Programmes

MSc International Health Policy (Health Economics)

  • Graduate taught
  • Department of Health Policy
  • Application code L4UJ
  • Starting 2024
  • Home full-time: Open
  • Home part-time: Open
  • Overseas full-time: Open
  • Location: Houghton Street, London

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 will 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. Visit our website for more information 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. Visit our website to find out which programme is best for you.

Watch our video with subtitles

Programme details

Key facts

MSc International Health Policy (Health Economics)
Start date 30 September 2024
Application deadline None – rolling admissions. However, please note the funding deadlines. Applications close when programme is at capacity.
Duration 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
Applications 2022 401 (includes MSc International Health Policy)
Intake 2022 78 (includes MSc International Health Policy)
Financial support Graduate support scheme (see 'Fees and funding')
Minimum entry requirement 2:1 degree or equivalent in economics, mathematics, statistics, or any other quantitative subject
GRE/GMAT requirement None
English language requirements Standard (see 'Assessing your application')
Location  Houghton Street, London

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Applications close when programme is at capacity.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for MSc International Health Policy (Health Economics)

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in economics, mathematics, statistics, or any other quantitative subject.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet the minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our Information for International Students to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Assessing your application

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

  • academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
  • statement of academic purpose
  • two academic references
  • CV

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE. See our English language requirements.

When to apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. There is no fixed deadline by which you need to apply, however, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details. 

Please note: The Department of Health policy on intercalating onto their master’s programmes is as follows:

  • Students on a US medical degree are always qualified to apply
  • Students who will have completed no more than two years of a UK medical degree on beginning a prospective MSc at LSE are not typically qualified to apply 
  • Students who will have completed at least three years of a UK medical degree on beginning a prospective MSc at LSE are qualified to apply
  • Students on non-UK/US medical degrees should contact Graduate Admissions in the first instance

Fees and funding

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MSc International Health Policy (Health Economics)

Home students: £21,848
Overseas students £31,472

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reduction

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support SchemeMaster's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline. Funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 25 April 2024.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas. Find out more about financial support.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

Find out more about tuition fee loans

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Part-time study
Part time study is only available for students who do not require a student visa.

Programme structure and courses

You will take three compulsory half-unit taught courses and will complete a compulsory 6,000-word dissertation which may be written in conjunction with a summer placement within a government department, international agency, private organisation, or academic research institution. The purpose of the dissertation is to allow students to explore a particular topic or a relevant policy issue in some depth. It may take the form of an empirical research conducted on a topic or issue of relevance to health/social policy; or may be a literature-based providing an analysis of a specific research question of relevance to health/social policy. In addition, you will choose courses from a range of options across the Social Policy Department and other relevant Departments such as Economics. Visit our website to view all course overview videos on Microsoft Stream or YouTube.

HP422 Health Care Economic Evaluation (0.5 units)
Examines the theoretical foundations of health care economic evaluation.
Watch course overview video.

HP423 Advanced Health Economics (0.5 units)
Covers international comparisons of health care expenditure, health care insurance, contract theory, equity in health care, health behaviour and an introduction to econometric analysis applied to health care data.
Watch course overview video.

HP426 Applied Health Econometrics (0.5 units)
Introduces econometric techniques that can be applied to health economics. 
Watch course overview video.

HP431 Dissertation in Health Policy (0.5 units)
This is an independent research project of 6,000 words on an approved topic of your choice.

One of the following options:

HP420 Health Economics (0.5 units)
Develops basic economic concepts as they are applied to the health sector, and provides for specialisation in health economics.
Watch course overview video.

HP424 Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy (0.5 units)
Introduces the economics of pharmaceutical markets and related policies that affect national and international markets. 
Watch course overview video.

HP425 Statistical Methods in Health Care Economic Evaluation (0.5 units)
Develops the statistical and modelling techniques necessary to apply economic evaluation to the healthcare sector.
Watch course overview video.

HP429 Behavioural Incentive Design in Health and Health Care (0.5 units)
Covers the role of social and monetary incentives in modifying related health behaviour, and especially prevention and health care use. 
Watch course overview video.

In addition to these core courses, you will select courses to the value of 1.5 units from a range of options. For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.

Teaching and assessment

Contact hours and independent study

Within your programme you will take a number of courses, often including half unit courses and full unit courses. In half unit courses, on average, you can expect 20-30 contact hours in total and for full unit courses, on average, you can expect 40-60 contact hours in total. This includes sessions such as lectures, classes, seminars or workshops. Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide.

You are also expected to complete independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research.

Teaching methods

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide.

Assessment

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

Academic support

You will also be assigned an academic mentor who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE. LSE LIFE is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s Disability and Wellbeing Service provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as student counselling, a peer support scheme and arranging exam adjustments. They run groups and workshops. 

IT help – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.  

LSE Faith Centre – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.  

Language Centre – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers ­– with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library  founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding. 

PhD Academy – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice – this offers discounted private dental services to LSE students. 

St Philips Medical Centre – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers – we have a Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy) and an Adviser to Women Students who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think London is a fantastic student city, find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners. Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget

Student stories

Visit our website to meet our alumni

Jeta-Statovci-IHP-HE_2021-150px

Jeta Statovci, Member of Parliament of the Republic of Kosovo
"Beyond the incredible experience at such reputable higher education institutions, and having the chance to be a student of the most respected departments in the world within the area of health care, the programme gave me a better understanding of key challenges in health care and opened many doors through the connections I made. It equipped me with the necessary theoretical findings and technical skills to be able to quantify problems, and reach the most suitable and effective solution. Understanding the linkage between economics and the operation of health markets and health institutions helped me in health policy design and implementation."

Read the rest of Jeta's interview.

Liyuan-Sun-IHP-HE-2020-150px

Liyuan, China
“This programme gave me a great opportunity to become familiar with the most applicable and practical method in health economics, from both a researcher and advisor point of view. Professors in the Department were very friendly and willing to help students. Also, being in this programme provided me with an excellent environment to work and learn from my classmates from various backgrounds. Moreover, the unique placement scheme offered students precious opportunities to gain experience in the leading private sectors, public sectors, NGO or academic institutions.

I would definitely recommend this programme to others as I found it to be a wonderful opportunity to study in one of the most prestigious institutions and learn from the professors' wisdom. If you want to obtain insightful knowledge and become familiar with the most applicable research method in health economics, this is no doubt the most valuable programme and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to take part.“

 

Meet the students of the LSE Department of Health Policy

Meet-the-students-400x400

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Careers

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Health Policy

Median salary of our PG students 15 months after graduating: £38,000          

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

  • Health and Social Care  
  • Education, Teaching and Research            
  • FMCG, Manufacturing and Retail              
  • Government, Public Sector and Policy   
  • Consultancy

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2020-21 were the fourth group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

Professional destinations after completing the degree include consultancies, pharmaceutical companies, health services, international organisations, government departments and agencies and NGOs as well as employment in research or further study for a PhD.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Mentorship Programme

As a student in the LSE Department of Health Policy, you will be able to apply to take part in our Mentorship Programme. The programme connects current students with one of our alumni, active in a wide range of fields, to provide career mentoring as students graduate from the MSc courses. The programme gives students greater insight into career prospects after graduation and will help students build connections with current health policy leaders and experts to build their network. Learn more about the programme and our mentors on our website.

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the support available to students through LSE Careers.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the programme, please contact: healthpolicy@lse.ac.uk.

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