Overview
The MSc in Health Economics and Policy meets the needs of those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of health economics theory, research and practice, whilst fulfilling their existing responsibilities. The programme is offered part-time and combines innovative distance learning with face-to-face teaching at an annual autumn Academy held in Lancaster.
The programme is suitable for both UK-based and international students. It provides an opportunity for those seeking to enhance their academic knowledge of the discipline and be better qualified for positions in the public sector, pharmaceutical companies or international organisations. Our postgraduate students extend their knowledge beyond a single discipline and possess a wide range of skills to aid employability.
The programme begins with a compulsory three-day Induction Academy in Lancaster followed by modules delivered online. In Year 1 students take two specialist modules that cover the theory and practice of health economics and policy as well as a module on data analysis. Year 2 starts with an optional autumn Academy in Lancaster followed by an online module on systematic literature reviewing and completion of a dissertation.
The Health Economics at Lancaster (HEAL) team has expertise in health economics, health policy and economic evaluation. This expertise is being complemented by the expertise existing in the Economics department at Lancaster University Management School (LUMS).
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a relevant subject. In exceptional cases, relevant work experience will be considered for those without an upper second class honours degree.
We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
English Language Requirements
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.
Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
Course Structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Core
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Data Analysis
e-learning distance module
Spring term (weeks 1-10, January-March)
Credits: 30
Mode of assessment: two pieces of written work (Qualitative data analysis, 2500 words; Quantitative data analysis, 2500 words)
This module is an introduction to the theory and practice of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The module consists of two distinct parts: qualitative data analysis and quantitative data analysis. Within each part, there will be an option to take an introductory or an advanced unit.
The introductory quantitative unit covers data management and descriptive analyses and introduces students to inferential testing in general and statistical tests for comparisons between groups specifically. The advanced quantitative unit covers linear regression as well as regression methods for categorical dependent variables and longitudinal data before exploring quasi-experimental methods for policy evaluation and finally providing an opportunity to discuss more specific regression methods such count data models or duration analysis.
The introductory qualitative unit focusses on the technique of thematic analysis, a highly flexible approach and useful foundation for researchers new to qualitative data analysis. The unit takes students through the stage of a qualitative data analysis: sorting and organising qualitative data, interrogating qualitative data, interpreting the data and finally writing accounts of qualitative data. The advanced qualitative unit introduces students to alternative techniques such as narrative analysis or discourse analysis.
Deadline: April
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Health Economics: principles and practice
e-learning distance module
Autumn Term (weeks 1-10, October – December)
Credits: 30
Mode of assessment: 3000 word essay (80%) and a poster (20%).
This module equips students with a set of economic tools to critically appraise issues in health and health care while offering a broad overview of the most relevant and current policy issues. The module begins with a review of microeconomic and statistical tools relevant for health economics. It then introduces an analytical framework for assessing a wide range of health systems. Next, the module looks at the demand for and production of health and health care, including the concept of supplier induced demand. Finally, the module introduces students to the key elements of economic evaluation.
Deadline: January
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Induction Academy
The aim of this module is to provide students with an advanced introduction to the methods commonly used in health research. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of:
- How to use Moodle for distance learning and engage with peers and staff online
- Using the library as a distance learning student
- How to search the literature
- Using End Note
- How to synthesise evidence
- Standards of academic writing
- The nature of plagiarism and how to reference source material correctly
- Theoretical perspectives in health research
- The practical process of conducting research
- How to formulate appropriate questions and hypotheses
- How to choose appropriate methodology
- Quantitative and qualitative research method
- Research ethics
- Disseminating and implementing research into practice
- Programme-specific research.
Core
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Dissertation
Module description to follow.
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Systematic approaches to literature reviews and evidence synthesis
e-learning distance module
Autumn term (weeks 1-10, October-December)
Credits: 30
Mode of assessment: 5000 word assignment
This module provides an introduction to the principles and components of systematic reviewing. It takes students through the key steps of a systematic review. The starting point of the module is the construction of an appropriate review question. Next, the module discusses the (iterative) process of creating a search strategy that successfully identifies all relevant literature. The module then moves on to selecting appropriate methodological quality criteria, enabling students to develop their skills in critically appraising studies. After discussing how to prepare a data extraction form the module introduces a key component of a systematic review: synthesising the evidence. Finally, the module will teach students how to put everything together in a systematic review protocol.
Deadline: January
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
Fees and Funding
We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2024/25 entry fees have not yet been set.
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Additional costs
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2023 and 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
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Application fees and tuition fee deposits
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
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Fees in subsequent years
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Studying by blended learning
The MSc in Health Economics and Policy is offered part-time via blended learning. Teaching activities are carried out through a combination of face-to-face and online interaction, allowing you to undertake the majority of study from your own location whilst fulfilling your existing responsibilities. You will benefit from being part of a UK and internationally-based peer group working across a range of sectors.
Face-to-face interactions take place at an annual residential autumn Academy while taught modules are delivered via distance learning using our virtual learning environment and include discussion forums, collaborative digital spaces and video conferencing. All students have access to a hub space that facilitates interaction with their cohort and with students on related programmes, creating a virtual information space that is also sociable. A academic tutor provides you with support for each step of your MSc.
Blended Learning
The Division of Health Research
The Division of Health Research have been offering blended learning postgraduate programmes since 2010. We have many successful graduates and currently around 200 continuing students on a range of programmes who have benefited in progressing their careers from the high quality postgraduate education we provide.
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Health Economics at Lancaster (HEAL)
As a research group with strong collaborative links with the Economics department, the work undertaken by HEAL aims to have an impact on people's well being and society as a whole.
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Athena SWAN: Gender Equality at Lancaster
We hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to advancing the careers of women in higher education and research.
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Social and Economic Inequality in Health Research
Our research illuminates the social determinants of inequalities in health to produce and exchange evidence to reduce these inequalities.
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2023/2024 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
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