHE program requires submission of a printed application form, complete with supporting documents.

Admission to the Master’s course is restricted. Please consult the Admission Regulations (english version) for detailed information

Academic year/ Time schedule

The academic year starts on September 1 and is split into two semesters (September-February/ March-August).

Full-time study means that students finish the taught parts of the programme in the first semester and write their thesis in the second semester.

Part-time study means that study duration extends over a period of 2 years with defined periods of full-time attendance. Part-time students begin in year 1 by participating in taught modules in the 9 weeks from September to the end of October. In year 2 they continue with taught modules from November to the end of March. The M.Sc. thesis is completed at an individually chosen point thereafter. During taught modules, full-time attendance is necessary, between the modules there is no programme on offer.

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By the end of this stream students should be able to demonstrate ability to apply knowledge of the core disciplines of public health, consisting of statistics; epidemiology; health economics; and social research, to real health problems.

The stream is aimed at anyone - with or without any previous training in economics - who is interested in working as a health economist in an academic or professional capacity across high-, middle- and low-income countries.

- Full programme specification (pdf) (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/edu/qualityassurance/ph_he_progspec.pdf)

This course is accredited by the Agency for Accreditation of Public Health Education in the European Region (APHEA) which is the accreditation body of the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER).

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msphhe.html

Objectives

By the end of this stream students should be able to demonstrate ability to apply knowledge of the core disciplines of public health, consisting of statistics; epidemiology; health economics; and social research, to real health problems. In addition, students will be able to:

- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles and methods of economic evaluation

- demonstrate advanced knowledge of health economic methods applied to health policy or decision analysis

- identify, assess and critically synthesise relevant evidence from health economic research literature

- select and apply appropriate, ethical and feasible study designs to answer questions in health care and health economic research

- show competence, both written and verbal, in communicating research evidence

Structure

Term 1:
Students complete the Public Health common core, consisting of four compulsory modules:

Basic Statistics for Public Health & Policy
Basic Epidemiology
Introduction for Health Economics
Principles of Social Research

Students also take two additional modules, selected from the following:

Environment, Health & Sustainable Development
Health Policy, Process & Power
Health Promotion Theory
Health Services
Issues in Public Health

Terms 2 and 3:
Students take a total of five study modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.). The list below shows recommended modules. There are other modules which may be taken only after consultation with the Course Directors.

*Recommended modules

- Slot 1:
Economic Analysis for Health Policy (compulsory)

- Slot 2:
Analytical Models for Decision Making*
Design & Analysis of Epidemiological Studies*
Health Systems*
Statistical Methods in Epidemiology*

- Slot 3:
Economic Evaluation (compulsory)

- Slot 4:
Reviewing the Literature (compulsory)

- Slot 5:
Advanced Statistical Methods in Epidemiology*
Analysing Survey & Population Data
Proposal Development

By arrangement, students may be able to substitute specified Distance Learning modules for up to two modules in certain timetable slots. Any such substitutions will need to be discussed with the Course Directors. Full details are contained in the MSc Course Handbook.

Further details for the course modules - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section2_coursedescriptions/tphe_2.html

Project Report:
Students prepare a project report during the summer months (July - August), for submission by early September.

Intercalating this course

Undergraduate medical students can take a year out either to pursue related studies or work. The School welcomes applications from medical students wishing to intercalate after their third year of study from any recognised university in the world.

Why intercalate with us?:
Reputation: The School has an outstanding international reputation in public health & tropical medicine and is at the forefront of global health research. It is highly rated in a number of world rankings including:

- World’s leading research-focused graduate school (Times Higher Education World Rankings, 2013)
- Third in the world for social science and public health (US News Best Global Universities Ranking, 2014)
- Second in UK for research impact (Research Exercise Framework 2014)
- Top in Europe for impact (Leiden Ranking, 2015)

Highly recognised qualification: possessing a Master's from the School will give you a focused understanding of health and disease, broaden your career prospects and allow you to be immersed in research in a field of your choice.

Valuable skills: you will undertake an independent research project (summer project) in your chosen topic, equipping you with research skills that will distinguish you in a clinical environment. While your medical qualification will give you a breadth of knowledge; undertaking an intercalated degree will allow you to explore your main area of interest in greater depth.

Alumni network: the School has a strong international and diverse alumni community, with more than 20,000 alumni in over 180 countries.

MSc vs. BSc: undertaking an MSc is an excellent opportunity to develop in-depth specialist knowledge in your chosen topic and enhance your skills in scientific research. Postgraduate qualifications are increasingly sought after by clinicians and possessing a Masters qualification can assist you in your future career progression.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msphhe.html#sixth

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The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Economics for Health Care Professionals aims to provide you with the basic principles and tools of health economics so that you can understand the work place situations you encounter from an economic perspective and apply basic economic concepts in your work.

What is Covered?

The programmes are based around learning 'modules', which last for approximately 12 weeks and which comprise five or six individual study 'units'. Modules are weighted at 20 'credits', where one credit equates to approximately 10 hours of study time.

Programme Details

Mounting pressure on health care budgets worldwide has focused attention on how best to organise health care systems and the spending within them. The University of York distance learning programmes in health economics allow students to gain an accredited qualification while continuing in their careers, and offer the flexibility to spread study over a period of years to match professional and personal circumstances.

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