MSc Health Economics and Econometrics

Program Overview

The MSc in Health Economics and Econometrics at the University of Birmingham combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, giving students a strong grounding in both economics and econometrics within the context of healthcare. The program focuses on the analysis and evaluation of healthcare policies and practices, using advanced econometric techniques to assess healthcare outcomes, costs, and efficiency. Students will learn how to apply economic principles to real-world healthcare issues such as resource allocation, cost-effectiveness analysis, and healthcare financing. The program also offers a research-focused approach, allowing students to develop critical analytical skills and the ability to conduct independent research. The final part of the program is a dissertation, which gives students the opportunity to investigate a topic of their choice in health economics and econometrics, supported by expert faculty.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc in Health Economics and Econometrics includes a combination of core modules and optional subjects that cover both theoretical and empirical aspects of health economics and econometrics. Core modules include Health Economics, Econometrics for Health Research, Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, Health Policy Analysis, and Applied Econometrics. These modules are designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the economic principles underlying healthcare systems and the ability to apply econometric methods to analyze health data. The curriculum also emphasizes the use of statistical software, including STATA and R, to conduct empirical research and data analysis. Optional modules allow students to tailor the program to their specific interests, with topics such as Global Health Economics, Health Financing, and Advanced Econometrics. The program is designed to build both academic expertise and practical, hands-on experience, preparing students for high-level roles in health economics and related fields.

Research Focus: The MSc in Health Economics and Econometrics at the University of Birmingham is research-oriented, with a strong emphasis on the application of econometric methods to healthcare problems. The program is built on the university’s reputation for research excellence in health economics, health policy, and economic evaluation. Research themes include healthcare financing, cost-effectiveness analysis, disease burden analysis, and health outcomes measurement. Students will have the opportunity to engage with ongoing research in areas such as economic evaluation of health interventions, public health economics, and the impact of economic policies on healthcare systems. The university’s Health Economics Research Group provides a platform for students to collaborate with researchers, attend seminars, and participate in discussions on the latest developments in the field. The program encourages students to conduct original research, applying econometric models and statistical techniques to investigate key issues in health economics.

Industry Engagement: The MSc in Health Economics and Econometrics offers strong industry engagement opportunities, ensuring that students gain practical experience and insights into the healthcare sector. The University of Birmingham has established partnerships with healthcare organizations, government agencies, and international health organizations, providing students with access to internships, placements, and collaborative projects. These partnerships offer students opportunities to work on real-world healthcare problems and develop practical skills in economic evaluation, policy analysis, and healthcare management. The program also includes guest lectures, workshops, and seminars led by professionals from the healthcare industry, including experts in health economics, healthcare policy, and public health. Students will be able to apply their academic knowledge to practical challenges and build professional networks that can help them advance in their careers.

Global Perspective: The MSc in Health Economics and Econometrics takes a global perspective, examining healthcare economics and econometrics in both developed and developing countries. The program explores the challenges of healthcare financing, resource allocation, and economic evaluation in diverse global contexts, including the role of international health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank. Students will study global health issues, such as healthcare access, cost-effectiveness of health interventions, global health financing, and the economic implications of public health policies. The program’s international focus prepares students to work in global health policy, international development, and global health research. Students will gain the skills necessary to analyze and improve healthcare systems around the world, addressing health disparities and promoting more effective and equitable healthcare delivery.