MSc (Health Economics)

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Galway

Program Overview

The MSc in Health Economics at the University of Galway is a one‑year, full‑time (or two‑year, part‑time) program designed for graduates and professionals who want to apply economic reasoning to real‑world healthcare challenges. It suits students from economics, health sciences, medicine, pharmacy, or public policy backgrounds who want to shape healthcare systems, improve access, and drive efficient resource use.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Semester 1 (Autumn):
Students begin with core modules such as Economics of Health and Health Care (EC5120) and Economic Evaluation in Health Care (EC584), building a strong foundation in health economics. Courses like Econometrics (EC506) and Research Methods for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (EC5143) provide the analytical and methodological skills needed to evaluate healthcare interventions and policies.

Year 1 – Semester 2 (Spring):
The second semester emphasizes applied practice. Modules such as Health Systems & Policy Analysis (EC572) and Applied Health Technology Assessment & Decision Modelling (EC579) train students to assess healthcare systems and conduct decision‑analytic modelling. Optional modules, including Health Technology Assessment and Market Access (EC5146), Applied Behavioural Economics and Finance (EC5153), and Systematic Review Methods (MD515), allow students to tailor their learning to their career interests.

Summer Semester (Capstone):
Students complete either a Minor Dissertation (EC505) or an Applied Health Economics Placement (EC5141). Placements are hosted by leading organizations such as Novartis, Janssen Sciences, AbbVie, IQVIA, OPEN Health, HIQA, NCPE, and the Department of Health, giving students direct industry experience.

Focus Areas

Health economics, health technology assessment, econometrics, policy analysis, economic evaluation, behavioural economics, market access.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to conduct cost‑effectiveness and cost‑utility analyses, apply econometric tools to health data, evaluate healthcare systems and policies, and communicate evidence to influence decision‑making in health services and industry.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is a Level 9 NFQ Master of Science degree, internationally recognized, and delivered through the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, ensuring strong academic and professional credibility.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Galway is ranked in the Top 2% of universities globally (QS World University Rankings) and first in Ireland for Sustainable Development (THE Impact Rankings). MSc Health Economics graduates are sought after globally, with alumni working in pharma, medtech, consultancies, public health agencies, and international organizations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most distinctive strengths of the MSc in Health Economics at the University of Galway is its strong emphasis on applied, real‑world learning. Students don’t just study economic theory — they actively engage with industry placements, specialized software, and policy analysis projects that mirror the professional demands of healthcare decision‑making. The program is deliberately structured to ensure graduates leave with practical skills in health technology assessment, econometrics, and policy evaluation, supported by Galway’s dedicated research centres and industry partnerships.

To make this experiential learning concrete, here’s what you can expect:

Industry Placements: Students can choose an Applied Health Economics Placement (EC5141) instead of a dissertation, gaining direct experience with leading organizations such as Novartis, Janssen Sciences, AbbVie, IQVIA, OPEN Health, HIQA, NCPE, and the Department of Health.
Specialist Software & Digital Tools: Training includes econometric and statistical packages (such as R and Stata), ensuring graduates can analyze health data and conduct cost‑effectiveness studies with industry‑standard tools.
Health Technology Assessment (HTA): Modules like Applied Health Technology Assessment & Decision Modelling (EC579) and Health Technology Assessment and Market Access (EC5146) provide hands‑on experience in evaluating medical technologies and pharmaceuticals for policy and market access.
Group Projects & Policy Simulations: Students collaborate on applied coursework in modules such as Health Systems & Policy Analysis (EC572), developing teamwork and communication skills essential for consultancy and public health agencies.
Research Dissertation Option: For those pursuing the dissertation route, the Minor Dissertation (EC505) allows students to conduct independent research, often involving empirical analysis of healthcare systems or policy evaluation.
Dedicated Research Centre: The program is supported by the Health Economics and Policy Analysis Centre (HEPAC), which provides teaching, training, and research opportunities in health economics and policy evaluation.
Library & Research Facilities: Full access to the University of Galway Library, with specialized collections and electronic databases in economics, healthcare, and policy, supports both coursework and dissertation research.

This blend of industry placements, econometric training, HTA modules, and research centre support ensures that graduates of Galway’s MSc in Health Economics are not only academically accomplished but also practically prepared to thrive in pharma, medtech, consultancy, and public health sectors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Health Economics at the University of Galway are in high demand across healthcare, pharma, medtech, consultancy, and public policy sectors. Alumni typically move into roles such as health economist, market access analyst, health technology assessment (HTA) specialist, and policy advisor, applying their expertise to improve healthcare systems and evaluate medical innovations. With its strong industry partnerships and applied learning focus, the program ensures graduates are ready to make an immediate impact.

Here’s how the University of Galway supports your career journey and why this program stands out:

University Career Services: The Career Development Centre provides tailored employability support, including employer networking, CV workshops, and graduate mentoring, helping students secure roles in pharma, medtech, and public health agencies.
Employment Stats: According to the University of Galway’s Graduate Outcomes Survey, 73% of postgraduates are in full‑time employment within months of graduation, reflecting strong career prospects for economics graduates.
Industry Partnerships: The program offers placements with leading organizations such as Novartis, Janssen Sciences, AbbVie, IQVIA, OPEN Health, HIQA, NCPE, and the Department of Health, giving students direct industry exposure.
Accreditation Value: Awarded as a Level 9 NFQ Master of Science degree, the qualification is internationally recognized and provides long‑term professional credibility in health economics and policy analysis.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni are prepared for careers in pharmaceutical companies, health technology assessment agencies, consultancy firms, and government departments, with skills directly aligned to roles in economic evaluation, policy analysis, and market access.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc, students may continue into PhD research within the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at the University of Galway, focusing on advanced areas such as health technology assessment, behavioural economics, or healthcare policy. This pathway allows graduates to deepen their expertise, contribute to internationally recognized research, and position themselves for academic careers or leadership roles in health economics and global healthcare innovation.