Master's Programme in Public Health with a Specialization in Health Economics 120 credits
About the programme
In today's globalized world we are increasingly facing new public health challenges and the need for health economic competence within public health practice and policy has become apparent. This programme reflects this need. We have an exciting study environment where people with different educational and cultural background meet. Our teachers are from all over the world and we have a shared vision of equitable health for all, and a shared mission of transformative education.
While studying
Multidisciplinary
Public Health and Health Economics are multidisciplinary fields in the intersection of medicine and social sciences. Public health uses quantitative and qualitative methods to identify and assess specific health risks before designing and implementing effective population-based strategies. In health economics, costs and health outcomes of health interventions are analyzed to ensure efficient resource use.
If you are interested in
-
How to promote health and prevent disease.
-
How to respond to global health challenges.
-
How to decide on health interventions optimally when resources are limited.
-
Methods to evaluate cost-effectiveness of new interventions.
-
The connection between social conditions and health.
-
How to finance and organize health systems that allocate resources efficiently while at the same time promoting equity.
then this programme is for you.
Remember, citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are exempt from tuition fees.
Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available for non-European students.
Description of the programme
This programme comprises of 120 credits (two years). The first year includes courses on global health conditions, health systems analysis, health promotion theory and management, and on the quantitative and qualitative methods that you need to work in public health.
The second year includes courses on health economic theory, advanced health economic modelling methods, sustainability, leading change and development, and evaluation in public health.
The programme is carried out in collaboration between the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health and Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics and elective courses are offered by both departments. There is an opportunity to graduate after one year to obtain a Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) Main Field of Study: Public Health.
This programme provides you with the skills required to influence public health policies and contribute to the sustainability of health systems. This is an international programme with students coming from many countries and all teaching is in English.
Active, collaborative, and reflective learning
Our Pedagogical Vision of the Educational Environment is based on core principles and didactic strategies including active, collaborative, and reflective learning. Studying on the programme means an active search for knowledge, problem solving, and critical analyses based on a scientific approach.
The working methods vary between individual study work, group work, seminars, lectures and practical sessions. Students have expressed great satisfaction with the cooperation between students from different educational and cultural background.
Pedagogical Vision of the Educational Environment
Master’s thesis
The master’s thesis work is an important part of this programme and gives you a possibility to apply the knowledge that you have gained to develop a deeper understanding of a chosen area. All our teachers are also researchers, meaning that you will have an experienced supervisor guiding you through your project.
The thesis work comprises 30 credits within the programme’s main field of study and takes the form of two separate theses that are examined during semester 2 and semester 4 respectively. At least one of the theses should be in the field of health economics.
Read more about the thesis work first year
Read more about the thesis work second year
Programme overview
Year 1
Year 2
- Eligible courses
Given by Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics
Future and career opportunities
The knowledge and skills taught on this programme can be used in health and welfare organizations in both the public and private sector. This includes both international and non-profit organizations as well.
Many graduates will work in advisory, consultancy or management roles e.g at a health care region, pharmaceutical company, health insurance authority or Ministry of Health. The work may include performing health economic analysis of interventions, evaluating health policies, and synthesizing knowledge to inform decision-making.
A future career in research is another possible path since the programme provides a solid foundation in research methods in public health and health economics. Further studies can lead to a PhD degree.
Apply
Film about the programme


Voices about the programme
-
I needed to learn more to make a positive impact
Alumni
Courses in global health and epidemiology, with a solid public health base followed by a health economics specialization, was attractive to Sergio.
Contact us
Your message goes to Infocenter, and they’ll make sure it gets to the right person – so you get the best and most relevant reply.