Overview

The PhD in Health Economics and Policy meets the needs of those wishing to gain a deep and critical insight into health economics theory, research and practice and to develop or enhance research skills 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 working in healthcare settings, pharmaceutical companies, international organisations, local and central government, consultancies, education or research.

This part-time, flexible doctorate runs over a minimum of four and a maximum of seven years. The programme begins with a five-day Induction Academy. Each of the subsequent academic years start with a three-day autumn Academy. You’re encouraged to join us on campus in Lancaster for both the five-day induction and three-day autumn academies. However, it will be possible to join online if travelling to Lancaster is not feasible for you.

The rest of the course is delivered via e-learning. Attendance at the annual Academies is compulsory until students have been confirmed on the PhD programme.

Years 1 and 2 consist of taught modules delivered online that consolidate students’ knowledge of health economics and policy and develop their research skills. In Year 1, you’ll take modules in applied health economics, the principles and practice of health economics and data analysis. Year 2 modules include systematic reviews, research philosophy, research design and practical research ethics.

Supervision meetings take place online. During the annual autumn Academy students can meet with supervisors face-to-face.

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 economics, or other relevant discipline with a significant quantitative content such as statistics, pharmacy, medicine and management.

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.

Additional Requirements

As part of your application you will also need to provide a 500 word research proposal. Guidance can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage.

The department plans 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

core modules accordion

Fees and funding

Location Full Time (per year) Part Time (per year)
Home n/a £4,520
International n/a £11,790

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

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.