Overview
Introduction
The Executive MSc in Healthcare Decision-Making is a unique programme developed in collaboration with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), known internationally for its contribution to the quality and efficiency of healthcare and its scientific rigour. This approach combined with the academic excellence of LSE’s faculty has led to a truly exceptional programme, with a tailored offering of skill-oriented and policy-based courses that will enable a strategic view of healthcare systems required to transition into a senior leadership role.
Considering extensive reforms taking place in the way health systems operate, understanding the complexities of healthcare markets, how to navigate these, and how to make informed decisions about resource allocation are increasingly important for active participation in strategic decision-making across the health sector. Combining the interdisciplinary expertise and research excellence of LSE faculty with the flexibility of executive study, this programme delivers a well-rounded intellectual and practical grounding in essential skills to appraise health care interventions, products, and policies, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.
Addressing a need for qualified experts across the international healthcare market, the programme is tailored to participants coming from the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries, medical professionals, health insurance, healthcare management, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and individuals looking to transition into leadership roles.
You'll obtain a critical appreciation of:
- the complexities of healthcare regulations and governance
- how policy decisions impact health systems
- the nuances of value assessment models and why value assessment results in differences in coverage across settings.
- the impacts of healthcare interventions on core health policy objectives, by applying analytical methods in economic evaluation.
- how pharmaceutical markets operate, and how intellectual property links up with regulatory practices and pricing and coverage decisions.
The programme follows interdisciplinary and comparative approaches. Employing country- and region-specific datasets and case studies will allow you to gain comprehensive appreciation of effective healthcare interventions across a range of income settings, compare health systems’ performance on critical aspects such as regulation and value assessment, and examine policy formulation across geographical, economic, cultural, and political settings. As a health leader, you'll utilise these skills to make informed evidence-based decisions that make a difference.
Entry requirements
Upper second class honours (2:1) degree in any discipline, with a clinical, health policy and economics background and/or work experience in the health policy and economics field.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
Overseas
English language requirements
The English language requirement for this programme is Standard. Read more about our English language requirements.
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out.
Programme content
This is a 24-month modular programme with a set academic pathway. You'll attend LSE for four two-week sessions over the two-year period.
Explore all course overviews and watch their videos on YouTube
2025/26 teaching dates
Teaching blocks typically take place in December and June.
- Teaching block 1: 8 – 19 December 2025
- Teaching block 2: 1 June – 12 June 2026
- Teaching block 3: December 2026 (dates TBC)
- Teaching block 4: June 2027 (dates TBC)
Year 1
Year 2
For the latest list of courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page.
A few important points you’ll need to know:
We may need to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees due to unforeseen circumstances. We’ll always notify you as early as possible and recommend alternatives where we can.
The School is not liable for changes to published information or for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study, due to developments in teaching practice, regulatory requirements that require us to comply, lack of demand, financial unviability of a course, or due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the loss of a key member of staff or where a location or building becomes unavailable for use.
Places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements so we cannot therefore guarantee you a place.
Changes to programmes and courses may be made after you’ve accepted your offer of a place – normally due to developments in the discipline or as a consequence of student feedback. We may also make changes to course content, teaching formats or assessment methods but these are made to improve the learning experience.
For full details about the availability or content of courses and programmes, please take a look at the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department.
Some major changes to programmes/courses are posted on our updated graduate course and programme information page.
Why study with us
Discover more about our students and department.
Meet the department
The department seeks to advance and challenge our collective understanding of health systems and the social, economic and political contexts in which they operate. Through our research, teaching and scholarship, we aim to influence and inform how health policy is designed, implemented and evaluated globally.
We apply rigorous social science research to emerging health and social care challenges, advising national and international agencies as well as government bodies. This world-leading research is conducted through two affiliated research centres: LSE Health and the Care Policy and Evaluation Centre (CPEC).
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. We offer a range of postgraduate master’s programmes and our MPhil/PhD programme. Students learn about healthcare systems around the world and develop skills that can be applied in many different contexts.
Our goal is to prepare the healthcare leaders of tomorrow for challenging and rewarding careers.
Who's who
Why LSE
University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK in 2025 and 2026
Times and The Sunday Times - Good University Guide 2025 and 20261st in London for the 14th year running
The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 20265th in the world for the study of social sciences and management
QS World University Rankings by Subject 20266th in the world for leading the way in social and environmental sustainability
QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026Your application
Overview
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.
We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:
- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of academic purpose
- two academic references (two professional references will be considered if you're unable to provide an academic reference)
- CV.
See further information on supporting documents.
You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.
Data sharing
Double degrees and certain other degrees and scholarships require that LSE shares personal data with another university or partner. In our agreements we will use the School’s standard data sharing template for universities and partners in the EU and EEA and in an adequate country. Standard contract clauses will be used for any other country. If you have any questions about this or how your personal data will be treated by LSE, please contact the Data Protection Officer via glpd.info.rights@lse.ac.uk or check our Student Privacy Notice.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the programme, please contact healthpolicy.exec@lse.ac.uk.
When to apply
Fees and funding
The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.
You're charged a fee for your programme. Your tuition 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 doesn't cover fieldwork, travel or living costs in London.
For this programme, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.
Fee reduction
Students who have completed and passed an undergraduate or graduate degree at LSE and are beginning an Executive MSc at the School are eligible for a 10 per cent tuition fee reduction.
Students who have completed and passed two or more Summer School courses are eligible for a five per cent reduction.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for both discounts, the higher 10 per cent discount rate will apply.
Find out more about the LSE alumni discount.
Scholarships and other funding
This programme is not eligible for LSE financial support.
Government tuition fee loans and external funding
The UK Government offers a postgraduate loan for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme. This is designed 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
Learn more about fees and funding opportunities.
Learning and assessment
How you learn
This is a modular programme that runs for 24 months.
Courses at LSE are delivered over a minimum of 20 hours contact time. Over the course of the MSc, you'll be expected to complete independent study, coursework, and revision outside of classroom engagement. You'll have the opportunity to meet with your tutors, and off-campus support, such as online revision sessions, will be provided by the faculty. You can view indicative details of hours, teaching staff, and assessment in the Calendar within each course guide.
Academic mentor: you’ll meet with your academic mentor regularly to discuss your work. Your mentor can provide advice and guidance on academic issues and, where appropriate, personal concerns.
Other academic support: at LSE, we offer lots of opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom.
The Learning Lab is the place to discover and develop the skills you’ll need to reach your academic goals at LSE.
Through the Learning Lab, you can:
- attend practical workshops and one-to-one sessions on essay writing, conducting research, and on managing your reading lists, workloads, and deadlines
- develop your academic writing, reading, and critical-thinking skills to meet degree-level expectations
- work in study groups to strengthen collaboration, cross-cultural communication, and teamwork skills in a supportive environment.
Disability and Mental Health Service: we want all LSE students to achieve their full potential. Students can access free, confidential advice through our Disability and Mental Health Service. This is the first point of contact for students.
Graduate destinations
Overview
This Executive MSc aims to empower health care professionals to advance their careers by acquiring skills in health services research, health economics, outcomes research and health policy. The programme will prepare you to explore new advisory, management, and leadership roles within the health care field. Beyond your current work setting, you will be able to expand your employment opportunities in related sectors, including the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries, consultancies, government, and non-governmental organisations.
Further information on graduate destinations for this programme
Career support
From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.
Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.
See LSE Careers for further details.