Program Overview

MSc Health Economics

The MSc Health Economics is a postgraduate program designed for motivated individuals who want to make a real impact on healthcare systems. The program is ideally suited for graduates with a background in economics, public health, statistics, health sciences, medicine, pharmacy, or social sciences who want to build expertise in economic evaluation and health policy decision-making.

Course Overview

The MSc in Health Economics offers both full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 years) study options, providing flexibility for recent graduates and working professionals alike. The program develops the practical skills required for research or employment-based roles, with a focus on real-world application, practical training, and employer engagement.

Curriculum

The curriculum combines compulsory and optional modules, giving students space to explore their interests in areas like public economics, ageing policy, and behavioural economics. Students will learn through a dynamic mix of interactive lectures, workshops, and seminars, as well as group projects and policy simulations.

Modules

• EC5141: Applied Health Economics Placement (10 credits)
• EC505: Dissertation (10 credits)
• EC506: Econometrics (10 credits)
• EC5143: Research Methods for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (10 credits)
• EC5120: Economics of Health and Health Care (10 credits)
• EC584: Economic Evaluation in Health Care (10 credits)
• EC517: Cost Benefit Analysis & Evaluation (10 credits)
• MD515: Systematic Review Methods (10 credits)
• EC5146: Health Technology Assessment and Market Access (10 credits)
• EC5121: Applied Econometrics (10 credits)
• EC5153: Applied Behavioural Economics and Finance (10 credits)
• EC572: Health Systems & Policy Analysis (10 credits)
• EC579: App. Health Tech. Assessment & Decision Modelling (10 credits)

Unique Features

• Connect with industry from day one through guest speakers and partner organisations
• 1:1 weekly mentoring from industry experts
• Choose your final project pathway: traditional dissertation or summer placement
• Gain practical skills employers value, such as cost-effectiveness analysis and health technology assessment
• Taught by world-leading experts in health economics

Careers

Graduates of the MSc in Health Economics are in high demand across the health and life sciences sectors, with career paths in pharmaceutical and medical device companies, health economics consultancies, public sector and regulatory bodies, research centres, think tanks, and NGOs.

Work Placement

The MSc in Health Economics offers students the opportunity to complete a supervised summer work placement during Semester 3 (May-August) as an alternative to the minor dissertation. Placements are available in pharmaceutical companies, consultancies, public and regulatory bodies, and may take place in Galway, elsewhere in Ireland, or remotely.

Entry Requirements

• Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) with Economics
• Candidates with a significantly high H2.2 honours degree and relevant Economics modules may also be considered
• English language proficiency: IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent

Fees

• EU tuition: 8,650 (full-time), 4,350 (part-time)
• Non-EU tuition: 20,400 (full-time)
• Student contribution: 140 (full-time), 105 (part-time)

Scholarships

• Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships: 1,500 for EU students with a first-class honours degree
• Global Scholarships: available for students from outside the EU
• Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarships: up to 50% tuition fee coverage for high-achieving students

Why University of Galway?

• World-renowned research-led university
• Ranked in the top 2% of universities globally
• Committed to sustainability and social responsibility
• Vibrant campus location in Galway city, Ireland's cultural heartland