Master of Health Economics

2019 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2019 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year

2019 course information

Award granted Master of Health Economics
Course Map

These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2019.

These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2019.

These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 3 2019.

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser..

This course structure applies to students that commenced the course in Trimester 2 2019 onwards. Students who commenced the course before Trimester 2 2019 should refer to the course entry in the 2018 handbook.

CampusOffered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Cloud CampusYes
Duration

1 – 2 years full time or part-time equivalent, depending recognition for Prior Learning. 

CRICOS course code085214E Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin course codeH704
Approval statusThis course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Are you a health professional or economist interested in furthering your knowledge of health economics in Australia and internationally? At Deakin, you will join the largest health economics team in Australia.

Get specialist training in the application of health economics to health policy, health technology assessment and the health care system.

Deakin’s Master of Health Economics gives graduates from a range of areas – from nursing and pharmacy to business administration and health management and beyond – a strong theoretical foundation plus analytical and quantitative skills to understand the complexities of health care financing.

You will learn skills in health technology assessment, economic evaluation of health interventions, resource allocation and priority setting, healthcare financing, health systems research and the health economics/health policy interface.

You will also receive high-level training in modelling and health technology assessment. As a graduate, you will be able to critically evaluate current research in economic policy and economic evaluation of health services as well as participate effectively in health policy development and debate.

In addition to numerous career opportunities, you will have the opportunity to join Deakin’s leading health economics academics and progress to a PhD at Deakin University.

Indicative student workload

In the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 11-13 hours every week studying, interacting via CloudDeakin and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course.

Professional recognition

Not applicable

Career opportunities

The MHE will prepare students for careers in: the government sector including the Productivity Commission; pharmaceutical and health technology industries; the non-government sector; the health insurance industry; and international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).  In addition, it will provide students with the opportunity to progress to a PhD at Deakin University and pathways to a career in academia.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a National Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check or other check. Refer the relevant unit guide.


Alternative Exit Points

There are two alternative exit points available from H704 Master of Health Economics:

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline Specific knowledge and capabilities

Demonstrate knowledge of the implications of organisational structure, delivery and financing of healthcare services from an economic perspective, including implications for efficiency, equity and access.

Communication

Communicate health economic issues to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written reports, oral presentation and digital communication, including:

  • health systems analysis, methods and results of economic appraisal and priority setting exercises;
  • demand and supply of health care;
  • rationale for government intervention;
  • socioeconomic influences on health; and
  • technology assessment.

Digital Literacy

Critically evaluate available digital sources of health and health systems data, for systematic reviews, economic modelling and health policy and priority setting recommendations.

Critical thinking

Critically evaluate applied economic and conceptual frameworks used in health economics to analyse the effects of political, social and economic policies on health systems and community health, and apply analytic methods including evidence-based research, cost-effectiveness, and decision analyses to inform resource allocation and policy initiatives. 

Problem Solving

Independently analyse contemporary health problems from an economic perspective and formulate options for health system reform.

Self-management

Demonstrate effective self-management skills, autonomy and accountability that contribute to the development of lifelong learning and professionalism in the area of health economics.

Teamwork

Demonstrate knowledge of their role as a health economist to work effectively within health economics and multidisciplinary teams.

Global Citizenship

Apply the principles of health economics, evidence-based economic evaluation and priority setting to problems in global health and the strengthening of health systems.

 

Course rules

To complete the Master of Health Economics students must attain 16 credit points. Most units are equal to 1 credit point - check each unit in the course structure.

The 16 units must comprise

  • 8 core units (equal to 8 credit points) (These are compulsory)
  • If completing Minor Project Option, students must complete 6 electives units.
  • If completing Major Project Option, students must complete 4 electives units.

Students would normally complete the Master of Health Economics over 4 trimesters of full- time study or the part-time equivalent. As some students will be in full time work, part-time enrolment will mean that these students will complete the course in three to four years.

Students may enrol in the course in either Trimester 1 or 2. It is recommended that students take the minor or major project in their last one or two trimesters.

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.

Course structure

Core units

All students must complete the following seven core units and one zero credit point unit:

HAI010Academic Integrity (0 credit points)

HSH717Health Economics 1

HSH719Economic Evaluation 1

HSH746Biostatistics 1

HSH761Health Technology Assessment 1

HSH762Resource Allocation and Priority Setting

HSH764Economic Evaluation - Theory and Practice

MPE781Economics for Managers

HSH744Epidemiology 1

Course structure

Elective units

Students must complete a minor or major project option: 

Minor Project Option

HSH731Minor Project A (1 credit point)

HSH732Minor Project B (1 credit point)

Plus six elective units from the list of elective units below:

Major Project Option (for students with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) 70%*)

HSH733Major Project A (2 credit points)

HSH734Major Project B (2 credit points)

Plus four elective units from the list of elective units below:

*WAM applies to core units 

HSH768Health Economics in a Global Context

HSH763Financing Health Care

HSH765Health Technology Assessment 2

HSH767Economic Modelling

HSH766Economics and Health Policy Analysis

HSH747Biostatistics 2

HSH739Global Health Policy and Planning

HSH769Comparative Health Systems

HSH754Epidemiology 2

Other electives may be approved on an individual basis. Course Director approval is required.

Work experience

HSH760 International Perspectives on Health and Social Development.

Limited places are allocated based on an interview process and academic merit.

 

 


Income support

Domestic students enrolled in this postgraduate coursework program may be eligible for student income support through Youth Allowance and Austudy.

Further information can be found at Deakin University's Fees website.

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Research and research-related study

Research related study (minimum of 4 credit points)

Independent research (minimum 2 credit points)