Health Economics

The mission of the Master of Science in Health Economics (MScHE) programme is to provide first-class training in the theoretical foundations and practical applications of health economic methods for decision-making and policy development in health and health care, within the context of the ethical principles of society.
The programme will provide students with the experience and skills necessary to participate in decision-making in health services through training in health systems and the economic principles that guide their organisation and function. The foundation for specialisation in health economics is provided through coursework in the core areas of health economics, specifically microeconomics, econometrics and economic evaluation of health and health care programmes.
The overall goal is to provide students with the newest tools to participate in the frontier of health economic research and practice. An overview of closely related subjects, such as public health, health care policy and health care management, is included in order to provide a broad perspective and prepare graduates for work in multidisciplinary teams and settings.

Educational organisation

The programme is structured into four compact teaching blocks, followed by a period of individual research work.
The first coursework block consists of two introductory self-study modules with an expected learning time of two weeks of full-time study: one introducing the ethical foundations necessary for normative economics and an introduction to health policy, and the second providing a review of introductory mathematical methods applied in economics. The inclusion of self-study modules at the beginning of the programme communicates clearly to students that they must be highly motivated and self-directed in order to succeed in the programme.

The second coursework block includes four weeks of four taught modules which guide the students in building a strong foundation in microeconomic and health economic theories, economic policy and health law, and economic evaluation methods, with one additional week for final preparation of projects, written assignments, and exams.

The third coursework block, consisting of six modules, builds on the foundations established in the second block, and introduces students to the broader context and advanced skills required in the practice of health economics. Six weeks of taught modules in the third block cover the topics of preference and utility theory; epidemiology, demography, and public health, health care financing and policy, health care organisation and management, statistics, and econometrics; again followed by one week for completion of projects, written assignments, and exams.

The fourth and final coursework block focuses on advanced concepts and skill-building necessary for health economic research and practice. The final five modules include advanced techniques in modelling, industrial economics and competition theory, health services research and policy, advanced economic evaluation methods, and clinical decision-making and health technology assessment. As with the previous coursework blocks, the fourth block consists of six teaching weeks, plus one week for final preparation of projects, written assignments, and exams.

Learning takes place mainly in interactive seminars (max. 25 students) and through group/individual learning assignments. Up-to-date keynote lectures complement the student-centred learning approach of the programme. Sufficient workspace and comprehensive access to literature supports students' individual learning.
Coursework revolves around problem and case-based learning activities to develop the applicable skills required for health economic research and practice. These skills include analytical problem formulation, assessment and analysis of economic data, and the use of decision analytic software. Emphasis will be placed on identification of the key objectives and assumptions of health economic research and practice, evaluation of the relevant evidence, and methods of interpreting data and avoiding logical inconsistencies. Through the various learning activities, students will gain self-confidence and professionalism by presenting and defending their ideas and views in front of critical audiences, as well as by actively listening to the arguments and perspectives of others.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams in accordance with the guidelines

Course objectives

The learning outcomes for students of the MScHE programme include the development of a thorough knowledge of the theory and methods used by professional health economists and active researchers in the field, and their important contemporary contributions in international scholarly journals.
Students will gain an understanding of the key analytical arguments used in health economics, and of their normative foundations and ethical implications. Further, they will acquire extensive knowledge of the nature and sources of socio-economic data, of current challenges and major areas of research, and of the role of observation, abstraction, and model construction in facilitating empirical evaluation.

Language requirements

The language of instruction is English. Students whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency, usually by certification of an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT of 100. Exemption from this requirement may be granted to those who have completed their prior education in English (written proof required with application).

Academic requirements

The programme is open to medical doctors and other professionals with a health-related first academic degree equivalent to 240 ECTS (usually a Bachelor's degree after at least four years of full-time study). Special conditions for admission apply to registered medical students within the MaReCuM (Mannheim Reformed Curriculum for Medicine) programme. A maximum of 25 participants will be accepted each year.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 150 EUR per semester