Master of Science in Health Economics (MScHE)
Program Overview
Program Structure
Setting
Formalities
Contact and Academic Counseling
| Degree: | Master of Science |
| Application: | Mandatory |
| Course start: | Winter term (September) |
| Course duration: | 1 year full-time / up to 3 ½ years (60 ECTS) |
| Study options: | Full-time / part-time |
| Language requirements: | English |
| Other: | Postgraduate studies |
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Tuition fees: | 6000€ per semester (full-time course), 2400€ per semester (part-time course) |
Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University
Program Overview
The aim of the Master of Science in Health Economics (MScHE) program is to provide first-class training in the theoretical foundations and practical applications of health economic methods for decision-making and policy development in health and health care, within the context of the ethical principles of society.
The program will provide students with the experience and skills necessary to participate in health services decision-making through training in health systems and the economic principles that guide their organization and function. The foundation for specialization in health economics is provided through coursework in the core areas of health economics, specifically microeconomics, econometrics, and economic evaluation of health and health care programs.
The overall goal is to provide students with current tools to participate in the frontier of health economic research and practice. An overview of closely related subjects, such as public health, health care policy, and health care management, are included to provide a broad perspective and prepare graduates to work in multi-disciplinary teams and settings.
Aims and Main Learning Objectives
The learning outcomes for students of the MScHE program include the development of a thorough knowledge of the theory and methods used by professional health economists and active researchers in the field and their important contemporary contributions in international scholarly journals.
Students will gain an understanding of the key analytical arguments that are used in health economics and their normative foundations and ethical implications. Further, they will acquire extensive knowledge of the nature and sources of socio-economic data, current challenges and major areas of research, and the role of observation, abstraction, and model construction to facilitate empirical evaluation.
Career Perspectives
The demand for qualified health economists in Europe far exceeds the current supply (European Journal of Health Economics, 2000). The continued growth in the field is fuelled by advances in medical technology and the limited resources available for health care spending. The training in health economics combines the therapeutic knowledge of a physician with the analytical skills of a health economist. This synergy of skills and knowledge allows the individual to ensure that the results of an economic evaluation are placed within the proper context of society and medicine. The Master of Science degree is becoming a standard qualification within the field of health economics.
Program Structure
The program is structured into four (4) compact teaching blocks, followed by a period of individual research work.
The first coursework block consists of two (2) introductory self-study modules with an expected learning time of two (2) weeks of full-time study: one introducing the ethical foundations necessary for normative economics and an introduction to health policy and the second providing a review of introductory mathematical methods applied in economics. The inclusion of self-study modules at the beginning of the program clearly communicates to students that they must be highly motivated and self-directed in order to be successful in the program.
The second coursework block includes four (4) weeks of four (4) taught modules that guide the students in building a strong foundation in microeconomic and health economic theories, economic policy and health law, and economic evaluation methods, with one additional week for final preparation of projects, written assignments, and exams.
The third coursework block consisting of six (6) modules builds on the foundations established in the second block and introduces students to the broader context and advanced skills required in the practice of health economics. Six weeks of taught modules in the third block cover the topics of preference and utility theory; epidemiology, demography, and public health; health care financing and policy; health care organization and management; statistics; and econometrics; again followed by one (1) week for completion of projects, written assignments, and exams.
The fourth and final coursework block focuses on advanced concepts and skill-building necessary for health economic research and practice. The final five (5) modules include advanced techniques in modeling, industrial economics, and competition theory; health services research and policy; advanced economic evaluation methods; and clinical decision making and health technology assessment. As with the previous coursework blocks, the fourth block consists of six teaching weeks, plus one week for final preparation of projects, written assignments, and exams.
Thesis (25 ECTS)
After successfully completing the taught part of the program, students move on to their thesis research. Through this project, students are expected to gain the ability to independently identify a relevant and substantial research question, the methodology for its solution, and the impact of the results at a practice and policy level. To make this a fruitful learning experience, students are systematically guided throughout their thesis work by an academic tutor.
Curriculum
Teaching and Learning Methods
Learning mainly takes place in interactive seminars (maximum of 25 students) and through group/individual learning assignments. Up-to-date, keynote lectures complement the student centered learning approach of the program. Sufficient workspace and comprehensive access to literature supports the students’ individual learning.
Coursework revolves around problem and case-based learning activities to develop the applicable skills required for health economic research and practice. These skills include: analytical problem formulation, assessment and analysis of economic data, and the use of decision analytic software. Emphasis will be given to identification of the key objectives and assumptions of health economic research and practice, evaluation of the relevant evidence, and methods of interpreting data and avoiding logical inconsistencies. Through the various learning activities, the students will gain self-confidence and professionalism by presenting and defending their ideas and views before critical audiences, as well as actively listening to the arguments and perspectives of others.
Assessment
Assessment of participants' achievement towards their degree takes place throughout the course. Assessment during the taught part of the program includes written in-class exams, as well as group projects, oral presentations, and individual take-home assignments. The thesis and final oral exam are the last assessments. A passing mark is needed for each part of the program in order to receive the MSc degree.
Schedule and Course Duration
Classes will be held from 15:00 until 20:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. On Wednesdays, classes will begin at 14:00 and end at 20:45. On Fridays, classes will begin at 15:00 and end at 18:15. The classes will be held in the lecture rooms of the Tridomus building, where the offices of the Mannheim Institute of Public Health (MIPH) are also located.
The sequence of the blocks allows for full-time study from early September to the end of February (one term) to finish the taught modules in a concentrated manner or for part-time study spread usually over two years (blocks 1 and 2 taken in Year 1, blocks 3 and 4 in Year 2). The program can be completed in one (1) year for full-time enrollment and up to 3 ½ years for part-time enrollment.
The Setting
Heidelberg University was founded more than 600 years ago (in 1386) and is the oldest university in Germany. Today, as in the past, Heidelberg is a leading institution in research and teaching in Europe. It has two medical faculties set in separate campuses, one in Heidelberg and one in Mannheim, both offering innovative courses of study.
At the Mannheim Medical Campus, master-level courses specializing in health-related fields, such as the MScHE, are offered in addition to clinical medical training. These master programs aim to attract graduate students from various disciplines, forming interdisciplinary teams, and fostering mutual learning. Selected, highly qualified medical students may join a master-level course in their 4th and 5th year of study, while continuing their medical studies, thus pursuing a dual degree program.
The MScHE is offered through the Mannheim Institute of Public Health (MIPH). The MIPH is strongly committed to the education of tomorrow’s physicians and researchers through an extensive program of both teaching and research activities. Health economic research within the MIPH is focused in three areas. In the first, the economic impact of health promotion and disease prevention strategies are evaluated from the perspectives of industry, health system stakeholders, and society. Specific consideration is given to the value of reducing inequities in health and health care. In the second research area, the role of individual preferences in informed decision making, specifically in the design of and adherence to health care interventions, is investigated. Finally, research is targeted towards understanding and addressing social and cultural determinants of health within Germany arising from the demographic transition and German social health insurance reform process.
Cooperation Partners
The MScHE is internationally connected to leading institutions in research, education, and industry, which contributes to the development of a diverse, globally engaged, health economics research community and workforce. Practical experiences, outside their program of study, may be arranged for students with our industrial partners, governmental and research agencies, and academic research collaborators in Germany, Europe and abroad.
Formalities
Eligibility and Pre-requisites
The program is open to medical doctors and other professionals with a health-related first academic degree equivalent to 240 ECTS (usually a Bachelor’s degree after at least 4 years of full-time study). Special conditions for admission apply to registered medical students within the MaReCuM (Mannheim Reformed Curriculum for Medicine) program. A maximum of 25 participants will be accepted each year.
The language of instruction is English. Students, for whom English is not their first language, must provide evidence of English proficiency, usually by certification of an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT of 100. Exemption from this requirement may be granted to those who completed their prior education in English (written proof required with application).
High motivation, self-reliance, and fellowship are qualities that participants should hold and display. Prospective participants are expected to document such, as well as their academic and personal goals and study and research interests in undertaking the program, in a “Personal Statement” of two pages.
Application and Admission
The closing date for applications is April 15th. Applications to the MScHE program should be directed to the Mannheim Institute of Public Health and include:
- Application form
- Resume (Curriculum Vitae)
- Certified Educational Certificates in original language plus an official English translation (translation not required if original in German)
- Proof of English (IELTS or TOEFL) or exemption statement
- Personal Statement (Letter of Motivation)
- References
Examination Regulations / Study Regulations
Examination Regulations (from 09.07.2009)
Academic Year/ Time Schedule
The academic year starts September 1st and is split into two semesters (September-February/ March-August).
Full-time study means that students finish the taught parts of the programme in the first semester and write their thesis in the second semester.
Part-time study in this programme means that the duration of study is extended over a period of 2½ years with defined periods of full-time attendance. Part-time students begin in Year 1 with participating in taught modules during 9 weeks from September to the end of October. In Year 2 they continue with taught modules during 14 weeks from November to the end of February. The master's thesis is then produced at an individually chosen time thereafter. During taught modules, full-time attendance is necessary, while in between there is no programme offered (dual degree medical students continue taking medical courses). Part-time students therefore need to be registered for at least a period of five semesters with substantial interim times when no study courses are offered. Please consider carefully, if this is a reasonable choice for you.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are 6000€ per semester for the full-time course or 2400€ per semester for the part-time course. In addition, the Heidelberg University charges an administration fee and a Studentenwerksbeitrag per semester.
Accreditation
Further Information
Website Master of Science in Health Economics
Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University
Contact and Academic Counseling
Dr. Diana Sonntag
Tel.: +49 (0)621-383 9922
diana.sonntag@medma.uni-heidelberg.de
Administration Office
Ms. Lucia Trauner
Mannheim Institute of Public Health
Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 7-11
D-68167 Mannheim
telephone: +49 (0)621 - 383 9919
fax: +49 (0)621 - 383 9920
lucia.trauner@medma.uni-heidelberg.de
