This coursework Masters programme is structured as a one-year full-time or a two-year part-time qualification. The programme comprises a research report together with a total of six courses, including five compulsory courses and one elective.
Compulsory courses:
Introduction to Health Economics:
The module provides the candidate with an in-depth understanding of the demand for and supply of health, healthcare and health insurance. Market failures, however, are a common feature of healthcare markets. Health care financing systems, moreover, play a key role in the production and consumption of healthcare. A healthy population furthermore is central to the achievement of development. Knowledge on these four key themes represent the core foundation of the study of the Economics of health and health care and is critical in the appraisal of health systems [15 credits]
Further Topics in Health Economics:
The module builds on the introductory course by providing an in-depth exposition of additional topics in the study of the economics of health and healthcare. The module introduces the candidate to the study of health inequalities and technical efficiency in the delivery of health care. The module also provides the candidate with an introduction to behavioural and experimental economic perspectives on health and health care, which is critical in addressing the shortcomings of mainstream perspectives on the economics of health and healthcare [15 credits].
Economic and Programme Evaluation in Health:
One main task of health economists is to conduct economic and impact analysis of health issues, health care interventions and health policies. Four standard tools employed for this purpose are cost-of-illness studies, cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and programme evaluation. This module introduces the candidate to these analytical methodologies, using appropriate examples to illustrate their application, interpretation and policy relevance [15 credits].
Research Report in Health Economics:
This module represents the prescribed research component of the Master of Commerce in the field of Health Economics. The module requires the candidate to identify a suitable research topic in the domain of Health Economics and to develop a research proposal with the support of a dedicated supervisor(s). Based on this research proposal, the candidate is required to undertake an independent piece of Health Economics research that makes a contribution to the field of study [90 credits].
Other compulsory modules:
Microeconomics A; Applied Econometrics [15 credits each].
In addition, candidates choose one module from among the following electives:
Economics of Competition and Regulation; Development; Gender Economics; Growth, Advanced Institutional Economics; Public Economics [15 credits]