Learn to apply economic thinking to health care.
Get a fundamental understanding of the key concepts in health economics. Gain the skills to recognise and address the challenges of limited resources within the health sector.
Join us online and learn from a team of practising health economists who are actively involved in policy-shaping research. We’ve been awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for 40 years of excellence in health economics research.
This online Health Economics course is part-time and fits around full-time work.
Who is this Health Economics course for?
This course is ideal for health researchers and professionals working in health, government, academia and the pharmaceutical industry. You do not need any prior knowledge of economics.

Build credits towards a Masters degree
This online course is part of:
You can use the credits you earn on this short course towards either of these postgraduate qualifications.
What you’ll study
You’ll cover the core topics in health economics, including:
- key concepts of supply and demand and how these apply to health care
- analysis of the main alternative systems for organising and financing health care
- resource allocation and priority setting in health care
- analysis of the main policy interventions in population health behaviours and the role of behavioural economics
- fundamental concepts in economic evaluation
- costing and benefit measurement
- the rationale behind economic evaluation techniques.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to…
-
Explain the key theories underpinning health economics.
-
Describe different ways in which health care can be financed and delivered.
-
Reflect on the contribution of economics to health and health care and how it can assist decision making.
-
Discuss economic evaluation, its underlying principles and main techniques.
-
Critically appraise published economic evaluations.
-
Debate the arguments for and against alternative systems for organising and financing health care.
-
Compare a range of policy interventions in health behaviours and the rationale behind them.
Why study health economics online with the University of Aberdeen?

Award-winning research
We’re proud winners of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the highest national honour for a UK university, for sustained excellence in health services research over the last 40 years.

Real-world impact
Our work has changed clinical practice, policy, legalisation and academic method, directly impacting the lives of millions of people around the world.
Our research impact
1st in Scotland
We’re rated 1st in Scotland for Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
How you’ll study
Online learning
This Health Economics course is delivered part-time, 100% online. You can study with us anywhere in the world and manage your study hours to suit you.
This course is taught at Masters level.
Your teaching
Your teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:
- PowerPoint presentations
- reading materials
- practical exercises
- assignments
- the online resources of our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library
- discussion boards with colleagues and tutors.
Your tutors
This course is taught by experienced health economists and researchers. You’ll learn from a team of specialists from our award-winning Health Economics Research Unit (HERU). HERU has been carrying out economic research into health for over 40 years. It’s one of the leading centres for health economics in Europe.
The course has five modules. Each module has a specific tutor who is a specialist in their field.
Your teaching team

Dr Rodolfo Hernández, course coordinator
Rodolfo is a Research Fellow at HERU with a PhD in Health Economics. He contributes to a range of Assessment of Technology reviews for the NHS. He’s currently involved in three Randomised Controlled Trials, investigating treatments for gallstones, kidney stones and sight loss in older people.
View Rodolfo’s profile
Professor Marjon van der Pol
Marjon is a Professor of Health Economics and Depute Director of HERU. Her main research interest is in the relationship between time preferences and health behaviours. Marjon also researches the use of financial incentives in health behaviours and the cost-effectiveness of health interventions.
View Marjon’s profile
Dr Attakrit Leckcivilize
Attakrit is a Research Fellow at HERU. He’s an internationally experienced researcher who gained his MSc and PhD in Economics at the London School of Economics. Attakrit’s research focuses on areas including determinants of dietary inequalities, and the effects of retirement on health and wellbeing.
View Attakrit’s profileWhere this will take you
Towards a Masters
You’ll earn 15 credits at Masters level (SCQF Level 11) with this course. You can use these credits towards our:

Masters in Applied Health Sciences
Fast-track your career in healthcare with our uniquely flexible MSc Applied Health Sciences. Study 100% online or combine with on-campus courses at our Foresterhill Health Campus. 10% discount for NHS staff.
View MSc Applied Health Sciences
Masters in Clinical Nutrition
Join an online Nutrition degree accredited by the Association for Nutrition. Study the link between diet and health, and how issues of over and undernutrition affect populations today. 10% discount for NHS staff.
View MSc Clinical Nutrition
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Join an online Master of Public Health (MPH) you can tailor to your career. Study with experts and choose from a wide range of courses to focus your training. 10% discount for NHS staff.
View Master of Public Health (MPH)Build your learning
We have a range of online Health short courses you can use to build your skills.
Many carry credits you can build up into postgraduate qualifications, including Masters degrees:
Careers
Skills in health economics are increasingly in demand within the health sector, where limited resources present challenges at every level.
This course delivers career-enhancing skills that can help you:
- inform public policymaking
- inform management of resources
- inform clinical decision making
- work towards becoming a health economist.
Your employer or professional institute may recognise this course for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Talk to your employer or institute to find out more.

Free careers advice
We’ll help you explore your career potential and connect with job opportunities around the world.
You can access our free careers service while you study.
From interview training to CV clinics, we’re here with tailored, impartial and professional advice.
This course has no formal entry requirements. You decide if it’s suitable for you.
The course is delivered at Masters level. At this level, you’d usually have at least:
- a 2:2 (second-class) undergraduate degree
- or relevant experience that supports this level of study.
Apply for this course