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.

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.

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.

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

1 year full-time,

2 years part-time.

Next start date September 2024

Closing Date: Offers are made on a rolling basis.

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.