MSc International Health Policy (Health Economics)

The MSc International Health Policy (Health Economics) is a stream of the MSc International Health Policy programme which allows you to study and specialise in advanced health economics. You'll learn advanced principles of health economics, statistical methods and econometrics and learn to apply them in examining important issues in health policy.

The programme offers an international perspective on health economics, and although concentrating primarily on high-income countries, there are some courses that cover the economics of low- and middle-income countries. The majority of your professors on the programme are specialists in health economics, and have conducted applied health economics and policy research in a range of settings.

Students should have prior knowledge of economics as many of the individual courses are designed for economists wanting to specialise in health care, but those with quantitative skills should not be deterred.

The programme prepares you for a career in a range of areas where health economists are essential. Graduates from this programme have been employed in government departments or agencies, international organisations, health insurance organisations, health care administration, health care management, management consultancy, pharmaceutical and medical device companies and the wider commercial health sector. Other programme graduates have pursued careers in academia, undertaking PhD programmes at prestigious European and US universities.

The programme is designed around topics in advanced health economics, health care economic evaluation, applied health econometrics, pharmaceutical economics and policy, and statistical methods in health care economic evaluation. A compulsory dissertation allows you to focus on a particular topic and you have the option to undertake an internship with a major international or governmental organisation, NGO, private company or academic institution.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our faculty have been highly engaged in advising governments and international organisations on coronavirus policy responses, research on the short-, medium-, and long-term impacts of the crisis, and in developing innovative ideas and solutions to tackle the pandemic and its negative effects. Find out more about the Department’s coronavirus-related research and impact.

The LSE Department of Health Policy offers a wide range of programmes in health policy and health economics. Find out which programme is best for you.