MSc (Health Economics)—full-time and part-time

Course Overview

The MSc in Health Economics provides students with a strong foundation in economic theory and its application to health policy and healthcare decision-making. The programme addresses key global challenges, including technological advancements, an ageing population, rising healthcare costs, and evolving patient expectations.

Programme Focus

Students will develop expertise in:

• Analysing individual health behaviours and healthcare choices.
• Evaluating healthcare financing and delivery systems.
• Applying economic evaluation, preference elicitation, and econometric techniques to optimise resource allocation.

Structure & Learning Approach

The programme combines lectures, workshops, tutorials, and seminars led by academics and industry experts. Students complete either a minor dissertation or an applied placement project, typically undertaken during a summer placement with a relevant organisation.

Career Opportunities

Graduates pursue careers in:

• Pharmaceutical and consulting firms (health economics & market access.
• Public sector roles in government, health services, regulatory bodies, and public health agencies.
• Research and academia, with many progressing to PhD studies.

Key Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:
- Understand and apply core principles of health economics.
- Analyse global health policy and industry challenges using economic evaluation, health preference elicitation, and econometric techniques.
- Engage critically with healthcare financing, service delivery, and access to medical technologies.

Programme Events & Highlights

Students attend the Johnson & Johnson offices as part of the WiSTEM mentoring programme:

Student Paul Coady receiving the Johnson & Johnson bursary award:

Students hear from Dr Padraic Ward of the Novartis Global Real World Evidence team:

Students attend the IPHA conference in Dublin:

Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) with Economics. However, candidates with a significantly high H2.2 honours degree and who have achieved a 2.1 average in relevant Economics modules in a business degree, will also be considered. Applications for the full-time and part-time programmes are particularly welcomed from people working in the pharmaceutical or medical device sectors and from people working in the health policy or health care system sectors. Suitable applicants without a background in Economics will be offered an opportunity to take an online preparatory course before being accepted on the programme. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable.

Academic entry requirements standardised per country here.

English language requirements here.

It's an exciting time for Health Economics as health economic analysis and decision-making become ever more important in the global context of technological development, population ageing, rising healthcare costs and changing patient preferences and expectations. This MSc programme provides a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical, analytical and policy-making aspects of Health Economics, with a particular focus on Health Economic Evaluation (Health Technology Assessment).

Key features of the programme include:

- Practical Experience: A significant component of the programme involves student placements with leading companies and institutions in the Health Economics sector.

- Strong Employment Prospects: Graduates of this programme have demonstrated high success rates in securing relevant positions within the field.

- Flexible Learning: The MSc is offered on a full-time (one year) or part-time (two years) basis. Most lectures are delivered in a hybrid format, accommodating students with work commitments.

- Industry Engagement: Students benefit from employer talks, mentorship programmes (such as WiSTEM), and opportunities to attend professional conferences.

- Recognition of Excellence: Student achievements are recognized through a bursary prize for best student performance, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Ireland

Who is suited to this course?

The course is suited to individuals from multiple backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a new career in Health Economics or in incorporating the tools of Health Economics into their current career pathway. The course will suit recent graduates in Economics, Business, and the Social Sciences who have studied Economics. The course is also open to recent graduates in Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy and the Health Sciences who have completed a bridging course in Economics. The course will also suit individuals working in the Pharmaceutical or Medical Device industry sectors or in the Health Policy or Health Care sectors who wish to advance their careers by gaining a thorough understanding of the theories and methods of Health Economics.

Health Economics and Policy Analysis Centre (HEPAC)

The aim of the Health Economics and Policy Analysis Centre (HEPAC) is to develop, apply and teach methods for the economic analysis of health and health care. The Health Economics and Policy Analysis Centre (HEPAC) is located in the Institute for the Lifecourse and Society (ILAS) at University of Galway. The Centre is part of the research network at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, which includes the Whitaker Institute for Innovation and Societal Change. HEPAC have extensive links with clinical and social science researchers at University of Galway, as well as being engaged in active collaborations with colleagues in national and international organisations. Researchers at HEPAC are currently applying health economic methods to explore a range of research questions in relation to ageing, dementia, disability, mental health, chronic disease, cancer, and obesity. While the research is mainly of an applied nature with an emphasis on peer-reviewed academic output, members of HEPAC also engage and contribute to policy formulation in a range of areas at national and international level. Current research projects include those funded by agencies such as the Health Research Board, Science Foundation Ireland, Atlantic Philanthropies, and industry partners. Click here for more information.