Health Economics Continuing Professional Development (Postgraduate)

Develop the economic insight to support better public health decision-making

This campus-based Health Economics module is part of the Master of Public Health (MPH) portfolio and is also available as a standalone Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course. It offers a focused opportunity to gain postgraduate-level knowledge in health economics, either as an individual module or as part of a full master’s qualification.

Delivered over one academic term, the module examines how economic principles are applied within healthcare and public health to inform decision-making, priority setting and the allocation of limited resources.

As demand on health systems continues to grow, understanding how to evaluate interventions and distribute resources effectively is essential. This module equips you with the skills to assess the value of health, analyse different healthcare systems, and apply economic evidence to policy and practice.

Course highlights

• Gain postgraduate credits which can contribute towards your CPD
• Explore real-world challenges in healthcare decision-making
• Learn alongside professionals from a range of sectors
• Engage with current thinking in health economics and policy

Who is this course for?

This module is suitable for:

• Public health professionals undertaking CPD
• Healthcare practitioners involved in service planning or evaluation
• Policy professionals and analysts
• Commissioners and managers within health systems
• Graduates interested in health economics

It is particularly relevant if you want to develop economic and analytical skills to support informed decision-making in health and care settings.

Skills and knowledge you’ll develop

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• Critically appraise economic evaluation approaches used in public health and medical interventions
• Analyse healthcare systems and financing models, assessing their impact on outcomes and equity
• Assess and synthesise economic evidence to inform policy and decision-making

You will study one core 20 credit module called Health Economics.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

This module is delivered on campus through a combination of structured teaching sessions and interactive learning approaches.

You will learn through:

• Lectures and seminar discussions
• Case-based learning using real-world examples
• Group work and peer learning
• Guided independent study

Regular tutorials and in-person support sessions will help you engage with key concepts and develop your assessment.

Face-to-face delivery enables direct interaction with tutors and peers, supporting discussion, collaboration and shared professional insight.

How you're assessed

Assessment is 100% coursework and is designed to develop your analytical and evaluative skills in health economics.

The assessment aims to develop the ability to interpret economic evidence and apply it to real-world healthcare and public health decision-making.

As a CPD module, this course supports your professional development and strengthens your ability to contribute to strategic decision-making in health and care.

You will develop skills in:

• Evaluating healthcare interventions using economic methods
• Understanding funding, commissioning and resource allocation
• Analysing health systems and policy decisions
• Applying evidence to improve efficiency and equity

Admissions to this programme are consistent with those of a Regulatory Framework for Postgraduate Taught Programmes.

Applicants should normally have:

EITHER
A minimum of a lower second-class Honours degree (2:2) or above in a public health related science from a UK university, the CNAA or an overseas equivalent with National Agency for the Recognition and Comparison of International Qualifications and Skills (NARIC) approval.

OR

Qualifications and experience considered to be equivalent to the above. All students applying via this route will be assessed and where necessary interviewed by the Programme Leader.

• GCSE grade C/4 or above in English language or certificated equivalences, regardless of previous educational qualifications
• Additionally, International students will be expected to demonstrate their proficiency in English and would normally be expected to have an IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6, in all areas, subject to academic discretion
• If applicants are using a WAEC qualification as certified evidence this must be at a minimum of C6 for English language

Please note: If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will not be eligible to enrol on this standalone module. We recommend applying to the full Master of Public Health (MPH) programme, which meets visa requirements.

The final decision regarding admission will be with the MPH Programme Leader.

English language qualifications

If English is not your first language, an IELTS of 6.5, with no less than 6 (or equivalent), in all areas is required.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni Scholarship for Derby graduates

University of Derby graduates may be eligible for our Alumni Scholarship towards postgraduate study.

Learn more about the Alumni Scholarship Learn more about the Alumni Scholarship

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.