Health Economics (MSc)

Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) with Economics. However, candidates with a significantly high H2.2 honours degree and who have achieved a 2.1 average in relevant Economics modules in a business degree, will also be considered. Applications for the full-time and part-time programmes are particularly welcomed from people working in the pharmaceutical or medical device sectors and from people working in the health policy or health care system sectors. Suitable applicants without a background in Economics will be offered an opportunity to take an online preparatory course before being accepted on the programme. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable.

Graduates with a MSc in Health Economics qualification are in high demand nationally and internationally. Recently graduated students from the University of Galway have embarked on careers in areas such as the pharmaceutical and medical device industry sector, research consultancy, and the voluntary and public sectors. Other graduates have pursued further education at PhD level at University of Galway or other national and international institutions.

Who is suited to this course?

The course is suited to individuals from multiple backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a new career in Health Economics or in incorporating the tools of Health Economics into their current career pathway. The course will suit recent graduates in Economics, Business, and the Social Sciences who have studied Economics. The course is also open to recent graduates in Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy and the Health Sciences who have completed a bridging course in Economics. The course will also suit individuals working in the Pharmaceutical or Medical Device industry sectors or in the Health Policy or Health Care sectors who wish to advance their careers by gaining a thorough understanding of the theories and methods of Health Economics.

Health Economics and Policy Analysis Centre (HEPAC)

The aim of the Health Economics and Policy Analysis Centre (HEPAC) is to develop, apply and teach methods for the economic analysis of health and health care. The Health Economics and Policy Analysis Centre (HEPAC) is located in the Institute for the Lifecourse and Society (ILAS) at University of Galway. The Centre is part of the research network at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, which includes the Whitaker Institute for Innovation and Societal Change. HEPAC have extensive links with clinical and social science researchers at University of Galway, as well as being engaged in active collaborations with colleagues in national and international organisations. Researchers at HEPAC are currently applying health economic methods to explore a range of research questions in relation to ageing, dementia, disability, mental health, chronic disease, cancer, and obesity. While the research is mainly of an applied nature with an emphasis on peer-reviewed academic output, members of HEPAC also engage and contribute to policy formulation in a range of areas at national and international level. Current research projects include those funded by agencies such as the Health Research Board, Science Foundation Ireland, Atlantic Philanthropies, and industry partners. Click here for more information.

Each student completes a 8-12-week placement with a company, a government agency or a health research agency. Placements have previously been organized in major pharmaceutical and medical device companies, in agencies such as the Health Service Executive, the Health Information and Quality Authority, and the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics and with leading research centres at University of Galway and beyond.

We have a dedicated Placement Officer to support the sourcing of internship opportunities, and guide students through the work placement process. Students are encouraged to arrive at University of Galway for the start of their Masters programme with a current graduate CV.  During workshops and one-to-one meetings, our Placement Officer guides students in improving their CV and in preparing for interviews.

The placement Officer conducts interactive CV and Interview Skills workshops with students, alternating an explanation of theory and examples of best practise with practical exercises. For more information about the internships, please contact our Placement Officer Ms. Valeria Lopez at valeria.lopez@universityofgalway.ie

We also have a close relationship with the University of Galway Career Development Centre who provide high quality career guidance and information services focused on facilitating and empowering our students to manage their own career development and make effective career transitions.

Services include: Jobs Fairs, Seminars and panel discussions, Employer Presentations / Activities, Workshops and support with applications and work-related skills. Visit our Career Development Centre for more information.

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Programme Director: Dr Ronan Mahon 
E: ronan.mahon@universityofgalway.ie

E: economics@universityofgalway.ie

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