Health Economics and EconometricsMSc / PGDip

Whether you're aiming for a career as a health economist in industry, the health service, or academia, this programme is tailored to help you make a real impact.

You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of health economics and advanced econometric techniques, learning how to apply them to solve economic and policy issues in healthcare.

Course Structure

What makes this course different?

Follow a more econometrics-based pathway in health economics and learn how to turn data into impactful solutions!

Our programme is designed to equip you with the skills to effectively use, analyse, and interpret the large datasets now available in health systems. You’ll also gain insight into how this data relates to health and economic issues and policies.

• Gain advanced technical training in examining health issues from an economics perspective.
• Build your analytical ability to relate theories and research findings to employment experiences.
• Enhance your understanding of the role of health economics in healthcare decision-making.

The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.

This course consists of six taught modules and a dissertation.

• Taught modules – provide an in-depth understanding of health economics and advanced econometric techniques, and how to apply them to address economic and policy issues.
• Dissertation – this will be on either a health economics or econometrics topic. Working on your own, you’ll also have access to a personal tutor to support you.
• Assessment – these include written assignments, presentations and exams.

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

The following must be taken: 

Students will take optional module(s) totalling 20 credits This can be EITHER Statistics for Health Economics II (02 24973) (10 credits) plus any 10-credit module from those offered within IAHR as part of the Masters in Public Health Programme OR students can take Applied Econometrics (07 34218) which is a 20 credit module provided by the Department of Economics. Students who take Applied Econometrics in this option will attend Statistics for Health Economics II non-assessed. 

For students with no knowledge of the health service, a pre course session on an introduction to the NHS in the UK must be attended. For students who have limited mathematics exposure pre course sessions in mathematical techniques for economics are offered by and should be attended in the Department of Economics.

A list of optional modules available on the Master of Public Health programme can be found below: 

You should have, or expect to obtain, a 2:1 Honours degree in Economics or a closely related subject, or an equivalent professional qualification and experience, e.g. health services management experience.

International requirements

For international students there is an English language requirement to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.

If you're made an offer of a place to study and you don't already meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional Course. If you successfully complete this, you'll be able to fulfil the language requirement without needing to take a further qualification.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Accommodation

Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.

Living in Birmingham

As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.

Campus life

Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.

Student support

Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.

Take a virtual tour

Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.