Health Economics
The MSc in Health Economics is a taught Masters programme which introduces the student to the theoretical principles and practical techniques of economic analysis which are applied to inform health policy and health care decision-making within the evolving global context of technological development, population ageing, rising healthcare costs and changing patient preferences and expectations.
In particular, the programme seeks to equip students with the tools to examine individual behaviours with respect to health and health care, to explore alternative systems of health care finance and delivery, and to apply economic evaluation, preference elicitation and econometric techniques to inform health care resource allocation.
The programme consists of a mix of modules, which are delivered through a series of lectures, practical workshops, tutorials, and seminars from academic and industry experts, in addition to a supervised minor dissertation or applied placement project, which are generally completed over the course of a summer placement at an appropriate host organisation.
A large number of our graduates have found employment in leading pharmaceutical companies and in health economics and market access consulting companies. Other graduates are pursuing careers in the public sector, working in the government, the health service, regulatory agencies or public health agencies. The programme is also a very useful springboard for a career in research. Several graduates have completed a PhD following the M Sc and are working in academic and research organizations.
Subjects taught
Course outline (full-time programme)
The MSc in Health Economics consists of 90 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). Students complete a combination of modules (worth 10 ECTS) and a dissertation or applied placement project (10 ECTS) to fulfil the 90 ECTs requirement.
Semester 1
Core
Economics of Health and Health Care
Economic Evaluation in Health Care
Econometrics
Research Methods for Health Economics and Policy
Semester 2
Core
Health Systems and Policy Analysis
Applied Health Technology Assessment and Decision Modelling
Optional
Public Sector Economics
Cost Benefit Analysis and Evaluation
Applied Econometrics
Observational & Analytical Research Methods
Introduction to Systematic Reviews
Summer
Dissertation or Applied Placement Project
Dissertation
Students must complete either a dissertation or an applied placement project. The programme director and the host organisation will determine which is the most appropriate assessment for each student on a case-by-case basis.
Course outline (part-time Programme)
The MSc in Health Economics consists of 90 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). Students complete a combination of modules (worth 10 ECTS) and a dissertation or applied placement project (10 ECTS) to fulfil the 90 ECTs requirement.
Year 1
Semester 1
Core
Economic Evaluation of Health Care
Research Methods for Health Economics and Policy
Semester 2
Core
Applied Health Technology Assessment and Decision Modelling
Optional
Public Sector Economics
Cost Benefit Analysis and Evaluation
Applied Econometrics
Observational & Analytical Research Methods
Introduction to Systematic Reviews
Year 2
Semester 1
Core
Economics of Health and Health Care
Econometrics
Semester 2
Core
Health Systems and Policy Analysis
Optional
Public Sector Economics
Cost Benefit Analysis and Evaluation
Applied Econometrics
Observational & Analytical Research Methods
Introduction to Systematic Reviews
Summer
Dissertation or Applied Placement Project
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Entry requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements
Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) with Economics. However, candidates with a significantly high H2.2 honours degree and who have achieved a 2.1 average in relevant Economics modules in a business degree, will also be considered. Applications for the full-time and part-time programmes are particularly welcomed from people working in the pharmaceutical or medical device sectors and from people working in the health policy or health care system sectors. Suitable applicants without a background in Economics will be offered an opportunity to take an online preparatory course before being accepted on the programme. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable.
Application dates
Closing Date
Please view the offer rounds website at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/postgrad-admissions/key-dates/
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System
Duration
1 year full-time,
2 years part-time.
Enrolment dates
Next start date September 2024
Closing Date: Offers are made on a rolling basis.
Post Course Info
Career Opportunities
Graduates with a MSc in Health Economics qualification are in high demand nationally and internationally. Recently graduated students from the University of Galway have embarked on careers in areas such as the pharmaceutical and medical device industry sector, research consultancy, and the voluntary and public sectors. Other graduates have pursued further education at PhD level at University of Galway or other national and international institutions.