Health Economics and Policy Lancaster University

The PhD in Health Economics and Policy meets the needs of those wishing to gain a deep and critical insight into health economics theory, research and practice and to develop or enhance research skills whilst fulfilling their existing responsibilities. The programme is offered part-time and combines online teaching and learning with an optional face-to-face autumn Academy held at our Lancaster campus.

This online programme is suitable for both UK-based and international students working in healthcare settings, pharmaceutical companies, international organisations, local and central government, consultancies, education or research.

This part-time, flexible doctorate runs over a minimum of four and a maximum of seven years. The programme begins with a five-day Induction Academy. Each of the subsequent academic years start with a three-day autumn Academy. You’re encouraged to join us on campus in Lancaster for both the five-day induction and three-day autumn academies. However, you can join online if travelling to Lancaster is not feasible for you.

The rest of the course is delivered via e-learning. Attendance at the annual Academies (online or in person) is compulsory until students have been confirmed on the PhD programme.

Years 1 and 2 consist of taught modules delivered online that consolidate students’ knowledge of health economics and policy and develop their research skills. In Year 1, you’ll take modules in applied health economics, the principles and practice of health economics and data analysis. Year 2 modules include systematic reviews, research philosophy, research design and practical research ethics.

Supervision meetings take place online. During the annual autumn Academy students can meet with supervisors face-to-face if they opt to attend it in person.

The Health Economics at Lancaster (HEAL) team has expertise in health economics, health policy and economic evaluation. This expertise is being complemented by the expertise existing in the Economics department at Lancaster University Management School (LUMS).

Entry requirements

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in economics, or other relevant discipline with a significant quantitative content such as statistics, pharmacy, medicine and management.

Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, where there is evidence of relevant professional experience and/or other learning that demonstrates the potential to succeed on the programme.

Additional requirements

• As part of your application you will also need to provide a 500 word research proposal. Guidance can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage.
• The department plans to interview all eligible applicants.
• The application deadline for this programme is the 31st July. Applicants should ensure that all required supporting documents are submitted by this date.