HP420 Half Unit
Health Economics
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Andrew Street
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Health Data Science, MSc in Health Policy, Planning and Financing, MSc in International Health Policy and MSc in International Health Policy (Health Economics). This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to Apply
Priority for enrolment in Health Policy (HP) courses will be given to students from the Department of Health Policy, especially where the course is listed in their Programme Regulations.
Any remaining places will be offered to students from other departments who have HP courses listed in their Programme Regulations, and then on a first-come, first-served basis.
By submitting an application, you confirm that you meet any specified prerequisites.
Written statements will not be considered and will not affect your chances of being accepted onto a course.
Application opens: 10am on Thursday 25 September 2025
Do not apply before this time. Please make your selection as soon as possible once course selection opens.
Offers will be made by: 12pm (noon) on Monday 29 September 2025
For queries:
- Course content: Contact the Course Leader listed on the course guide.
- Application process: Email the Programmes Team at healthpolicy@lse.ac.uk
In allocating places in this course, students enrolled in the MSc in International Health Policy and MSc in International Health Policy (Health Economics) have priority.
Course content
This course develops basic economic concepts as they are applied to the health sector. We shall discuss economics issues at system-level, including options for financing health care, predicting future expenditure, and assessing the degree of health equity and equality. We shall consider demand for health care and for health insurance, discussing matters such as moral hazard, adverse selection and risky health behaviours. Then we shall turn to the supply-side of health care provision, considering the agency relationship between patients and physicians, the competitiveness of health care markets, the geographical configuration of health care services, and methods for paying health care providers. The course is designed to provide an intuitive understanding of a wide range of economic concepts, illustrated by practical examples.
Teaching
1.5 hours of lectures in the Spring Term.
15 hours of lectures and 18 hours of seminars in the Autumn Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
Workshops will be held throughout the term to enable students to work through key problem sets. Students will also take part in small group seminars.
Formative assessment
Mock exam in the AT.
Indicative reading
The course draws from a variety of textbooks and articles, with a thorough reading list provided prior to the lectures. The course makes repeated use of the following textbook:
- J Bhattacharya, T Hyde & P Tu, Health Economics, Palgrave Macmillan, 2014.
Assessment
Exam (100%), duration: 120 Minutes in the Spring exam period
Key facts
Department: Health Policy
Course Study Period: Autumn and Spring Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 76
Average class size 2024/25: 13
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills