Health Economics and Health Policy MSc Online
Progress your healthcare career as you learn how to apply economic tools to implement healthcare policies.
Start Dates: January, May, September
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Study Mode: Online
Fees: £11,520
About the programme
Revolutionise healthcare with the Health Economics and Health Policy MSc online, a degree that equips you with advanced skills in economic evaluation, policy analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.
Develop the expertise to address global health challenges, improve outcomes, and promote healthcare equity. Gain practical industry experience and advanced skills to drive meaningful change in health systems.
Our flexible online format allows you to balance your studies with professional and personal commitments. You’ll have access to a range of digital resources, including economic modelling tools and policy simulation platforms, and connect with a global network of peers and healthcare professionals to gain diverse perspectives on health economics and policy.
How you’ll study
Online learning environment
The MSc Health Economics and Health Policy is delivered through Brunel’s virtual learning environment, giving you access to course materials, recorded lectures, and interactive resources at any time. You will engage with content through video lectures, discussion forums, and collaborative activities with your global cohort. All learning is asynchronous by default, allowing you to study when it suits you, with scheduled touchpoints for tutor interaction and peer discussion.
Weekly study commitment
Full-time students should expect to dedicate approximately 35-40 hours per week to their studies. Part-time students typically commit around 15-20 hours. Your time is split between directed learning activities, independent study and reading, and assessment preparation. The programme runs across three intakes per year – January, May, and September – with a structured module timetable.
Assessment methods
Assessment is through a balance of coursework and examinations. Depending on the module, you may complete written reports, statistical analyses, economic evaluations, decision modelling exercises, health policy critiques, and in-class tests. The programme has a strong quantitative emphasis: you will use econometric software and develop modelling skills that are directly applicable to professional health economics practice. The programme culminates in a dissertation research project.
Support and feedback
You will have access to dedicated academic tutors and a student support team throughout your programme. Tutors provide structured feedback on assessments, and you can reach out to your support team for guidance on academic, technical, or administrative matters. Brunel’s online students also have access to the university’s library, careers service, and wellbeing resources.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To join this programme, you’ll need:
A 2:2 (or above) UK Honours degree or; an equivalent internationally recognised qualification such as economics or related studies, public health, health-related studies, pharmacy, or medicine.
Language requirements
Non-native speakers of English need either of the following:
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all)
- BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
Modules
Our continuously refined modules ensure an optimal learning experience, equipping you with practical skills for success in healthcare through eight core modules and a final research project.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for the MSc Health Economics and Health Policy are £11,520 for the full programme. This covers all teaching, learning materials, assessments, and access to Brunel’s online resources – there are no hidden costs.
Payment options
Brunel offers a six-month payment plan, allowing you to spread the cost by paying your first instalment at registration and the remaining balance across five equal monthly payments.
Discounts and scholarships
You may be eligible for one or more of the following:
- Early Payment Discount (2%) — applied automatically when you pay in full before your registration date
- Alumni Discount (15%) — for Brunel graduates returning for postgraduate study
- Family Discount (10%) — when a direct family member is also studying at Brunel
- Academic Excellence Award (15%) — for applicants holding a first-class undergraduate degree
Discounts can be combined where eligible. Visit the full fees and funding section for detailed eligibility criteria.
Student loans
UK residents may be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan through Student Finance England. The loan is not means-tested and is paid directly to you to use towards tuition fees and living costs. Visit gov.uk/masters-loan for full details and to check your eligibility.
Career outcomes
A specialist in demand
Health economics is one of the fastest-growing specialisms within public health and healthcare management. As health systems face rising costs and increasing pressure to demonstrate value, professionals who can evaluate the cost-effectiveness of interventions, model health outcomes, and advise on resource allocation are in high demand across the public and private sectors.
Roles our graduates pursue
- Health economics consultant – advising pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and health organisations on cost-effectiveness and health technology assessment
- Health policy adviser – shaping health policy through economic analysis and evidence-based recommendations
- Data analyst – applying statistical methods to health datasets for research, evaluation, and planning
- Healthcare programme director – leading health service programmes with a focus on economic sustainability and outcomes
Where our graduates work
Brunel health economics graduates work with organisations including NHS England, Nuffield Health, and Public Health England. The programme’s quantitative focus also prepares you for roles with health economics consultancies, pharmaceutical companies, NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), and academic research centres.
The health economics advantage
Health economics expertise commands a premium in the job market. Professionals with modelling, statistical, and evaluation skills are among the most sought-after in the health sector. This programme gives you technical capabilities that are difficult to develop through general public health training alone.
The programme will equip students with the necessary advanced knowledge in addition to the technical and critical skills required to pursue careers in a wide application of economics and policy roles in the public and private sector. Graduates will emerge ready to help meet the global challenges of universal and efficient healthcare provision, by understanding not only the relevant theory, but how this translates to policy decisions.
Why choose this programme
Deep health economics specialism
Four dedicated health economics modules make this one of the most specialised online programmes in the field. You will develop expertise in economic evaluation, statistical methods, decision modelling, and population health economics, skills that command a premium in the health economics job market.
Quantitative rigour
This programme goes beyond policy theory. You will gain hands-on experience with econometric software, regression analysis, and decision modelling tools used by health economists in consultancy, government, and academic research. Graduates leave with technical skills that are directly applicable to professional practice.
Policy and economics combined
The curriculum bridges health economics with health policy, equipping you to both analyse the cost-effectiveness of health interventions and understand the political and social context in which policy decisions are made. This dual perspective is valued by employers in government, NHS commissioning, and international health.
A London university with global standing
Brunel University London is ranked in the top 25% of UK universities. A health economics qualification from a respected London institution carries weight with NHS organisations, government departments, consultancies, and pharmaceutical companies.
Built for working professionals
Three start dates per year (January, May, September), fully online delivery, and flexible study options mean you can develop specialist health economics expertise without stepping away from your career.
Career-driven outcomes
Your MSc is designed with industry skills and knowledge in mind, providing you with the skills you need to secure your chosen career path. Each module is carefully constructed to elevate your knowledge in key areas of health economics and health policy relevant to industry standards.
In-demand skills to lead in healthcare
Economic evaluation
Gain expertise in evaluating healthcare interventions and policies.
Healthcare policy analysis
Learn to analyse and assess health policies, understanding their implications.
Data analysis and statistics
Acquire skills in data analysis techniques specific to health economics.
Research methods
Master various research methodologies to contribute to evidence-based practice.
Communication and advocacy
Effectively communicate findings and policy recommendations to diverse stakeholders.
Health financing and markets
Understand the principles of health financing to navigate sector challenges.
Shape the future of health economics
Change-making focus: Gain the skills to transform healthcare, driving positive change in population health, equity, and sustainability.
Industry-relevant curriculum: Tackle critical health challenges through real-world case studies and projects led by experts in health economics and policy.
Interactive global classroom: Work alongside peers from around the world in a dynamic virtual environment, preparing for leadership in global healthcare decision-making.
Take the next step
Fill out the form and one of our advisors will be in touch with more information, including our brochure.
Hear what our students have to say about this programme
Supporting you towards success
Throughout your academic journey, we offer personalised guidance, skill workshops, alumni network access, and continuous support.
Many of our graduates take on key roles in public health, such as:
- Health policy adviser
- Health economics consultant
- Data analyst
- Healthcare programme director
