MSc in Economics and Business - Specialisation in Health Economics
Erasmus School of Economics - Erasmus University Rotterdam
Key Information
Campus location
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Introduction
MSc in Economics and Business - Specialisation in Health Economics
Health care is a major sector of a modern economy, accounting for 10-18% of GDP in high-income countries. Advances in medical technology generate substantial improvements in population health but also create major economic and social challenges. Healthcare costs are rising rapidly. Population aging both increases the need for health care and reduces the fraction of people working to pay for it. Health inequalities remain stubbornly high and further reduce productivity. Low-income countries have the greatest need for health care but are least able to pay for it. If you are motivated to contribute solutions to these challenges, then the Health Economics program at Erasmus University Rotterdam will equip you with the analytical and quantitative skills and techniques you need.
The peculiarities of the health sector make it fascinating for economic analysis. Asymmetric information between doctors and patients as well as insurees and insurers impedes the efficient operation of markets. Many doctors and hospitals do not seek to maximize profits. The high value of health is not revealed in a market price. Externalities abound in disease transmission. Besides these market failures, equity is a strong motivation for government intervention in the health sector. There is a lot to learn and no shortage of significant social issues to keep you motivated.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the school website for more information.
Curriculum
The program consists of 6 blocks. In the first 3 you follow 6 compulsory courses covering health economics, applied econometrics, and health technology assessment (HTA). In blocks 4 and 5 you choose 2 out of 7 electives that allow you to tailor the program to your specific interests. You can choose from courses in decision theory, advanced HTA, healthcare competition, pharmaceutical markets, and global health.
From block 4 to block 6 you research and write a thesis on a topic of your choice under supervision. The thesis course is highly structured to guide students and ensure a high rate of success. In addition to the thesis, several courses require research assignments, presentations, and group discussions.
Course Overview
- Applied Microeconometrics
- Economics and Financing of Health Care Systems
- Economics of Health and Health Care
- Health Technology Assessment
- Public Health Economics
- Seminar Health Economics
- Electives
- Master's Thesis Health Economics
Program Outcome
Credits: 60 ECTS
Master of Science
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
The master’s specialization in Health Economics at Erasmus School of Economics has an outstanding reputation in the health business community. It has everything to prepare you for a bright future as a health economist. Most of our alumni find a job within two months after graduation. They are working as managers, consultants, policy advisors, and analysts at:
- Consulting firms (KPMG, Deloitte, IMS Health, SiRM, etc.)
- The pharmaceutical industry (Pfizer, Glaxo Smith Kline, etc.)
- Health insurance companies (a.s.r., DSW Zorgverzekeraar, Zorg en Zekerheid, Delta Lloyd, etc.)
- Academia (Tinbergen Institute, Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, etc,)
- International organizations (WHO, World Bank, etc.)
- Regional health authorities and government institutions (RIVM, Ministry of Health,
- NHS England, Zorginstituur Nederland, Nederlandse Zorgauthoriteit, etc.) Hospitals (Erasmus MC, etc.)