Health Economics and Decision Science MSc

UCL (University College London)

Health economics and decision science play a vital role globally by informing the efficient allocation of resources to improve health outcomes across populations. This MSc is an advanced applied economics degree exploring the economics of health and healthcare, and how these economic principles guide real-world decisions about health policy, health systems, and technological innovation, with a focus on optimising resource allocation to improve population health. The Health Economics and Decision Science MSc combines health economics, the study of how we can use limited resources to improve the health of the population, with decision science, the practice of using evidence-based results to improve decision-making processes and policies. This course integrates economics, public health, epidemiology, mathematical modelling and statistics to address inequalities in resources and healthcare globally. Taught by UCL’s leading experts, you will develop an advanced expertise in health economics, enabling you to work at the intersection of economics, healthcare and policy. The course is skills-based offering flexibility to work across countries, sectors, and career paths. You will be taught how to apply advanced quantitative methods to tackle ongoing global challenges, including the effects on health indicators of climate change, technological innovation, population ageing, and growing social inequalities, while gaining expertise in the evaluation of health and social policies and the assessment of new health technologies. You will learn how to use evidence-based research to inform health policies and practices, working towards the efficient allocation of resources, and addressing health disparities in access, provision and outcomes. With advanced quantitative skills, this course will equip you to enter professional roles internationally, creating innovative solutions that improve both the effectiveness and fairness of healthcare worldwide. Graduates of this course transition to careers in the pharmaceutical industry, consulting, government, international organisations, think tanks and academia. This course is designed for individuals looking to deepen their expertise in health economics, statistics, and decision science. It is ideal for those aiming to pursue a career in policy, consultancy, or research within the health sector, or to progress into doctoral studies and academia. Whether your goal is to influence real-world decision-making or contribute to academic advancement, this programme offers rigorous quantitative training and the opportunity to study at a world-leading university in one of the most dynamic and culturally rich cities in the world. This course is intended for applicants with a suitable qualification (see entry requirements) in economics, statistics, mathematics, or a related quantitative field such as epidemiology, engineering, or physics. Candidates with a background in medicine or allied health and social sciences may be considered if they can demonstrate quantitative proficiency in mathematics and/or statistics at the degree level, or through research and/or working experience. This programme is also available on a modular (flexible) basis, with a duration of 5 calendar years.

Population Health Sciences