MSc Health Economics and Health Policy

Program Overview

The MSc in Health Economics and Health Policy at the University of Birmingham is designed to bridge the gap between economic theory and health policy application. The program provides a strong foundation in the principles of health economics and equips students with the knowledge necessary to analyze and evaluate healthcare systems, policies, and interventions. The course explores key areas such as health financing, economic evaluation, health policy formulation, and global health challenges. Through this program, students will acquire the skills to assess healthcare policies and their economic impact, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute to the development of more effective and equitable healthcare systems. Students will conclude their studies with a dissertation, where they can apply their learning to a health economics or policy research project of their choice.

Curriculum: The MSc in Health Economics and Health Policy offers a well-rounded curriculum that blends the theoretical underpinnings of economics with the practical aspects of health policy. Core modules include Health Economics, Economic Evaluation for Health Policy, Global Health Policy, Health Financing and Insurance, and Applied Econometrics for Health Economics. These modules are designed to ensure that students are equipped with a thorough understanding of the economics of healthcare, the methods used to evaluate health interventions, and the policy tools available to address health challenges. Students can also choose from optional modules to tailor the program to their interests, with topics including Health Systems and Policy in Low-Income Countries, Public Health Economics, and Health Care Quality and Safety. The program provides students with advanced skills in quantitative analysis, including econometric modeling, which is critical in evaluating health policies and healthcare outcomes.

Research Focus: The MSc in Health Economics and Health Policy places a strong emphasis on research, with students encouraged to engage with cutting-edge research in health economics and policy. The University of Birmingham is renowned for its research excellence in the field of health economics, particularly in areas such as cost-effectiveness analysis, health policy evaluation, and health financing. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research projects and benefit from the expertise of faculty members involved in high-impact research in global health, health system reforms, and economic evaluations of healthcare interventions. The research focus of the program includes examining the economic implications of health policies, the assessment of public health programs, and the impact of healthcare financing models on service delivery. This strong research component ensures that students are well-prepared to engage with complex real-world health challenges.

Industry Engagement: The MSc in Health Economics and Health Policy at the University of Birmingham offers significant industry engagement opportunities, ensuring that students gain practical experience and insights into healthcare policy and management. The university has strong connections with leading healthcare organizations, including the NHS, World Health Organization (WHO), government departments, and NGOs. Through internships, placements, and collaborative projects, students can apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, the program includes opportunities to attend guest lectures, seminars, and networking events with experts in health economics, policy analysis, and public health. This engagement helps students gain a deeper understanding of how health policies are developed and implemented at both national and international levels, enhancing their employability and career prospects in the healthcare sector.

Global Perspective: The MSc in Health Economics and Health Policy provides a strong global perspective, allowing students to examine health economics and policy in a variety of international contexts. The program focuses on global health challenges such as health inequality, health systems strengthening, universal health coverage, and the economic impact of pandemics. Students will analyze healthcare systems in both developed and developing countries, exploring how health policies and financing mechanisms differ across the globe. The program also emphasizes the role of international organizations such as the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nations in shaping global health policy. Through case studies and research projects, students will develop a deeper understanding of the global health landscape and be equipped to work in international organizations, government agencies, or private consulting firms addressing health policy and economic issues on a global scale.