MSc Health Economics

Course Code DNT2L1B9301
Duration 3 Years
Attendance Part Time
Award Degree of Master of Science

Overview
Why Choose Us
Requirements
Course Profile
Fees and Funding
Apply

Overview

Health Economics is a relatively new but rapidly growing field. As the global population grows, so does our need for more advanced and cost-effective health care. This means that specialists who understand how best to use limited resources are very sought after. By taking a programme in Health Economics you are entering a profession which offers good employment prospects across a range of different sectors (Academia, Pharmaceutical industry, Private consultancy, Government or public sector organisations, and the voluntary sector).

This programme aims to give graduate economists and health professionals an understanding of how economic ideas and principles may be applied to health, public health, and health care. Students develop an understanding of how to apply economic theory and appraise economic evidence to inform health policy and health care decision making through the use of a mixture of lectures, computer practical’s, workshops, individual study and assessed work. Module choice is flexible to reflect student’s prior learning with an opportunity to study relevant modules provided by the Schools of Economics and International Development, The importance of broader research skills is recognised and students develop the skills necessary to progress to PhD research should they wish to.

This programme provides the analytical tools and practical skills on which to start building a career in health economics. To succeed you need to be numerical, methodical and have a good understanding of economic and health care issues.

Please note for part time students teaching is normally held on one morning or afternoon a week during semester time but this may be subject to change – a course timetable will be included with your joining instructions.

Course Organiser

Dr Emmanouil Mentzakis

Year 1

Year 1

Essential Study (120 credits)

Students will select 120 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Economic Evaluation in Health Care The pre-requisites for this 20-credit module are MED-M07D Health Economics and MED-M31D Introduction to Research Methods, or experience and knowledge of health service research methods and health service experience or a relevant qualification. The objectives are to enable students: to understand and critically appraise economic studies of health care interventions; to understand the range of evaluation techniques and appropriate circumstances for application; to appreciate links between economic evaluation and economic theory, health service research and decision making and to have confidence to conduct further economic evaluation studies. more...	MED-M12E	20	Semester 2
Health Economics This module aims to equip non-economists with a basic understanding of health economics, its value and limitations. The module will cover fundamental economic principles and their application to health care. These will include concepts of opportunity cost, supply and demand, and efficiency, as well as the economic evaluation of health care interventions using techniques such as cost effectiveness analysis, cost utility analysis and cost benefit analysis. The unit will also examine how economic principles can be applied to system level health policy issues such as health care priority setting, alternative models of health care financing and organisation, and equity and inequalities in health. more...	MED-M07D	20	Semester 1
Introduction to Research Methods The purpose of this module is to provide students with a broad introduction to the methods used in Health Science Research. . The skills to be developed include being able to 1: recognise basic quantitative and qualitative research designs 2: recognise different data collection techniques 3: acquire a basic understanding of both statistical analysis and qualitative analysis; 4: critically appraise of the research literature. more...	MED-M31D	20	Semester 1
Research Dissertation The purpose of this module is to illustrate the depth of skills and knowledge that have been developed through the MSc programme. The skills to be developed further include being able to 1: gain practical experience in conducting research in an area of self-chosen content or subject material 2: gain practical experience of presenting their research in a written format 3: apply their knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies to their own area of self-chosen content or subject material. All students will be encouraged to consider their dissertation work for publication either within the University or in refereed academic journals. more...	MED-M10X	60	Year Period

Option A Study (20 credits)

Students will select 20 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Econometric Methods This is a module of two halves. The first half introduces some basic econometric techniques, and the problems which arise in their use. The second half applies the skills acquired in the first half, to particular problems in economics such as exchange rate models and the analysis of discrete choices by individuals. An emphasis is placed on the practical side of the subject. With the aid of the specialist econometric computer software STATA, theoretical models are estimated and tested using real data. more...	ECO-M001	20	Semester 1
Econometric Theory This is an advanced module in econometric theory, aimed at students with some prior knowledge of econometrics. Using matrix algebra, the multiple regression model is analysed, and the theory of estimation and hypothesis testing is developed in this context. Violations of the basic assumptions of the multiple regression model, such as heteroscedasticity, serial correlation, misspecification and measurement error, are analysed from a theoretical perspective. Finally, dynamic models and models of expectations are covered. The specialist econometric software package STATA plays a role, but with a much greater emphasis on techniques than on results. more...	ECO-M003	20	Semester 1
Further Quantitative Research Methods The purpose of this module is to build on the coverage of quantitative methods and critical appraisal skills that were introduced and described in the Introduction to Research Methods module. The skills to be developed further include being able to 1: add depth to the basic knowledge already acquired in that module on measurement, survey instruments, trial design and statistics, 2: begin to acquire a basic understand of the concept of systematic reviews and meta analysis. more...	MED-M32E	20	Semester 2

Option B Study (40 credits)

Students will select 40 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Applied Econometrics This module builds on the econometric theory of earlier courses: ECO-M001, ECO-M017 and ECO-M003. It attempts to place the theoretical ideas of those modules in the context of current applied analysis. The module is divided into five main parts: data issues and distribution theory time series econometrics, estimation of systems of equations, microeconomics, and panel data models. There is an emphasis on the practical application of common estimation techniques, with the specialist econometric software package STATA being used extensively. These skills are assessed in an applied project at the end of the course. more...	ECO-M002	20	Semester 2
Economic Concepts This module is designed to introduce students to micro and macro economics analysis, and to familiarise students with a wide range of economic tools which can be applied to issues relating to their Applied Training Programme. more...	ECO-M019	20	Semester 1
Economic Theory I This is an advanced module in microeconomic theory, designed for postgraduate students with a strong background in economics. The topics covered in this module include the duality approach to demand theory, firm theory, general equilibrium theory, game theory, choice under uncertainty, agency theory and the economics of asymmetric information. The rational-choice foundations of microeconomics are also critically examined. more...	ECO-M005	20	Semester 1
Evidence Based Practice The purpose of this module is to equip health care professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to base their professional practice on current, best available evidence. The skills to be developed include being able to 1: frame questions relevant to the student's practice, 2: search for best evidence, 3: rapidly screening and appraising the literature for validity and applicability to their professional practice, 4: apply the evidence to their professional practice. In this module, the main focus will be on evidence related to diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Other aspects such as economic analysis, guidelines and implementation will be included to a lesser extent. more...	AHP-M29F	20	Semester 3
Further Qualitative Research Methods The purpose of this module is to build on the coverage of qualitative methods and critical appraisal skills that were introduced and described in the Introduction to Research Methods module. The skills to be developed further include being able to 1: gain further knowledge of the conduct of qualitative studies 2: negotiate and acquire the practical skills needed in the planning and design, the data collection, the data analysis, and the data interpretation of a qualitative study. more...	MED-M33F	20	Semester 3
Health and Development This module provides a broad introduction to health issues in a context of development. It reviews different cultural understandings of health, and relationships between health, socio-economic change, livelihoods and poverty. The module also examines health policies of particular relevance to developing countries. While the module looks at health issues in general, it pays particular attention to links between HIV/AIDS and development. more...	DEV-M070	20	Semester 2
Promoting Behavioural Change and Lifestyle Improvement The module will offer a coherent approach to a range of behaviour change models, psychological and sociological approaches and evidence, with an emphasis on application to patient care and practice. There will be six study days, offered as full days of study once per fortnight. Key themes: 1. Introduction to psychology and health psychology including humanistic approaches and current evidence. 2. Sociological perspectives and current evidence. 3. Theory of planned behaviour; common sense self-regulation model (CSSRM). 4. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and psychological approaches to interventions. 5. Motivational Interviewing. 6. Effective assessment and formulation (incorporated into themes 4 and 6) 7. Stress management and links to depression management. 8. Application of interventions to case load/patient care (integrated into other themes). 9. Adherence/concordance - including how people with depression make treatment choices. 10. Pain perception. more...	NSC-M31E	20	Semester 2
Research Synthesis To provide students with the skills and understanding to appraise and interpret published systematic reviews (including forest plots) and to develop a protocol and undertake a systematic review themselves. more...	MED-M521	20	Semester 1
Statistical Methods in Health Research The purpose of this module is to build upon ideas introduced in the Introduction to Research Methods module and the Further Quantitative Research Methods module, the completion of which is necessary for entry to this course. The skills to be developed further include being able to 1: increase students' depth and breadth of classical statistical techniques used in health research 2: introduce some newer ideas and outline some of the philosophies underlying certain statistical methodologies 3: apply basic statistical theory and the understanding of statistics in practice more...	MED-M28F	20	Semester 3

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

UEA

Norwich Medical School Courses

Norwich Medical School

MSc Health Economics

Year 1

Further Information

Quick Links