Health Economics

The course consists of taught modules (see full list on course website), and a minor dissertation, and there may be an opportunity to undertake a placement. Students spend up to three months on placement with an appropriate organisation, which may be a pharmaceutical or medical device company, a public agency, a research centre or an international organisation. The internship allows the student to apply the theories and techniques learned in the taught modules. The programme is designed for people interested in pursuing a career in the public sector, working in the government, the health service or public health agencies in the private sector; working in the pharmaceutical, medical device or private care industries; or working in the research sector, working with public, academic, or private consultancy agencies.

3 GOOD REASONS TO STUDY THIS COURSE
1. Work experience: A number of internships (competitive placements) in public health agencies, pharmaceutical, medical device or private care industries, private consultancy agencies, and development agencies will be offered. The MSc offers students the opportunity to use the skills they acquire in a placement.

2. Students have successfully transitioned into full-time employment with their placement host.

3. Special events: The Health Economics & Policy Analysis Centre (HEPAC) at NUI Galway organises seminars and conferences every year featuring national and international experts in all areas of health economics.

Minimum Entry Requirements
Normally applicants require a primary degree with Second Class Honours, Grade 1, which includes the study of economics to intermediate level. Students who hold a Higher Diploma in Economics with Second Class Honours, Grade 1, or equivalent may also apply. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent if applicable. Applications from people with experience in the pharmaceutical or medical device industry sectors, or the health service or public health agencies, are also welcome. Applicants without a background in economics will be offered an opportunity to take a bridging course in economics before starting the programme.

WHEN TO APPLY:
Places will be offered on a rolling basis and candidates are advised to apply as early as possible. Applications will close when the programme is full.

1MHE1: 1 year full-time, 1MHE2: 2 years part-time.

Career Opportunities
Graduates with an MSc in Health Economics qualification are in high demand nationally and internationally. Recent graduates from NUI Galway have embarked on careers in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry sectors, research consultancy, and in the voluntary and health sectors. Other graduates have pursued further education at PhD level in Ireland and elsewhere.