HAR687: Economic Evaluation and Health Care Financing
This online module is led by Simon Dixon. It runs in the Spring semester and is worth 15 credits.
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Module description
This module introduces the basic principles of economic evaluation as applied to healthcare interventions and healthcare financing.
The core part of the course focuses on economic evaluation and covers the different types that are available and the various stages and techniques that need to be applied to generate results. As alternative 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.
The course also introduces the concepts of markets and market failure, models of healthcare financing and objectives of healthcare systems. These topics draw on economic theory and use it to identify possible solutions to health system problems. Health system performance measurement will also be covered, linking the economic and health system content to empirical studies.
The module requires the use of specialist terminology and definitions relating to health economics and healthcare financing. In addition, the content relating to economic evaluation requires students to be comfortable with mathematical concepts and notation; some calculations are also necessary.
Objectives
By the end of the module, a candidate will be able to
- describe and reflect upon the principles of economic evaluation
- describe and reflect upon the methods used to undertake economic evaluations in healthcare
- critically appraise published economic evaluations
- describe and reflect upon alternative health care financing systems using an established conceptual framework and research findings
Teaching
This module can also be taken as part of the following courses:
This module is available Faculty-wide in years 1 and 2 as a DDP module
This module is restricted to 50 students.
The aims and learning outcomes are achieved through two main teaching methods.
Firstly, live lectures, some of which will include exercises, polls and discussions, will provide the majority of the contact hours with lecturers.
Secondly, discussion boards and Q&A sessions will be used to address student questions. One week will be reserved for student presentations of their native healthcare system using a framework developed by the World Health Organisation.
Fees and funding
You can find out more about fees and funding for CPD modules in the School of Medicine and Population Health at the link below. We accept sponsored as well as self-funding students.
How to apply
Find out what you need to do to apply for a CPD module in the School of Medicine and Population Health.
Contact
For more information on this module, speak to the lead academic:
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it is 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.
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International scholarships
We offer a generous package of financial support for international students, including undergraduate and postgraduate taught scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee.
Applications are open for existing offer holders for programmes starting in autumn 2025.