When does the course start?

The following The programme started last year (September 2011), but all modules are now available from September 2012.

How many modules can I take?

You can take as many as you like, from the full Masters through to single module options, providing complete flexibility for any number between 1 and 10. Single modules can only be taken in the Semester in which they are to be delivered. Please see the Modules & Course Structure page for this. Also, they must be applied for via the CPD pages. Please see the How to Apply page for this.

Can I take any combination of modules?

Yes. The MSc and Diploma each has 5 “core” compulsory modules, but the remaining 3-5 modules are optional. The combination and choice of modules for all other accredited qualifications from the programme (Certificate and single modules) is completely up to you, unless a restriction applies (eg. bursary students)

Do I get academic credit for taking a single module?

Yes. Each module is accredited by the University of Sheffield. You will receive credits from the University, which you can use towards gaining the full Certificate, Diploma or MSc later, if you wish. Single modules can only be taken in the Semester in which they are to be delivered. Please see the Course Structure page for this. They must be applied for via the CPD pages. Please see the How to Apply page for this.

How much does it cost?

Please note we have frozen fees at the levels set for last year

The full MSc (8-10 modules, including the 5 core modules, plus a project) costs £15,100, to be paid over 2 years (i.e. £1,258 per 15 credit module). The Diploma (5 core, plus 3 optional module) costs £11,000, to be paid over 2 years (i.e £1,375 per 15 credit module). And the certificate (any 4 module), £7000, to be paid over 1 or 2 years (£1,750 per module), depending on the students’ choice for completing those modules. Single modules cost £2,500 as a single payment. If you are thinking of taking only 1 or 2 modules, it may therefore prove more cost-effective to register for the Certificate (4 modules at £1,750 each), to take advantage of the breadth and depth of the programme. You can then complete the final 2 modules in a second year with that choice informed by your needs and the gaps in your developing career.

What is the experience of the faculty?

We have been teaching much of the material face to face on Masters programmes for more than 15 years. This distance learning online version is new. Other modules are entirely new, with no equivalents elsewhere at all.  All staff involved in developing and delivering this course have been involving in producing work for and collaborating with NICE in the UK, and pharma and HTA agencies worldwide, for many years. Members of staff from NICE and other organisations also contribute to modules.

Do I have to come to Sheffield?

No. The course is distance-learning and is delivered entirely online. All materials are made available online. So, for international students there are no visa, travel or residential requirements.

We use video, podcasts (audio), web lectures and screen-casts, and online interactive, collaborative tools. Materials are also made available in formats for offline learning and will be available via mobile learning systems also (ipads, iPhones, Blackberries etc.). This makes the programme more sustainable, flexible and reduces costs for the student. However, members of the Faculty would always be happy to see students if they happen to visit Sheffield.

What do I need to be accepted?

You need a good first degree (2.2 equivalent or better) and, if English is not your first language, an IELTS of 7.0 or equivalent. Most of all, you need to be enthusiastic: to be keen to develop your knowledge and skills in HTA, to learn from your fellow students and the faculty, and to share your own learning and knowledge with us.

Can I specialise?

You may already be a specialist in some area of HTA, such as trial management, health economics, cost-effectiveness modelling or evidence synthesis, and may be looking to develop generalist skills by gaining a thorough, critical understanding of other aspects of the process. Alternatively, you may have a specialist background in other areas, eg. epidemiology, pharmacology, clinical medicine, marketing or other disciplines, but are seeking to develop a more in-depth understanding of specific fields and processes. The breadth and depth of the programme, and the various accredited options, from a full Masters to single modules, satisfies both sets of needs and everything in between.

How do I apply?

Read through the information on the ScHARR 'How to Apply' pages first.  You will then need to apply using the university's online system.

To apply for single modules, please go to the University's CPD homepage and select the module there. You can get to this via the How to Apply button on the right.

All links can be found on the right hand side of this page.

When can I apply?

You can apply up to the end of August. This allows time before your induction for uploading and authorisation of supporting documents, such as references and confirmation of fees. You can apply for single modules through the University of Sheffield CPD website (link on right hand side of page) any time up to the end of August for the Autumn Semester and 6th January for the Spring Semester.

When would I register and begin my studies?

If you are pursuing the MSc or Diploma programmes, then you would start in the first Semester of the academic year (September). If you were taking single modules or the certificate, then you could begin your studies at the beginning of either Semester (September or February). We have students doing all options.

Can I talk to someone about my options or the pathways I might follow through the programme?

Yes. Please email the course administrator Lynne at scharr-ihta@sheffield.ac.uk or, alternatively, Chris Carroll at c.carroll@sheffield.ac.uk, the course director, who would be happy to email or speak to you about your needs and what you want to do and the pathway through the programme that suits you best.