The MSc (Health Economics) may be taken full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months from the date of first registration for the programme. It is a research orientated programme intended for graduates of Economics.

Applicants must have:

• either a BComm with a Major in Economics; BSc (Hons) Finance; BA (Hons) in Economics; BSc (Computer Science and Economics); Postgraduate Diploma in Business Economics; Postgraduate Diploma in Health and Evaluation Economics; Higher Diploma in the Economics of Competition, Governance and Society, or the equivalent
  and
• at least a 2H2 on the aggregate of all Economics modules in the degree or diploma award.

The MSc Health Economics is taken in two parts set out below. Part 1 consists of a combination of examination and coursework in a set of specified taught modules to the value of 60 credits. Part 2 consists of a minor thesis EC6020 (max. 8,000 words) to the value of 30 credits.

Full-time

Students take 90 credits as follows:

Part 1
EC6037 Health Care Economic Evaluation 1 (5 credits)
EC6038 Health Care Economic Evaluation 2 (5 credits)
EC6602 Contemporary Economic Debates and Ideas (5 credits)
EC6603 Current Research Seminars (5 credits)
EC6604 Advanced Microeconomics 1 (5 credits)
EC6605 Advanced Microeconomics 2 (5 credits)
EC6666 Research Methods and Professional Development (10 credits)
AND
10 credits from either depending on credits previously taken
EC3154 Survey Methods: Questionnaire Design (5 credits)
EC3155 Survey Methods: Quantitative Analysis (5 credits)
OR
For students who have previously taken EC3154 and EC3155 (or equivalent undergraduate survey methods modules) will take the MEconSc module:
EC6665 Quantitative Techniques for Economic Research (10 credits)
AND
10 credits from either depending on credits previously taken
EC3152 Quantitative Methods: Econometrics 1 (5 credits)
EC3153 Quantitative Methods: Econometrics 2 (5 credits)
OR
Students who have previously taken EC3152 and EC3153 (or equivalent undergraduate econometrics modules) will take the MEconSc module:
EC6600 Econometrics: Theory and Applications 1 (5 credits)
EC6601 Econometrics: Theory and Applications 2 (5 credits)

Part 2
EC6020 Dissertation in Health Economics (30 credits)

Candidates must present a dissertation comprising a Research Article for the MSc Degree Examination (Part 2) by the third Friday in September in the academic year, following completion of the MSc Part 1.

Part-time

Students take 60 credits for Part 1 as follows:

Year 1 - Part 1
EC6037 Health Care Economic Evaluation 1 (5 credits)
EC6038 Health Care Economic Evaluation 2 (5 credits)
EC6604 Advanced Microeconomics 1 (5 credits)
EC6605 Advanced Microeconomics 2 (5 credits)
AND
10 credits from either depending on credits previously taken
EC3154 Survey Methods: Questionnaire Design (5 credits)
EC3155 Survey Methods: Quantitative Analysis (5 credits)
OR
For students who have previously taken EC3154 and EC3155 (or equivalent undergraduate survey methods modules) will take the MEconSc module:
EC6665 Quantitative Techniques for Economic Research (10 credits)

Year 2 - Part 1
EC6602 Contemporary Economic Debates and Ideas (5 credits)
EC6603 Current Research Seminars (5 credits)
EC6666 Research Methods and Professional Development (10 credits)
AND
10 credits from either depending on credits previously taken
EC3152 Quantitative Methods: Econometrics 1 (5 credits)
EC3153 Quantitative Methods: Econometrics 11 (5 credits)
OR
For students who have previously taken EC3152 and E3153 (or equivalent undergraduate econometrics modules) will take the MEconSc module:
EC6600 Econometrics: Theory and Applications 1 (5 credits)
EC6601 Econometrics: Theory and Applications 2 (5 credits)

Part 2
EC6020 Dissertation in Health Economics (30 credits)

Candidates must present a dissertation comprising a Research Article for the MSc Degree Examination (Part 2) by the third Friday in September in the academic year, following completion of the MSc Part 1.

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2016 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules 2015/2016.

Programme Learning Outcomes for the MSc (Health Economics) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Identify and apply the core theory in microeconomics and macroeconomics required for a practicing research economist and for further studies;
• Apply important mathematical and statistical skills required for a practicing research economist and for further studies;
• Conduct applied research in health economics;
• Understand how public policy and regulation interacts with health sector businesses and shapes the environment for health businesses and strategic options.
• Evaluate business strategy and public policy choices and their business-political implications in health and for health care system performance.
• Monitor ongoing developments in research and issues to maintain and update knowledge base.
• Undertake and communicate research projects for academic and business audiences.