Graduate Certificate of Health Economics

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate of Health Economics provides a comprehensive introduction to economic principles in healthcare, equipping students with the skills to analyze healthcare systems, evaluate interventions, and contribute to policy development. Through core units in microeconomics, economic evaluation, and resource allocation, students gain a solid foundation in health economics and its applications in real-world healthcare contexts. The program prepares graduates for careers in the health sector, including roles in pharmaceutical industries, healthcare management, and international health organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview:
This Graduate Certificate of Health Economics is designed to provide an introduction to economic principles that shape healthcare systems, enabling students to take their first steps towards leadership roles to drive real change in the healthcare sector. It is suitable for clinical and non-clinical health professionals seeking to improve healthcare systems from a comprehensive perspective, as well as individuals with finance backgrounds who wish to leverage their economic knowledge to contribute to healthier and happier communities.
• Objectives:
The primary objective of this program is to equip students with a solid grounding in contemporary health economics principles and develop their skills in applying these principles to real-world healthcare contexts. By completing this program, students aim to enhance their ability to make evidence-based decisions that optimize the operations of healthcare systems, evaluate the cost-effectiveness of new medical interventions, and contribute to the development and refinement of health policies.

Outline:

• Program Content:
Through this program, students engage with three core units from the Master of Health Economics program. These units provide a foundation in microeconomics, economic evaluation, and resource allocation within healthcare contexts, enabling students to gain proficiency in analyzing healthcare systems, assessing the efficiency of resource utilization, and determining priorities for healthcare resource allocation.
• Course Schedule:
• Trimester 1: Health Economics 1 (HSH717), Economic Evaluation 1 (HSH719), Academic Integrity Module (DAI001)
• Trimester 2: Resource Allocation and Priority Setting (HSH762)
• Trimester 3: Elective unit (choose one)
• Elective Unit Options:
• Economic Evaluation - Theory and Practice (HSH764)
• Health Economics in a Global Context (HSH768)
• Economics for Managers (MPE781)
• Module Descriptions:
• Health Economics 1 (HSH717): Explores microeconomic principles, market structures, consumer and producer behavior, and welfare economics, with a focus on applications in healthcare settings.
• Economic Evaluation 1 (HSH719): Delves into the principles and methods of economic evaluation, including cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-utility analysis, and cost-benefit analysis, with an emphasis on their use in healthcare decision-making.
• Resource Allocation and Priority Setting (HSH762): Examines the theories and practices of resource allocation in healthcare systems, covering topics such as priority setting, equity, efficiency, and rationing.
• Economic Evaluation - Theory and Practice (HSH764): Provides an advanced understanding of economic evaluation techniques and their application in various healthcare contexts, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare programs.
• Health Economics in a Global Context (HSH768): Explores the economic and policy issues associated with healthcare in a global context, addressing topics such as health systems, health financing, and global health challenges.
• Economics for Managers (MPE781): Focuses on economic principles and analytical techniques relevant to management decision-making, covering topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, and financial management.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
This program utilizes a range of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles, including interactive lectures, case studies, simulations, and group discussions.
• Faculty:
The program is led by experienced health economics academics who are actively involved in cutting-edge research and have a deep understanding of the latest developments in the field. Students benefit from direct engagement with these experts, gaining invaluable insights into the practical applications of health economics.

Careers:

• Career Outcomes:
The completion of this program opens up a wide range of career opportunities in Australia's rapidly expanding health sector. Graduates are well-equipped for roles in:
• Pharmaceutical and health technology industries
• Health insurance companies
• Hospitals, community health organizations, and healthcare management
• International health organizations such as WHO, UNDP, OECD, World Bank Group, and Asian Development Bank
• Government departments like Health and Treasury, and the Productivity Commission
• Non-government agencies, research institutes, and think tanks
• Corporate consulting firms
• Professional Development and Advancement:
The Graduate Certificate of Health Economics serves as a pathway to further professional development and career advancement. By pursuing the Master of Health Economics, graduates can deepen their expertise and qualify for senior-level positions that drive innovation and shape the future of healthcare systems.