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Health Economics and Policy
- Entry year 2025
- Duration Part time 4 - 7 years
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 innovative distance learning with face-to-face teaching at an annual autumn Academy held in Lancaster.
The 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, it will be possible to 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 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.
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).
Your department
- Division of Health Research Faculty of Health and Medicine
- Telephone +44 (0)1524 592032
Entry requirements
Academic 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.
We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
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 plan 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.
English Language Requirements
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications .
Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email [email protected]
Pre-master’s programmes
Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.
Course structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
core modules accordion
Applied health economics.
Year 1, Summer Term (weeks 1-10, April-June) Credits: 30
Mode of assessment : 3000 word essay (75%) and a practical task (25%).
This module examines economic evaluation in more depth and introduces students to applied topics in health economics. It begins with a critical discussion of issues such as priority setting in health care and the equity-efficiency trade-off. It then examines welfare economics as the theoretical foundation of economic evaluation before discussing the measurement of costs and outcomes and decision modelling approaches to economic evaluation. The module then moves on to applied topics such as the economics of pharmaceutical innovation and health care insurance.
Data Analysis
e-learning distance module
Spring term (weeks 1-10, January-March)
Credits: 30
Mode of assessment : two pieces of written work (Qualitative data analysis, 2500 words; Quantitative data analysis, 2500 words)
This module is an introduction to the theory and practice of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The module consists of two distinct parts: qualitative data analysis and quantitative data analysis. Within quantitative data analysis, there will be an option to take an introductory or an advanced unit.
The introductory quantitative unit covers data management and descriptive analyses and introduces students to inferential testing in general and statistical tests for comparisons between groups specifically. The advanced quantitative unit covers linear regression as well as regression methods for categorical dependent variables and longitudinal data before exploring quasi-experimental methods for policy evaluation and finally providing an opportunity to discuss more specific regression methods such count data models or duration analysis.
The qualitative unit focusses on the technique of thematic analysis, a highly flexible approach and useful foundation for researchers new to qualitative data analysis. The unit takes students through the stages of a qualitative data analysis: sorting and organising qualitative data, interrogating qualitative data, interpreting the data and finally writing accounts of qualitative data.
Deadline: April
Health Economics: principles and practice
Autumn Term (weeks 1-10, October – December)
Mode of assessment : 3500 word essay (100%)
This module equips students with a set of economic tools to critically appraise issues in health and health care while offering a broad overview of the most relevant and current policy issues. The module begins with a review of microeconomic and statistical tools relevant for health economics. It then introduces an analytical framework for assessing a wide range of health systems. Next, the module looks at the demand for and production of health and health care, including the concept of supplier induced demand. Finally, the module introduces students to the key elements of economic evaluation.
Deadline: January
Induction Academy
The aim of this module is to provide students with an advanced introduction to the methods commonly used in health research. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of:
- How to use Moodle for distance learning and engage with peers and staff online
- Using the library as a distance learning student
- How to search the literature
- Using End Note
- How to synthesise evidence
- Standards of academic writing
- The nature of plagiarism and how to reference source material correctly
- Theoretical perspectives in health research
- The practical process of conducting research
- How to formulate appropriate questions and hypotheses
- How to choose appropriate methodology
- Quantitative and qualitative research methods
- Research ethics
- Disseminating and implementing research into practice
- Programme-specific research.
Philosophy of Research
Spring Term (weeks 1-10, January-March)
Mode of assessment : 5000 word essay
This module explores the philosophical underpinnings of research. It begins with an introduction to epistemology, i.e. the philosophical basis of knowledge and its development. It then considers the influence of different epistemological bases on research methodology and explores the role of theory and theoretical frameworks in the research process. It also examines the nature of the knowledge that underpins evidence-based policy and practice and introduces the fundamental principles of ethics.
Principles of Research Design and Practical Research Ethics
Summer Term (weeks 1-10, April-June)
Mode of assessment : A written assignment that includes: a) a 4000 word research proposal and b) a completed REAMS (Research Ethics Application Management System) application form and supporting documents.
This module completes the taught phase of Blended Learning PhD programmes. It enables students to put everything they have learned so far together and produce a research proposal that will provide the basis for the research phase of the programme.
The first part of the module – research design – starts by discussing the components of a research proposal according to different epistemologies and research methods. It then takes students through the process of developing their own proposal, starting with the topic and epistemological framework, through to the study design and data collection methods and finally the practical details.
The second part of the module – practical research ethics – teaches students how to think about their research proposal from an ethical perspective. It covers ethical guidelines and teaches students how to identify the purpose of a guideline, to enable them to translate their proposal into an ethical review application. Finally, students will prepare a practice research ethics application using the REAMS application review system.
Deadline: July
Systematic approaches to literature reviews and evidence synthesis
Autumn term (weeks 1-10, October-December)
Mode of assessment : 5000 word assignment
This module provides an introduction to the principles and components of systematic reviewing. It takes students through the key steps of a systematic review. The starting point of the module is the construction of an appropriate review question. Next, the module discusses the (iterative) process of creating a search strategy that successfully identifies all relevant literature. The module then moves on to selecting appropriate methodological quality criteria, enabling students to develop their skills in critically appraising studies. After discussing how to prepare a data extraction form the module introduces a key component of a systematic review: synthesising the evidence. Finally, the module will teach students how to put everything together in a systematic review protocol.
Fees and funding
General fees and funding information
Additional fees and funding information accordion
Additional costs.
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2025, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
Application fees and tuition fee deposits
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
What is my fee status?
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status .
Fees in subsequent years
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years .
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Take an innovative approach to distance learning combining interactive lectures, webinars and online collaboration, group work and self-directed study.
Work with world-leading academics to make an original contribution to your area of professional practice.
Benefit from an international peer group that could include research professionals, policy-makers, pharmacoeconomists and global health professionals.
Studying by blended learning
The PhD in Health Economics and Policy is offered part-time via blended learning . Teaching and research activities are carried out through a combination of face-to-face and online interaction, allowing you to undertake the majority of study from your own location whilst fulfilling your existing responsibilities. You will benefit from being part of a UK and internationally-based peer group working across a range of sectors.
Face-to-face interactions take place at an annual residential autumn Academy while taught modules are delivered via distance learning using our virtual learning environment and include discussion forums, collaborative digital spaces and video conferencing. All students have access to a hub space that facilitates interaction with their cohort and with students on related programmes, creating a virtual information space that’s also sociable. An academic tutor will support you during the taught phase and two supervisors provide you with support in the research phase.
The Division of Health Research
The Division of Health Research have been offering blended learning postgraduate programmes since 2010. We have many successful graduates and currently around 200 continuing students on a range of programmes who have benefited in progressing their careers from the high quality postgraduate education we provide.
Health Economics at Lancaster (HEAL)
As a research group with strong collaborative links with the Economics department, the work undertaken by HEAL aims to have an impact on people's well being and society as a whole.
Athena SWAN: Gender Equality at Lancaster
We hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to advancing the careers of women in higher education and research.
Social and Economic Inequality in Health Research
Our research illuminates the social determinants of inequalities in health to produce and exchange evidence to reduce these inequalities.
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information .
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies .
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- Postgraduate study
Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z
- Health Economics & Health Technology Assessment
- Staff research interests search
Postgraduate research
Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)
Our aim is to be the world-leading centre for health economic and health technology assessment research and education, working to improve health and wellbeing through better decision-making.
The School of Health & Wellbeing spans medical and social sciences and offers students an opportunity to train in a unique and vibrant interdisciplinary environment.
Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment (HEHTA) covers a broad set of activities relating to the appraisal of health service interventions including policies, procedures, devices, medicines and diagnostics. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is the assessment of relevant evidence on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies. Our work contributes to priority-setting and decision-making in relation to preventative, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation strategies.
Postgraduate research (PGR) students in HEHTA graduate with a thorough and robust skillset that is transferable to future employment in academia and public, private and third sector organisations. Postgraduate research students’ development is supported by a programme of high quality internal training, a dedicated and cohesive team, and exposure to our extensive network of international colleagues. They also have access to the researcher training programmes in the Colleges of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences (MVLS) and the College of Social Sciences (CoSS). Our students’ work results in high quality publications and international conference presence, and contributes to HEHTA’s international reputation across our seven research themes.
Our research objectives are:
- through our new research theme of Global HTA, to devise innovative methodological and applied research in the international context, with a particular focus on low and middle income countries
- to strengthen our existing research portfolio by focusing on synergistic working across our research themes
- to produce high quality evidence-based research that is relevant and impactful
- to collaborate and engage with national and global policy makers to undertake relevant research and influence decision-making
Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators within HEHTA, the School of Health & Wellbeing, and the student’s interests. Our supervisors use a variety of approaches to research including decision analysis modelling, cost benefit and effectiveness analyses, risk and prediction modeling, data linkage and advanced meta-analysis. We have excellent engagement with government agencies, the NHS and local authorities, other statutory public sector and regulatory bodies, and third sector organisations.
Our research spans seven main themes:
- economic evidence alongside clinical trials
- evidence synthesis
- economic aspects of population health
- statistical analysis of linked health data
- decision analytic modeling and simulation
- incorporating qualitative evidence into health economic and health technology studies
Study options
- Duration: 3/4 years full-time; 5 years part-time
Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators.
Integrated PhD programmes (5 years)
Our Integrated PhD allows you to combine masters level teaching with your chosen research direction in a 1+3+1 format.
International students with MSc and PhD scholarships/funding do not have to apply for 2 visas or exit and re-enter the country between programmes. International and UK/EU students may apply.
Taught masters level modules are taken alongside students on our masters programmes. Our research-led teaching supports you to fine tune your research ideas and discuss these with potential PhD supervisors. You will gain a valuable introduction to academic topics, research methods, laboratory skills and the critical evaluation of research data. Your grades must meet our requirements in order to gain entry on to your pre-selected PhD research project. If not, you will have the options to pay outstanding MSc fees and complete with masters degree only.
Years 2, 3 and 4
PhD programme with research/lab work, completing an examinable piece of independent research in year 4.
Thesis write up.
MSc (Research)
- Duration : 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
Entry requirements
A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test
- IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.
Common equivalent English language qualifications accepted for entry to this programme:
Toefl (ibt, my best or athome).
- 79; with Reading 13; Listening 12; Speaking 18;Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
Oxford English Test
- Oxford ELLT 7
- R&L: OIDI level no less than 6 with Reading: 21-24 Listening: 15-17
- W&S: OIDI level no less than 6
Trinity College Tests
Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
- School of Modern Languages and Cultures: English for Academic Study
- BALEAP guide to accredited courses
Fees and funding
- UK: To be confirmed [24/25 fee was £4,786]
- International & EU: £31,800
Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.
Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.
- Fee status and policies
Alumni discount
We offer a 20% discount to our alumni on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed Junior Year Abroad, Exchange programme or International Summer School with us. The discount is applied at registration for students who are not in receipt of another discount or scholarship funded by the University. No additional application is required.
Possible additional fees
- Re-submission by a research student £540
- Submission for a higher degree by published work £1,355
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed £350
- Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship £790
Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.
The IPhD is not supported by University of Glasgow Scholarship/Funding
- External funding information
We strive to achieve a global impact in both health improvement and reductions in health inequalities. In order to realise these goals, we share knowledge through collaborations with academics and other partners in 73 countries across the world.
PGR students have the opportunity to work with our internationally recognised research partners, including:
- Columbia University
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York
- Health Economics Research Centre, University of Oxford
PhD students are exposed to advanced and innovative methodologies relevant to health economics and HTA, and to our collaborative and interdisciplinary working culture that supports creative research ideas which contribute to reducing the global burden of disease.
Graduate School
The College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences Graduate School provides a vibrant, supportive and stimulating environment for all our postgraduate students. We aim to provide excellent support for our postgraduates through dedicated postgraduate convenors, highly trained supervisors and pastoral support for each student. Our overarching aim is to provide a research training environment that includes:
- provision of excellent facilities and cutting edge techniques
- training in essential research and generic skills
- excellence in supervision and mentoring
- interactive discussion groups and seminars
- an atmosphere that fosters critical cultural policy and research analysis
- synergy between research groups and areas
- extensive multidisciplinary and collaborative research
- extensive external collaborations both within and beyond the UK
- a robust generic skills programme including opportunities in social and commercial training
Career prospects
Studying for a PhD in a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment will equip you with transferable research skills that are relevant to a range of career options in the public, private and charitable sectors. Many students find employment in the university sector after completing their studies or choose to pursue careers in health services, government or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with a focus on global health improvement.
Our project supervisors have strong academic connections with collaborators in universities and research institutes across the world. Funds are available through the college of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences to support visits to international partners where, if appropriate, part of your project can be carried out. This provides an excellent opportunity for networking and increasing your scientific knowledge and skill set.
How to apply
Identify potential supervisors.
All postgraduate research students are allocated a supervisor who will act as the main source of academic support and research mentoring. You must identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. Please note, even if you have spoken to an academic staff member about your proposal you still need to submit an online application form.
Supervisor search
IPhD & research projects
Iphd option a.
Applicants do not need to contact a supervisor. You will choose from a list of IPhD projects and each project has named supervisors linked to that project.
IPhD Option B
You will submit a research proposal of approximately 1000 words. The proposal must include:
- a straightforward, descriptive, and informative title
- the question that your research will address
- an account of why this question is important and worth investigating
- an assessment of how your own research will engage with recent research in the field
- a brief account of the methodology and approach you will take.
Based on your proposal, your supervisor will choose an MSc programme that aligns with your research interests.
You will need to contact a supervisor prior to application, using our search to identify a suitable supervisor.
Supervisor search
Research projects
If you are seeking to apply for any research project, you can identify this within your application to the PhD programme. Please ensure that you highlight the title of the research project you are interested in on your application.
Gather your documents
Before applying please make sure you gather the following supporting documentation:
- Final or current degree transcripts including grades (and an official translation, if needed) – scanned copy in colour of the original document.
- Degree certificates (and an official translation, if needed): scanned copy in colour of the original document.
- Two references on headed paper and signed by the referee. One must be academic, the other can be academic or professional (except IPhD applicants, where only one academic or professional reference is required). References may be uploaded as part of the application form or you may enter your referees' contact details on the application form. We will then email your referee and notify you when we receive the reference.
- Research proposal (if applying for PhD or MScR), CV, samples of written work as per requirements for each subject area.
If you require assistance before you apply: [email protected]
After you have submitted your application: Admissions Enquiries form
Our research environment
- Discover how we support and develop postgraduate researchers
- Getting started with PGR development: how postgraduate researchers are welcomed into our community
Postgraduate researcher blogs
- A community blog, written by and for postgraduate researchers at the University of Glasgow
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