Program Overview

MPhil/PhD Health Policy and Health Economics

The MPhil/PhD Health Policy and Health Economics at LSE covers the choice, design, analysis, and evaluation of health and social care policies, institutions, and practice in low-, middle-, and high-income settings. This is an interdisciplinary programme, drawing on disciplines relevant to the research topic, and the health-specific and social care-specific application of an array of social sciences.

Introduction

The programme trains students to undertake research that employs the tools of policy and economic analysis and qualitative and quantitative empirical techniques in order to understand, critically appraise, and evaluate the complexities of health and social care policy and practice in a global context.

You'll be exposed to a range of different theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches, and will be expected to learn technical and conceptual skills, so that you'll become autonomous in carrying out research in line with your progression, and will demonstrate deep and synoptic understanding of your field of study.

Key Information

• Study mode: Home full-time students (Four years), Home part-time students, Overseas full-time students (Four years)
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Start date: 28 September 2026
• Location: Houghton Street, London
• Application deadline: 27 May 2026

Overview

The programme is based around a set of taught courses which provide you with the skill set necessary to undertake your research in your chosen thesis area. In the first year, you'll register initially for the MPhil programme, and undertake specific training in research methods as required. In subsequent years, you'll continue your research under the guidance of your supervisors, participate in seminars and present your work.

Entry Requirements

• The minimum entry requirement for this programme is a merit (60 per cent and above, or equivalent) in a relevant master's degree.
• English language requirements: The English language requirement for this programme is Research.

Programme Content

The programme is structured around a set of taught courses, including:

• Advanced Health Policy and Health Economics (HP500)
• Optional courses to the value of one unit

Why Study with Us

• The department seeks to advance and challenge our collective understanding of health systems and the social, economic and political contexts in which they operate.
• Our academics have made significant contributions to developing policies on global health, health equality, older adults, care and welfare.
• The department’s research feeds into our multidisciplinary teaching, with an emphasis on health and social care policy, health economics and management.

Your Application

• We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of our staff at LSE.
• Admission to the doctoral programme will not be made by prospective supervisors, but by the Department's PhD Programme Directors.
• You'll need to submit a research proposal of maximum 2,500 words and a writing sample of between 2,500 and 7,000 words.

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee: £5,131 (2026/27)
• Overseas student fee: £24,400 (2026/27)
• Scholarships, bursaries, and loans: We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.

Learning and Assessment

• Supervision: You'll have a Supervisory Team, consisting of a primary and one or two secondary Supervisors.
• Progression and assessment: You're required to undertake Major Review (also known as the Upgrade) in the Spring Term of your first year.

Graduate Destinations

• Recent doctoral graduates who were supervised by staff in the Department of Health Policy went on to be employed in international organisations, national and regional Ministries of Health, and the English NHS.
• Others went on to work with consultancy firms, pharmaceutical companies, and think tanks such as The King's Fund and the Health Foundation.