MA in International Management
The Fresenius University of Applied Sciences offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Internatio...
MSc in International Health Economics and Pharmacoeconomics
Wiesbaden
INTAKE: Mar & Sept
Program Overview
The Fresenius University of Applied Sciences offers a Master of Science (MSc) in International Health Economics and Pharmacoeconomics, a specialized and highly practical program designed for graduates in a life science, natural science, or economics-related field. This two-year, four-semester program is ideal for individuals who want to gain an excellent advanced qualification in the field of health economics, health products, and market access. The program is an international one with a close link between theory and practice, and a strong focus on providing specific knowledge of pharmacoeconomics as well as methodical and strategic knowledge for international health markets. Taught entirely in English, the degree is available at the university's Wiesbaden campus, a key economic hub in the Rhine/Main region.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MSc in International Health Economics and Pharmacoeconomics is designed to provide a comprehensive and specialized understanding of modern healthcare systems and market dynamics. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in various fields, with a focus on both the economic and strategic aspects of the healthcare industry. Core modules include "Health Economic Theory and Methodology," "International Healthcare Systems, Politics and Ethical Issues," and "Market Access and Management." The program also delves into more advanced topics such as "Modelling in Pharmacoeconomics," "Epidemiology and Applied Statistics," and "Economic Evaluation and Outcomes Research." A key feature of the curriculum is the mandatory 12-week residency placement in the third semester, which allows students to gain hands-on experience in a company or organization.
Research Focus: The research focus of the MSc in International Health Economics and Pharmacoeconomics is applied and practice-oriented. The program is designed to be research-led, with faculty members who have extensive professional experience and integrate their findings into their teaching. The curriculum encourages students to engage with contemporary challenges in health economics and pharmacoeconomics. Through a research project in the third semester and the final master's thesis, students are encouraged to conduct independent research and apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. The program's emphasis on hands-on research and the use of statistical and modeling techniques prepares graduates to analyze industry processes from an economic perspective and to evaluate alternative strategies from both a healthcare system and business perspective.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a central component of the MSc program. The curriculum has been developed in close cooperation with partners from the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries to ensure its relevance to the job market. The university is committed to providing a practice-oriented education, and this is achieved through application-oriented teaching from experts with extensive professional experience. The program includes a six-month in-company placement, providing students with direct work experience and a strong professional network. Around 80% of students also complete their Master's theses at their placement companies, and many are subsequently offered permanent employment.
Global Perspective: The MSc in International Health Economics and Pharmacoeconomics program provides a strong global perspective, preparing students for careers in the international healthcare industry. The program is taught entirely in English, attracting a diverse student body and fostering an intercultural learning environment. The curriculum addresses the global nature of healthcare, with a focus on international healthcare systems, global health product development, and market strategies for a variety of countries. The high proportion of international students (more than three quarters) is a defining characteristic of the program and encourages a rich exchange of ideas. The program's focus on international requirements for qualified health economists and its location in Germany, a global leader in the pharmaceutical sector, further enhance the global learning experience.
Location
Wiesbaden
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
Euro 11400
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 67 or higher.
- DET: Overall score of 95 or higher.
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is promoting diversity and global education by supporting talented international students through various scholarship opportunities. Although it is a private institution, Fresenius offers both institutional financial aid and helps students access external funding sources to reduce the financial burden of tuition and living expenses in Germany.
Fresenius University Merit Scholarships: The university occasionally offers merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students who demonstrate excellent academic performance, leadership potential, or notable extracurricular achievements. These scholarships can partially waive tuition fees and are highly competitive.
Social Scholarships (Needs-Based): To support students facing financial hardship, Fresenius provides limited needs-based scholarships. These scholarships are intended for students who show their studies but may struggle to afford tuition and living costs. Applicants must submit proof of income and a personal statement.
Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship): Fresenius participates in the Deutschlandstipendium program supported by the German Federal Government and private sponsors. This scholarship provides high-achieving students regardless of nationality. Selection is based on academic excellence, social engagement, and personal background.
DAAD Scholarships (External Funding): International students applying to Fresenius are also encouraged to explore funding through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). DAAD offers a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, including full and partial tuition coverage, monthly stipends, travel allowances, and insurance.
Erasmus+ and Partner University Grants: For students enrolled in exchange or dual-degree programs, Erasmus+ grants may be available for short-term mobility within Europe. Partner universities may also offer tuition waivers or living stipends for eligible students attending Fresenius under exchange agreements.
Graduates of the Master of Science (MSc) in International Health Economics and Pharmacoeconomics from Fresenius University of Applied Sciences are uniquely prepared for a variety of high-impact roles in the healthcare industry.
Health Economist: A core career path where graduates analyze healthcare systems and policies to advise on resource allocation, pricing, and funding. They work for governments, healthcare providers, or pharmaceutical companies to improve efficiency and health outcomes.
Market Access Manager: These professionals are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to ensure that new drugs, therapies, and medical devices can successfully enter and compete in a given market. Their knowledge of international regulations and pricing is crucial for this role.
Pharmacoeconomics Specialist: This is a specialized role focused on evaluating the value of pharmaceutical products. Graduates use their skills to conduct cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses, which are vital for pricing decisions and reimbursement negotiations with health insurers.
Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Specialist: These professionals work in government agencies or research organizations to evaluate the clinical effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of new health technologies. Their work informs decisions about which technologies should be adopted and funded.
Regulatory Affairs Expert: With a comprehensive understanding of the legal requirements for drug development and distribution, graduates can work in regulatory affairs, ensuring that a company's products and processes comply with national and international regulations.
Payer Relations Manager: These professionals act as a crucial link between a pharmaceutical company and health insurers or other payers. Their role is to communicate the value of a product and negotiate for its inclusion in reimbursement schemes.
Data/Business Analytics Specialist (Healthcare): Leveraging their skills in applied statistics and modeling, graduates can work as data analysts, gathering and evaluating data on patient outcomes, costs, and market trends to provide insights and improve healthcare strategies.
Health Outcomes Researcher: These professionals design and conduct research studies to measure the value of new medical interventions, focusing on patient-reported outcomes, quality of life, and economic impact.
Public Health Policy Advisor: Graduates can work for governmental bodies or international organizations, using their health economics expertise to shape policies that address public health challenges, such as chronic diseases or health disparities.
Consultant (Healthcare): Graduates can work for consulting firms, advising a variety of clients on a wide range of issues, from market access strategies for new drugs to the economic evaluation of health programs and the design of new healthcare systems.
