Program Overview

Health Economic Theory Course

The Health Economic Theory course is a 7.5-credit course offered at Umeå University.

About the Course

In this course, theoretical concepts and models from economics are used to analyse health and health care production, demand, and financing. The course deepens the student's understanding of how health care differs from other sectors from an economic perspective. It also highlights similarities, such as how consumers'/patients' and providers' behaviour is influenced by incentives. Optimal care - in terms of the quantity, quality, cost, and distribution of care in the population - is discussed from a theoretical perspective and linked to the economic tools available to policy makers to mitigate key market failures and manage demand and supply.

Topics Covered

• Pre-payment (through taxation, private or social insurance)
• Provider payment methods (budget, fee-for-service, capitation, pay-for-performance)
• Patient choice (patient-driven competition to improve quality of care)
• The classical Grossman model (1972) of health as human capital
• Empirical studies of how health and socioeconomic variables influence each other

Eligibility

For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which a minimum of 30 ECTS are within one of the following:

• Health and healthcare
• Environmental health
• Social sciences English proficiency equivalent to English B/6 from Swedish Upper secondary education is also required.

Selection

Selection is based on academic credits.

Application and Tuition Fees

As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.

• Application fee: SEK 900
• Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 20,013
• Total fee: SEK 20,013

Course Details

• Type: Course, second cycle
• Study pace: Full time
• Study location: Umeå
• Type of studies: On campus
• Language: English
• Number of credits: 7.5 credits
• Teaching hours: Daytime
• Study location: Umeå

Department

The course is given by the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.