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International Health Technology Assessment and Reimbursement
School of Medicine and Population Health,
Faculty of Health
Course description
This course provides specialist knowledge and skills so that you can develop health technologies for markets across the globe. It is the only online course designed to give you all of the expertise necessary to build your career in the field of health technology assessment (HTA).
You can study the whole HTA process, and get practical insights into the markets, pricing and customers needed to develop new products in the healthcare industry. The course covers a range of tools, such as systematic reviews, economic evaluation and cost-effectiveness modelling, and explores the healthcare and reimbursement systems of different countries around the world.
If you do the MSc programme, you will apply your knowledge to prepare a value case for submission in multiple jurisdictions, based on a real or hypothetical health technology case study.
The course is led by experts who work directly with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on health technology appraisals, and with the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. It is suitable for graduates working in the pharmaceutical, medical devices or diagnostics industries, or in health technology policy formulation, management and evidence-based commissioning and purchasing.
Modules
Continuing Professional Development
All modules in this course can be studied as standalone CPD modules. It is possible to complete standalone modules and then apply to transfer to an MSc/PGDip/PGCert qualification. Any time spent on the CPD route counts toward the time limit a student has to complete their chosen qualification.
You will take 180 credits including all core modules listed, plus two optional modules. You will also complete a research project worth 60 credits.
Core modules:
- Methods and Processes in International Health Technology Assessment Online
-
This module outlines the process of Health Technology Assessment and sets out the framework by which companies may develop Therapeutic Value Propositions (TVPs), i.e. positions in a disease management pathway where a new technology may add value in terms of effectiveness, safety or cost. The module covers identification and synthesis of evidence to construct disease management pathways, and how to pinpoint areas of unmet need. It also covers an introduction to the types of evidence needed to demonstrate clinical and cost-effectiveness, including clinical trial design as well as non-trial evidence.
15 credits - Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis: Principles Online
-
The purpose of this unit is to enable students to understand the principles of systematic review. It covers the defining characteristics and application of systematic reviews; how to search for and select relevant evidence; how to quality assess primary research articles; the key issues that may generate bias; and the general principles governing evidence synthesis.
15 credits - International Healthcare Systems and Reimbursement Online
-
This module introduces students to the range of healthcare and reimbursement systems to be found throughout the world, considering tax-based, compulsory private insurance, employer insurance, private insurance and uninsured systems with varying degrees of centralisation and devolution. Students will consider how health technology assessment (HTA) fits within these systems, looking at one or two countries as particular examples.
15 credits - Cost-effectiveness Modelling in International Health Technology Assessment Online
-
This unit sets out the different uses of modelling in Health Technology Assessment (HTA), together with the main principles and common techniques (including Markov models and individual level simulation). It reviews the international guidance on good practice and develops participants' skills to appraise and commission models for HTA. Learning is based around a core international literature on modelling covering methodological papers and a substantial set of case studies, ensuring learning is grounded in real world examples. Participants also undertake some simple 'hands-on' model-building and model reviewing in EXCEL to help embed the principles learned.Students interested to learn more about building cost-effectiveness models can enrol on the Building Cost-effectiveness Models for HTA module (HAR6119). This module runs in the Spring semester and is worth 15 credits.
15 credits - Economic Evaluation in International Health Technology Assessment Online
-
This unit introduces the concept of economic evaluation as applied to health technology assessment, the different types of evaluation that are available and the various stages and techniques that need to be applied to generate results. The techniques will be matched against current practice guidelines in different jurisdictions so that students can understand the current policy context of the methods. Also, as additional techniques are described, the strengths and weaknesses of each will be highlighted, with the students being encouraged to critically appraise their appropriateness to different contexts and jurisdictions.
15 credits - International Health Technology Assessment and Reimbursement Real World Case Studies
-
This module provides students with real-world case-studies of HTA submissions for a range of therapeutic interventions, and encourages a critical approach to the evaluation of the different methods used. The module is a summation of the taught modules for students on the diploma programme, introduces advanced topics and prepares Masters students for the long project module.
15 credits
- Long Project Online
-
This is the long project for the MSc in International Health Technology Assessment and Reimbursement. It is designed to allow students to integrate their knowledge of health technology assessment and reimbursement acquired throughout the MSc, using a real or hypothetical case study of a health technology to prepare a value case for submission in multiple jurisdictions.
60 credits
Optional modules - two from:
- Randomised Controlled Trials to Support Reimbursement Decision Making Online
-
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are of use when evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, as part of health technology assessment and decision-making. This unit covers the appropriate use of trials, the range of available research designs, strategies to optimise recruitment, sample size, outcome measures, and the use of economic and qualitative methods alongside trials.
15 credits - Using Evidence in the Design and Development of Models Online
-
This unit sets out the process of developing decision-analytic models in health technology assessment (HTA), and explains how this process is informed by evidence. It explores conceptual modelling, including how to understand decision problems and how to apply this understanding to the specification and population of a relevant decision-analytic framework. Students are introduced to information retrieval methods and formal problem structuring processes as applied to HTA.
15 credits - Building Cost-effectiveness Models for Health Technology Assessment Online
-
An advanced course teaching the technical and practical skills required to build cost-effectiveness models for international health technology assessment. It builds on from the introductory unit, HAR6113 Cost-effectiveness modelling in international HTA, which covered the principles behind modelling. Content includes problem definition and structuring, building decision tree and Markov/state transition models in Excel, identifying appropriate data sources, implementing deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and Value of Information analysis. It is an advanced course, aimed at students with a strong mathematical background who want to go on to build their own economic models.Students require a mathematical / statistical background and a sound understanding of the principles of modelling (prior completion of HAR6113 or evidence of previous training/knowledge). Good pre-existing Excel skills are essential. For students considering this Module as a standalone option who only require an understanding of the principles of economic modelling and good practice and who need the skills to be able to review other people's models, but do not need the technical skills to build their own models, the introductory module HAR6113: Cost-effectiveness Modelling in International HTA may be a more appropriate choice of module.
15 credits - Utility and Patient-reported Outcomes Data in Health Technology Assessment Online
-
The module explores the assessment and generation of patient reported outcome and utility measures for use in international health technology assessment including alternative valuation techniques, measures and underlying assumptions to the quality adjusted life year (QALY) model. The approaches used to generate outcomes and other utility data will be explored in relation to current practice guidelines of reimbursement and other agencies in different countries. Measuring the wider societal benefits of interventions is also considered.
15 credits
You will take 120 credits including all core modules listed below, plus two optional modules.
Core modules:
- Methods and Processes in International Health Technology Assessment Online
-
This module outlines the process of Health Technology Assessment and sets out the framework by which companies may develop Therapeutic Value Propositions (TVPs), i.e. positions in a disease management pathway where a new technology may add value in terms of effectiveness, safety or cost. The module covers identification and synthesis of evidence to construct disease management pathways, and how to pinpoint areas of unmet need. It also covers an introduction to the types of evidence needed to demonstrate clinical and cost-effectiveness, including clinical trial design as well as non-trial evidence.
15 credits - Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis: Principles Online
-
The purpose of this unit is to enable students to understand the principles of systematic review. It covers the defining characteristics and application of systematic reviews; how to search for and select relevant evidence; how to quality assess primary research articles; the key issues that may generate bias; and the general principles governing evidence synthesis.
15 credits - International Healthcare Systems and Reimbursement Online
-
This module introduces students to the range of healthcare and reimbursement systems to be found throughout the world, considering tax-based, compulsory private insurance, employer insurance, private insurance and uninsured systems with varying degrees of centralisation and devolution. Students will consider how health technology assessment (HTA) fits within these systems, looking at one or two countries as particular examples.
15 credits - Cost-effectiveness Modelling in International Health Technology Assessment Online
-
This unit sets out the different uses of modelling in Health Technology Assessment (HTA), together with the main principles and common techniques (including Markov models and individual level simulation). It reviews the international guidance on good practice and develops participants' skills to appraise and commission models for HTA. Learning is based around a core international literature on modelling covering methodological papers and a substantial set of case studies, ensuring learning is grounded in real world examples. Participants also undertake some simple 'hands-on' model-building and model reviewing in EXCEL to help embed the principles learned.Students interested to learn more about building cost-effectiveness models can enrol on the Building Cost-effectiveness Models for HTA module (HAR6119). This module runs in the Spring semester and is worth 15 credits.
15 credits - Economic Evaluation in International Health Technology Assessment Online
-
This unit introduces the concept of economic evaluation as applied to health technology assessment, the different types of evaluation that are available and the various stages and techniques that need to be applied to generate results. The techniques will be matched against current practice guidelines in different jurisdictions so that students can understand the current policy context of the methods. Also, as additional techniques are described, the strengths and weaknesses of each will be highlighted, with the students being encouraged to critically appraise their appropriateness to different contexts and jurisdictions.
15 credits - International Health Technology Assessment and Reimbursement Real World Case Studies
-
This module provides students with real-world case-studies of HTA submissions for a range of therapeutic interventions, and encourages a critical approach to the evaluation of the different methods used. The module is a summation of the taught modules for students on the diploma programme, introduces advanced topics and prepares Masters students for the long project module.
15 credits
Optional modules - two from:
- Randomised Controlled Trials to Support Reimbursement Decision Making Online
-
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are of use when evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, as part of health technology assessment and decision-making. This unit covers the appropriate use of trials, the range of available research designs, strategies to optimise recruitment, sample size, outcome measures, and the use of economic and qualitative methods alongside trials.
15 credits - Using Evidence in the Design and Development of Models Online
-
This unit sets out the process of developing decision-analytic models in health technology assessment (HTA), and explains how this process is informed by evidence. It explores conceptual modelling, including how to understand decision problems and how to apply this understanding to the specification and population of a relevant decision-analytic framework. Students are introduced to information retrieval methods and formal problem structuring processes as applied to HTA.
15 credits - Building Cost-effectiveness Models for Health Technology Assessment Online
-
An advanced course teaching the technical and practical skills required to build cost-effectiveness models for international health technology assessment. It builds on from the introductory unit, HAR6113 Cost-effectiveness modelling in international HTA, which covered the principles behind modelling. Content includes problem definition and structuring, building decision tree and Markov/state transition models in Excel, identifying appropriate data sources, implementing deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and Value of Information analysis. It is an advanced course, aimed at students with a strong mathematical background who want to go on to build their own economic models.Students require a mathematical / statistical background and a sound understanding of the principles of modelling (prior completion of HAR6113 or evidence of previous training/knowledge). Good pre-existing Excel skills are essential. For students considering this Module as a standalone option who only require an understanding of the principles of economic modelling and good practice and who need the skills to be able to review other people's models, but do not need the technical skills to build their own models, the introductory module HAR6113: Cost-effectiveness Modelling in International HTA may be a more appropriate choice of module.
15 credits - Utility and Patient-reported Outcomes Data in Health Technology Assessment Online
-
The module explores the assessment and generation of patient reported outcome and utility measures for use in international health technology assessment including alternative valuation techniques, measures and underlying assumptions to the quality adjusted life year (QALY) model. The approaches used to generate outcomes and other utility data will be explored in relation to current practice guidelines of reimbursement and other agencies in different countries. Measuring the wider societal benefits of interventions is also considered.
15 credits
You will take 60 credits in total. You will choose four modules from the following list.
Optional modules - four from:
- Methods and Processes in International Health Technology Assessment Online
-
This module outlines the process of Health Technology Assessment and sets out the framework by which companies may develop Therapeutic Value Propositions (TVPs), i.e. positions in a disease management pathway where a new technology may add value in terms of effectiveness, safety or cost. The module covers identification and synthesis of evidence to construct disease management pathways, and how to pinpoint areas of unmet need. It also covers an introduction to the types of evidence needed to demonstrate clinical and cost-effectiveness, including clinical trial design as well as non-trial evidence.
15 credits - Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis: Principles Online
-
The purpose of this unit is to enable students to understand the principles of systematic review. It covers the defining characteristics and application of systematic reviews; how to search for and select relevant evidence; how to quality assess primary research articles; the key issues that may generate bias; and the general principles governing evidence synthesis.
15 credits - International Healthcare Systems and Reimbursement Online
-
This module introduces students to the range of healthcare and reimbursement systems to be found throughout the world, considering tax-based, compulsory private insurance, employer insurance, private insurance and uninsured systems with varying degrees of centralisation and devolution. Students will consider how health technology assessment (HTA) fits within these systems, looking at one or two countries as particular examples.
15 credits - Cost-effectiveness Modelling in International Health Technology Assessment Online
-
This unit sets out the different uses of modelling in Health Technology Assessment (HTA), together with the main principles and common techniques (including Markov models and individual level simulation). It reviews the international guidance on good practice and develops participants' skills to appraise and commission models for HTA. Learning is based around a core international literature on modelling covering methodological papers and a substantial set of case studies, ensuring learning is grounded in real world examples. Participants also undertake some simple 'hands-on' model-building and model reviewing in EXCEL to help embed the principles learned.Students interested to learn more about building cost-effectiveness models can enrol on the Building Cost-effectiveness Models for HTA module (HAR6119). This module runs in the Spring semester and is worth 15 credits.
15 credits - Economic Evaluation in International Health Technology Assessment Online
-
This unit introduces the concept of economic evaluation as applied to health technology assessment, the different types of evaluation that are available and the various stages and techniques that need to be applied to generate results. The techniques will be matched against current practice guidelines in different jurisdictions so that students can understand the current policy context of the methods. Also, as additional techniques are described, the strengths and weaknesses of each will be highlighted, with the students being encouraged to critically appraise their appropriateness to different contexts and jurisdictions.
15 credits - International Health Technology Assessment and Reimbursement Real World Case Studies
-
This module provides students with real-world case-studies of HTA submissions for a range of therapeutic interventions, and encourages a critical approach to the evaluation of the different methods used. The module is a summation of the taught modules for students on the diploma programme, introduces advanced topics and prepares Masters students for the long project module.
15 credits
- Randomised Controlled Trials to Support Reimbursement Decision Making Online
-
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are of use when evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, as part of health technology assessment and decision-making. This unit covers the appropriate use of trials, the range of available research designs, strategies to optimise recruitment, sample size, outcome measures, and the use of economic and qualitative methods alongside trials.
15 credits - Using Evidence in the Design and Development of Models Online
-
This unit sets out the process of developing decision-analytic models in health technology assessment (HTA), and explains how this process is informed by evidence. It explores conceptual modelling, including how to understand decision problems and how to apply this understanding to the specification and population of a relevant decision-analytic framework. Students are introduced to information retrieval methods and formal problem structuring processes as applied to HTA.
15 credits - Building Cost-effectiveness Models for Health Technology Assessment Online
-
An advanced course teaching the technical and practical skills required to build cost-effectiveness models for international health technology assessment. It builds on from the introductory unit, HAR6113 Cost-effectiveness modelling in international HTA, which covered the principles behind modelling. Content includes problem definition and structuring, building decision tree and Markov/state transition models in Excel, identifying appropriate data sources, implementing deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and Value of Information analysis. It is an advanced course, aimed at students with a strong mathematical background who want to go on to build their own economic models.Students require a mathematical / statistical background and a sound understanding of the principles of modelling (prior completion of HAR6113 or evidence of previous training/knowledge). Good pre-existing Excel skills are essential. For students considering this Module as a standalone option who only require an understanding of the principles of economic modelling and good practice and who need the skills to be able to review other people's models, but do not need the technical skills to build their own models, the introductory module HAR6113: Cost-effectiveness Modelling in International HTA may be a more appropriate choice of module.
15 credits - Utility and Patient-reported Outcomes Data in Health Technology Assessment Online
-
The module explores the assessment and generation of patient reported outcome and utility measures for use in international health technology assessment including alternative valuation techniques, measures and underlying assumptions to the quality adjusted life year (QALY) model. The approaches used to generate outcomes and other utility data will be explored in relation to current practice guidelines of reimbursement and other agencies in different countries. Measuring the wider societal benefits of interventions is also considered.
15 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.
You may also be able to pre-book a department visit as part of a campus tour.Open days and campus tours
Duration
MSc: 2 - 5 years, part-time
PG Diploma: 2 - 4 years, part-time
PG Certificate: 1 - 2 years, part-time
Teaching
All of your teaching will take place online. You will learn through live webinars, which offer the opportunity to interact with your tutors and peers, and independent study, using materials you can access through our customised Virtual Learning Environment.
Assessment
You will be assessed through coursework and project work.
Your career
This course helps graduates to build careers in health technology assessment, market access, trial design and other related areas in the public or private sector.
If you are working or aspire to work in health economics, health technology assessment or market access, our training can help you to progress your career or gain a post as a health technology evaluator or commissioner.
Graduates from this course typically work for
- large and small, national and international pharmaceutical and medical device companies
- health economics consultancies, or as self-employed consultants
- government departments, ministries and agencies
- healthcare providers and hospital organisations
- HTA agencies
- universities
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree or a relevant medical degree.
Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
Apply
You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
You'll need to select the two-year version of the MSc if you're applying for a postgraduate student loan.
Contact
scharr-pgt-enquiries@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 5454
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.