Health Economics and Policy

MSc

  • Entry year 2025
  • Duration Part time 2 years

Overview

The MSc in Health Economics and Policy meets the needs of those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of health economics theory, research and practice, whilst fulfilling their existing responsibilities. The programme is offered part-time and combines innovative distance learning with face-to-face teaching at an annual autumn Academy held in Lancaster.

The programme is suitable for both UK-based and international students. It provides an opportunity for those seeking to enhance their academic knowledge of the discipline and be better qualified for positions in the public sector, pharmaceutical companies or international organisations. Our postgraduate students extend their knowledge beyond a single discipline and possess a wide range of skills to aid employability.

The programme begins with a compulsory five-day Induction Academy followed by modules delivered online. In Year 1 students take two specialist modules that cover the theory and practice of health economics and policy as well as a module on data analysis. Year 2 starts with an optional autumn Academy followed by an online module on systematic literature reviewing and completion of a dissertation. You’re encouraged to join us on campus in Lancaster for both the five-day induction and three-day autumn academies, although it will be possible to join online if travelling to Lancaster is not feasible for you.

The Health Economics at Lancaster (HEAL) team has expertise in health economics, health policy and economic evaluation. This expertise is being complemented by the expertise existing in the Economics department at Lancaster University Management School (LUMS).

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a relevant subject. In exceptional cases, relevant work experience will be considered for those without an upper second class honours degree.

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

The department plan to interview all eligible applicants.

The application deadline for this programme is the 31st July. Applicants should ensure that all required supporting documents are submitted by this date.

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Pre-master’s programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Course structure

You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Core

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Core

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Fees and funding

Location Full Time (per year) Part Time (per year)
Home n/a £5,850
International n/a £14,040

General fees and funding information

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Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.