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Health Economics and Econometrics MSc/PGDip

Start date
September
Duration
1 year, full-time
Course Type
Postgraduate, Taught
Fees

Annual tuition fee for 2024/25:
UK: £10,530 full-time
International: £23,310 full-time
More details on fees and funding

Health Economics and Econometrics - MSc/Diploma

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 this area.

Health care systems are being challenged to meet unlimited patient/population needs with constrained and limited resources and health economics data plays an important role in evidence-based decision making. This programme provides an in-depth understanding of health economics and advanced econometric techniques and their application in addressing economics and policy issues. 

This programme gives you the opportunity to follow a more econometrics based pathway in health economics, underpinned by microeconomic theory, whilst also taking core modules in economic evaluation, and modelling. 

The programme is targeted at those with an undergraduate economics degree and a desire to obtain skills that can be applied to the healthcare sector, for careers 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.

Scholarships for 2024 entry

The University of Birmingham is proud to offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate programmes. With a scholarship pot worth over £2 million, we are committed to alleviating financial barriers to support you in taking your next steps.

Each scholarship has its own specific deadlines and eligibility criteria. Please familiarise yourself with the information on individual scholarship webpages prior to submitting an application.

Explore our scholarships

The MSc in Health Economics and Econometrics is taught by the University’s Health Economics Unit and 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.

Why study this course?

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 Health Economics and Econometrics aims to:

  • Advance technical training and analytical skills in health economics
  • Develop the analytical ability to relate theories and research findings to your current or future employment experience in the health service.
  • Develop understanding of the theoretical and historical foundation of health economics.
  • Learn the application of research evidence in the field of health economics.
  • Gain the ability to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and advanced understanding of traditional econometrics
  • Acquire the ability to Identify and critically appraise recent developments in advanced econometrics techniques and their application.

Modules

The programme consists of taught modules (120 credits), plus a dissertation (60 credits – MSc only). There are five compulsory taught modules:

In addition to the above, students need to choose either Statistics for Health Economics II (Health Economics Unit) or any 10-credit module from those offered within the Institute of Applied Health Research as part of the Masters in Public Health Programme. Students who take an alternative module in this option will attend Statistics for Health Economics II non-assessed.

For the MSc you will need to submit a dissertation of 10,000 words on an agreed topic in an area of health economics or econometrics (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma may be obtained by completing the taught modules without the dissertation.

*These modules are available on a stand-alone basis. For more details click on the module title.

Fees

2024/25

MSc

  • UK: £10,530 full-time
  • International: £23,310 full-time

PGDip

  • UK: £7,020 full-time
  • International: £15,540 full-time

Learn more about fees and funding.


Are you an international applicant?

All international applicants to this course will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £2,000 on receipt of an offer, to secure their place.

Find out more about the deposit >>.

 

Postgraduate Loans for Masters students

As a UK resident you can apply for a government loan for postgraduate Masters study. This is a contribution towards the costs of study and whether the loan is used towards fees, maintenance or other costs will be at the discretion of the student.

Find out more about the Postgraduate Loan

How To Apply

How to apply for our taught postgraduate programmes

Application deadlines

The deadline for international students (including EU) to apply is 7 May 2024. The deadline for UK students is 30 August 2024.

Making your application

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

2:1 honours degree in economics or a closely related subject, or an equivalent professional qualification and experience, e.g. health services management experience.

Learn more about entry requirements

International Requirements



International Students

Academic requirements

We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

English language requirements

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

English to IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component).

If you need help with your English language skills then support is available.

The English for Academic Purposes Presessional course is for international students who have a conditional offer to study at the University, but who do not currently meet the English language requirements. The course is tailored to your level of English and allows you to meet the English language requirements for your programme without retaking IELTS. The EAP programme runs throughout the year and offers different programme lengths ranging from 42 weeks to 6 weeks. The length of course you need depends on your future course, your existing IELTS score and the English level you need for your university degree.

Find out more about the English for Academic Purposes Presessional course.

As a Birmingham student, you will be joining the academic elite and will have the privilege of learning from world-leading experts, as well as your peers. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself.

On this programme the modules delivered by the Department of Economics are delivered in traditional weekly lectures and classes whilst the modules delivered by the Health Economics Unit are delivered via block sessions of 3 or 5 days. This programme is only suitable for students in full time study. You will participate in a range of teaching styles such as lectures, small group tutorials, presentations, peer group learning, self-study etc. You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues.

Assessment Methods

Each module is assessed independently. The compulsory modules on MSc Health Economics and Econometrics are all assessed by either assignment, examination or a combination of both.

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.

Employability from the allied and established MSc in Health Economics and Health Policy has been consistently high. This new programme has been specifically designed to complement the current demand by building on specific skills that are known to be in short supply.

This programme will supplement the standard health economic toolkit of economic evaluation and modelling by helping those with particular technical interests to develop techniques to analyse aspects of the Health Service and the big data sets that are being developed and those which are currently available in health service systems and databases.

Careers support for postgraduates

Careers Network – We can help you get ahead in the job market and develop your career

We recognise that as a postgraduate student you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market. The Careers Network also have subject specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area. For more information visit the Careers Network website.