Health Economics

Health Economics at Heidelberg University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze economic aspects of healthcare systems, medical services, and health policies. This program combines principles from economics, health sciences, and public policy to provide a deep understanding of how healthcare resources are allocated, financed, and managed in various contexts. Students will explore topics such as health insurance systems, cost-effectiveness analysis, health technology assessment, and the economic behavior of healthcare providers and patients.

The curriculum is structured to include both theoretical foundations and practical applications, ensuring graduates can critically evaluate healthcare policies and contribute to evidence-based decision-making in the health sector. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, health policy analysis, epidemiology, and statistical methods tailored to health data. Emphasis is placed on developing quantitative skills necessary for modeling health economic phenomena and conducting economic evaluations.

Students will have the opportunity to engage in research projects and internships that provide real-world experience in health economics and policy analysis. The program also emphasizes international perspectives, addressing global health challenges and the economic factors influencing healthcare systems worldwide. By the end of their studies, graduates will be prepared for careers in health administration, policy consulting, research institutions, or further academic pursuits in health economics and related fields.

Heidelberg University is renowned for its research excellence and international orientation, creating a vibrant academic environment where students can collaborate with leading experts and utilize extensive resources. The program aims to foster analytical thinking, policy literacy, and ethical considerations vital to advancing effective and equitable healthcare systems. This master's program provides a solid foundation for those committed to improving health outcomes through economic analysis and policy development.

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.

The financing of the Health Economics Master's program at Heidelberg University is primarily structured through a combination of public funding, tuition fees, and possible financial support options for students. As a public university in Germany, Heidelberg University benefits from government subsidies which help to subsidize the overall cost of education, ensuring that the program remains accessible and affordable for domestic and international students alike. Tuition fees for international students may apply, but for many Master's programs at Heidelberg University, especially those completed in English, the fees are standardized or may vary depending on the specific regulations and funding policies at the time of enrollment.

Students enrolled in the Health Economics program have access to a variety of financial support mechanisms. German students can often benefit from federal student aid programs such as BAföG, which provides partial funding based on financial need. International students are encouraged to explore scholarships offered by the university itself or through external organizations, including the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarships, which support international students pursuing postgraduate studies in Germany.

Additionally, Heidelberg University offers various internal scholarships and bursaries aimed at promoting academic excellence and supporting students facing financial difficulties. The university's international office provides guidance on applying for funding opportunities, both within Germany and from other sources. Some students may also secure part-time employment opportunities on or near the university campus, which can supplement their income during their studies. External funding possibilities include grants, research stipends, and sponsorships from health and economic research organizations.

For students enrolled in the Health Economics program, the overall cost considerations include not only tuition fees but also living expenses, health insurance, study materials, and travel costs. Heidelberg University supports students in managing these expenses through orientation programs that include financial planning, as well as partnerships with local accommodation providers and student associations that offer affordable housing options.

The university maintains transparent information about the financial requirements and funding options relevant to prospective and current students through its official website and student service centers. Students are advised to contact the university's financial aid office for detailed, up-to-date information tailored to their individual circumstances. Overall, the financing for the Health Economics master's program is designed to be comprehensive and supportive, ensuring students can focus on their academic and professional development without undue financial hardship.

The MSc in Health Economics at Heidelberg University offers students an in-depth understanding of economic principles and their application to healthcare systems. This program is designed for students aiming to acquire skills in analyzing healthcare markets, evaluating health technologies, and understanding policy implications within the health sector. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, including health policy analysis, economic evaluation methods, and health services research. Students are exposed to advanced topics such as cost-effectiveness analysis, health technology assessment, and the economic evaluation of public health interventions. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in healthcare consulting, policy analysis, health administration, research, and academia.

Typically, the program is structured to be completed over four semesters, offering a balanced mix of coursework, seminars, and research projects. Core modules focus on microeconomics, macroeconomics, health economics, and statistical methods. Specialized courses may include health policy, health system governance, pharmaceutical economics, and behavioural health economics. The program often involves project work or internships to provide practical experience and facilitate networking with professionals in the field. Heidelberg University emphasizes an international perspective, preparing students to work in diverse healthcare environments worldwide.

The faculty involved in this program are renowned researchers and practitioners in health economics and related fields, ensuring a high-quality education grounded in current research and practice. Students have access to state-of-the-art resources, library facilities, and collaborative opportunities with healthcare institutions and government agencies. Graduates of the program will be equipped with analytical tools, economic expertise, and policy insights necessary to tackle complex challenges in the healthcare sector. The program recognizes the cross-disciplinary nature of health economics, integrating knowledge from economics, medicine, public health, and social sciences.

While specific admission requirements and program details vary, applicants are generally expected to have a background in economics, social sciences, medicine, or related disciplines. Proficiency in English is typically required, and some level of quantitative skills is expected. Heidelberg University fosters an international academic environment, encouraging diverse student cohorts and collaborative learning.

Overall, the MSc in Health Economics from Heidelberg University prepares students for impactful careers in the health sector by combining rigorous academic training with practical applications, fostering research capabilities, and promoting a comprehensive understanding of health economics and policy.