Philosophy Politics and Economics of Health

The Philosophy, Politics and Economics of Health program at University College London (UCL) offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex issues surrounding health and healthcare systems worldwide. This innovative degree combines rigorous analysis of philosophical concepts related to ethics, justice, and human rights with practical insights into political processes and economic policies that shape health outcomes. Students will explore fundamental questions such as: What are the ethical principles that underpin healthcare decision-making? How do political ideologies influence health policy development? What economic factors impact access to healthcare and the sustainability of health systems? The program is designed to equip students with critical thinking skills, quantitative and qualitative research abilities, and a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of health issues in contemporary society.

Throughout the course, students will engage with a wide range of topics including biomedical ethics, health inequalities, global health governance, health economics, and the role of government and non-governmental organizations in managing public health. The curriculum incorporates a mix of lectures, seminars, debates, and independent research projects, encouraging active participation and intellectual curiosity. Students will benefit from UCL’s strong links with healthcare institutions, policymakers, and academic experts, providing opportunities for internships, guest lectures, and collaborative research. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for careers in health policy analysis, public health advocacy, bioethics consultation, or further academic study. The program’s interdisciplinary nature offers a broad yet in-depth perspective on health-related issues, fostering a new generation of professionals equipped to address the ethical, political, and economic challenges faced by health systems across the globe.

The programme covers relevant areas of moral and political theory, comparative policy analysis, and health economics, to allow students to come to a wide understanding of background issues, history and constraints, in order to be able to make a positive contribution to current debates in this field.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (45 credits), five optional modules (75 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma of 120 credits is available, consisting of three core modules (45 credits), and five optional modules (75 credits).

Core modules

• Philosophy Politics and Economics of Health
• Health Policy and Reform
• Key Principles of Health Economics

Optional modules

• Bioethics Governance
• Comparative Human Rights Law
• Law and Governance of Global Health
• Global Justice and Health
• Illness
• Madness
• Conflict, Humanitarianism and Health
• Ethics and Regulation of Research
• Contemporary Political Philosophy
• Normative Ethics
• Public Ethics
• Health Inequalities over the Life-course
• From Imperial Medicine to Global Health, 1860s to Present
• Death, Dying and Consequences
• Disability and Development
• Introduction to Deafhood
• Global Health and Development
• Anthropology and Psychiatry
• Medical Anthropology
• Modules from other UCL Master's-level programmes, subject to approval from the Course Director and timetabling constraints.

Or any other suitable module from other UCL Master's-level programmes, subject to approval from the course Director and timetabling constraints

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of up to 12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Student performance is assessed through examinations, presentations and coursework (depending on the options chosen), and the dissertation.

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard; however, relevant employment/volunteering will be taken into consideration.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Wellcome Trust Scholarship

Eligibility:

UK, EU, Overseas students

Criteria:

Based on academic merit

The Philosophy, Politics and Economics of Health undergraduate program at University College London offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to explore the complex interrelations between philosophical concepts, political processes, and economic theories as they pertain to health and healthcare systems. This program aims to equip students with critical thinking skills and a nuanced understanding of how health policies are formulated and implemented, considering ethical dilemmas, economic constraints, and political contexts. The curriculum integrates core modules in philosophy, focusing on ethics and epistemology, with modules in political science that examine governance, policy-making, and institutional structures, alongside courses in economics that analyze healthcare markets, resource allocation, and economic evaluation. Students will engage with real-world issues such as healthcare inequality, access to health services, and the ethical implications of biomedical advancements. The program emphasizes quantitative analysis and data interpretation skills, preparing students for potential careers in health policy, consultancy, research, or further academic study. The teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and project work, encouraging active participation and critical debate. Students also benefit from UCL’s extensive network of research centers and collaborations with healthcare organizations, providing opportunities for internships, placements, and case studies. The program’s interdisciplinary approach fosters a holistic understanding of health-related issues, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in health decision-making and policy development. Graduates will be well-prepared to undertake roles that require a sophisticated understanding of the ethical, political, and economic challenges in health sectors worldwide. The program is suitable for students interested in careers in public health, government advisory roles, non-governmental organizations, or academic research. Admission requirements typically include strong academic records in relevant subjects and an interest in interdisciplinary approaches to health issues. Overall, the Philosophy, Politics and Economics of Health at UCL aims to develop knowledgeable, critically aware individuals who can contribute thoughtfully to the future of healthcare policies and practices globally.